2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Each trim came with a turbocharged engine, and the LXS and GT-Line offered an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge. The test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive (FWD), extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and floor mats, had an MSRP of $33,945, including destination. The K5's design was low, long, and sleek, resembling a luxury sports sedan more than a practical family car. The Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim created an upscale interior feel.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift to SUVs and supply chain constraints. The TLX Type S tested came with Tiger Eye Pearl paint, a performance wheel and tire package, and premium floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $59,100, including the $1,195 destination charge. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, featuring a long, low, and lean look with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) appearance. However, the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design, but the control layout required relearning how to use the infotainment system and adjust driving modes, causing unnecessary distraction.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking AWD. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery with little low-end lag. The K5 EX had Drive Mode Select with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings, and Active Sound Control for a simulated engine note. During testing, the K5 EX returned 29.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. The K5's road noise and suspension issues were noted, but wind noise was minimal, and outward visibility was excellent.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim, it returned 24-25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX's SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, and the Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The Type S had numerous performance enhancements, including a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving. The TLX's Electro Servo braking system was less satisfying, and the brakes' electronic system often reduced braking more than intended, causing momentary distraction.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light, and the power sunroof shade moved quickly. The low-slung design made entry and exit harder, but front seats were comfortable, and rear passengers had ample room. The K5's controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, and the 16 cubic-foot trunk offered plenty of cargo space, expandable by lowering the 60/40-split folding back seat.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel had analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them hard to read. The 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats included heating and ventilation, with optional heated steering wheel. Front seat comfort was excellent, but rear seat comfort was lacking due to narrow rear doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, more comparable to a compact car, but the flat trunk floor and enclosed trunk hinges maximized space.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The LX and LXS trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The larger screen included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and ambient noise tracks. A wireless smartphone charger and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were available. The K5's voice recognition technology was poor, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the display screen proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year AcuraLink subscription. Upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and premium audio systems. The TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded excellent.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with the Kia Drive Wise collection, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a surround-view monitoring system. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility (ACE) body structure and eight airbags enhanced safety. The TLX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.