2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in several trims, each equipped with a turbocharged engine, and offered an optional all-wheel-drive system on select models. The base price ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, featured extra-cost paint, the EX Premium package, and floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $33,945. The K5's design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek profile that suggested a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The interior, with its Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, exuded an upscale feel, despite some hard plastic surfaces. The controls conveyed a sense of quality, with a solid automatic transmission shifter, hefty door release handles, and refined steering wheel stalks.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, tested in Southern California, stood out in a market dominated by Asian and German luxury cars. The test car, finished in a unique light gray metallic color called Rift, rode on 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. The CT5-V, positioned between the standard CT5 and the performance-tuned CT5-V Blackwing, started at $52,390, with the test car's MSRP reaching $59,405 due to additional packages. Competing with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in size and power, the CT5-V's interior quality was a mix of high-quality materials and cheaper details. Despite this, the CT5-V offered standard ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with controls laid out logically for ease of use.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance leader in its lineup, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, it was the most expensive and least efficient K5 variant, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering a more linear power delivery. The K5 EX, with its 1.6-liter turbo, provided adequate performance for daily driving, achieving 29.1 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and suspension issues, but it handled speed bumps well and had excellent outward visibility.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V housed a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, outperforming base engines in its class. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. The CT5-V's 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electronic limited-slip differential, offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track. The Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo brakes enhanced performance, while the 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires provided grip. Despite its resonant exhaust note, the CT5-V was noisy, with road and suspension noise detracting from refinement. However, it excelled in balance, body control, and braking, though the steering lacked feel.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the interior. While entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low stance, the front seats were comfortable, and rear passengers had ample space. The K5's controls were logically arranged, with generous storage options, including a 16 cubic-foot trunk expandable via a 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Camaro, offered more interior space. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, provided comfort and support, though the test vehicle's deflated bolsters initially felt flat. Rear-seat access was tricky, but once seated, passengers enjoyed good thigh support and knee clearance. The CT5-V's storage options included a wireless charging pad and a decent-sized bin under the center armrest. The trunk, however, was small at 11.9 cubic feet, requiring careful packing for trips. Hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for items like wine bottles added some utility.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems, with the base models having an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims a 10.25-inch display. The larger screen required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but offered satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A wireless smartphone charger and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were available. The K5's voice recognition was limited, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and commands.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in technology, with the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 10-inch touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrumentation were simple and easy to use. The CT5-V included wireless charging, Alexa Built-in, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. Optional features included a navigation system, head-up display, and surround-view camera. The voice recognition system was effective for radio tuning but struggled with climate control adjustments.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with the Kia Drive Wise suite offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 featured the Cadillac Smart System, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with automated lane changes and a driver monitoring system. Super Cruise was impressive but required driver attention, especially during lane changes and in carpool lanes.