2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Chrysler 300

Kia offered the 2022 K5 in five distinct trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Each trim came equipped with a turbocharged engine, while both the LXS and GT-Line had an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Prices for the base models ranged from $23,790 to $31,190 before the destination charge. Our test vehicle, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive (FWD), additional paint, the EX Premium package, and floor mats, had an MSRP of $33,945, including the delivery fee. This made it an attractive choice, considering the average American spends more on a new vehicle.

The K5 EX attracted attention with its Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and a black interior. The design showcased matte-finish faux wood trim and polished metallic accents. While hard plastics were present in the lower cabin, the overall feel remained upscale. The K5’s build quality was noticeable, with precise movement in controls, such as the firm-feeling transmission shifter and robust steering wheel stalks. Every component in the car carried a sense of durability and care in manufacturing, which gave an impression of value beyond its price.

When Chrysler introduced the 300 in 2005, its resemblance to luxury sedans like the Bentley Arnage garnered attention. Despite requiring a generous imagination to see the similarity, the 300’s distinct design—bold grille, round headlights, and stately proportions—was unforgettable. Following a substantial redesign in 2011, it continued to evolve but maintained its core structure, reminiscent of the initial Bentley comparison.

In its final production year, the 2023 Chrysler 300 was available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trim levels. The Touring and Touring L had a V6 engine with an option for RWD or AWD, while the 300S offered either a V6 or V8 with RWD. The 300C, limited to 2,000 units, boasted a larger V8 engine and RWD. Prices for the 300 ranged from $35,515 to $44,025, excluding the $1,595 destination charge. Our 300C review unit had an MSRP of $56,595. The exterior featured carbon-fiber trim, premium Laguna leather upholstery, and a dashboard covered in leather. However, the materials fell short of the luxury the exterior promised.

The 2022 Kia K5, especially in its GT trim, packed a punch with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the GT was the most expensive and least fuel-efficient model, lacking AWD. For more savings and winter traction, the standard K5 came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.

Despite seemingly modest figures, the K5’s 1.6-liter engine offered a responsive performance due to its torque availability and linear power delivery. Drive Mode Select allowed for powertrain calibration across Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings. During testing in Southern California, the K5 EX demonstrated capable merging and cornering ability, though it lacked surplus passing power. Fuel economy was respectable, with the EPA rating the K5 EX at 31 mpg combined; our testing returned 29.1 mpg. Road noise was a minor issue, and the suspension struggled with small road imperfections, but overall, the ride quality was satisfactory.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C, powered by a 485-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8, revisited the legacy of the 300 SRT. This V8 engine delivered 475 pound-feet of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission, capable of a 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 160 mph. The 300C featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires.

In Sport mode on Mulholland Highway, the 300C transformed, delivering eager acceleration, heavy steering, firm suspension, and an assertive exhaust note. However, the car’s traction and stability control allowed more slip in Sport or Track mode. The 300C’s platform, borrowed from mid-90s Mercedes-Benz bits, brought a nostalgic yet enjoyable feel to driving. Downsides included exhaust noise and low fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined; our test returned 17.5 mpg.

The 2022 Kia K5 prioritized comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control standard across trims. Our test car featured power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, rear air conditioning vents, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Despite the inconvenience of entering and exiting the low-slung K5, the interior was spacious, particularly in the rear seats. The SynTex synthetic leather offered a convincing alternative to genuine leather. Storage solutions included a roomy bin under the center armrest, a smartphone charging slot, and hidden trays in the door armrests. The trunk, with 16 cubic feet of space, was generous and expandable with a 60/40-split folding back seat, though it lacked an interior handle for closing the trunk lid.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, while technically a full-size car, provided ample space primarily for front-seat occupants. The 300C's front seats featured premium Laguna leather, heating, ventilation, and sufficient power adjustments, delivering surprising comfort despite serious-looking bolsters. The rear seat, however, was less friendly, with hard plastic front seatbacks limiting legroom and a reclined seating position that encouraged slouching. Rear passengers benefited from heated cushions, air conditioning vents, and charging ports. Storage was insufficient, with no modern smartphone slots or wireless charging options. The trunk offered a slightly larger 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with enclosed lid hinges and a handle, making it convenient for use.

With the 2022 K5, Kia provided two infotainment systems. LX and LXS trims featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with large volume and tuning knobs, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and higher trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also including satellite radio, Kia Connect, a navigation system, and Sounds of Nature tracks. Our EX Premium test car added a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and an Active Sound Design feature. Noteworthy was the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, though the voice recognition technology proved subpar.

Chrysler’s 300 for 2023 included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, showing its age with outdated graphics and a small screen size. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto operated via USB ports. The 300C came with SiriusXM satellite radio, Guardian connected services, and navigation. The voice recognition system was adequate, and Chrysler included steering wheel-mounted volume and tuning controls. The climate control system’s core functions were accessible without the touchscreen, although seat heating and ventilation required navigating digital menus. An SRT Dashboard allowed customization of driving modes and performance metrics. We appreciated the speed warning feature, though the lack of a high-resolution reversing camera or surround-view system detracted from the experience.

In terms of safety, the 2022 Kia K5 excelled with Kia Drive Wise, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high beams, a driver monitoring system, and a Safe Exit Assist system. The EX Premium package introduced cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, and more advanced driver aids, such as Highway Driving Assist. These features earned the K5 a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Conversely, the 2023 Chrysler 300C lagged in safety offerings, with many advanced features in optional packages for lower trims. Safety Tec Plus added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. However, the adaptive cruise control system lacked sophistication, and the lane-departure warning system was hard to notice. The 300’s crash-test ratings also reflected its age, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and Poor headlight performance. While the 300 did score satisfactorily in NHTSA tests, this was based on old standards.