2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Kia K5 presented a sleek and modern appearance that set it apart from other sedans. Available in trim levels LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, each version came with a turbocharged engine, with LXS and GT-Line offering an optional all-wheel-drive system. Priced between $23,790 and $31,190 (excluding destination charges), the K5 aimed to combine affordability with stylish design.

Our review focused on a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, featuring an MSRP of $33,945. Its Glacial White Pearl paint paired with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior gave it a sophisticated look, enhanced by matte-finish faux wood and polished metallic accents. Though some lower cabin surfaces were hard plastic, the overall impression was decidedly upscale.

The car’s exterior revealed an attention to design that suggested a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family vehicle. Kia ensured that every detail, from the automatic transmission shifter to the door handles and steering wheel stalks, exuded a sense of quality and solidity.

On the contrary, the 2023 Dodge Charger maintained its classic muscle car appeal, albeit with an aging design dating back several years. Since its last significant update in 2015, the Charger managed to look distinct and modern compared to competitors like the Accord, Altima, and Camry. With vibrant exterior colors such as Plum Crazy, it stood out on the road.

Our test model was an R/T Scatpack Swinger, equipped with a widebody kit, 20-inch bronze wheels, and other aggressive design features. The F8 Green paint, black brake calipers, and cartoonish decals gave it a unique character. However, the interior clearly showed its age, with dated materials, a small touchscreen, and plasticky knobs.

Overall, the K5 appeared more refined and modern, while the Charger leaned heavily into its retro, aggressive styling.

For those seeking power and performance, the 2022 Kia K5 GT stood out with its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Though the GT was the most powerful variant, it wasn’t the most efficient and lacked all-wheel drive.

Most buyers opted for the standard 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, offering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a surprisingly linear power delivery, thanks to its torque availability from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. Drive Mode Select allowed drivers to calibrate the powertrain to their preferences. During testing, the K5 EX delivered 29.1 mpg in mixed driving conditions, close to its EPA rating of 31 mpg. However, road noise and a less-than-perfect suspension detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, while starting with a less exciting 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering up to 300 horsepower, truly shined with its V8 options. The R/T model’s 5.7-liter V8 produced 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, while the Scatpack’s 6.4-liter V8 delivered an exhilarating 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. These engines offered a thrilling soundtrack and impressive acceleration.

For sheer power, the Hellcat variants topped the charts with their supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engines, producing between 717 and 807 horsepower. These versions offered outrageous speed and acceleration, albeit with handling that required a skilled driver. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission across all models, however, received high praise for its smoothness and responsiveness.

Thus, the Charger provided a more thrilling and varied performance experience, outstripping the K5 in terms of raw power and character.

In terms of comfort and practicality, the 2022 Kia K5 excelled. All trim levels came with dual-zone automatic climate control, and our test vehicle included power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added a touch of luxury.

While the low-slung design made entry and exit harder, interior space was good. The K5’s 16 cubic feet of trunk space was substantial, and the rear seats offered plenty of room, though the hard plastic front seatback panels were less forgiving for taller passengers.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its larger size, felt tighter inside. With restricted legroom due to the transmission tunnel, and poor rear headroom, it was less comfortable for passengers. The trunk, slightly larger at 16.5 cubic feet, offered adequate cargo space.

The K5 offered more practical and comfortable design for everyday use, whereas the Charger's interior felt dated and less user-friendly.

Kia’s 2022 K5 offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch display for lower trims and a 10.25-inch screen for higher trims like the GT-Line. Although the larger screen lost some functionality, such as the tuning knob and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it gained satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and advanced navigation features. An optional 12-speaker Bose system enhanced the audio experience, but the voice recognition system was lacking.

The 2023 Dodge Charger's older technology manifested in its 8.4-inch touchscreen. While smaller and more dated, it boasted fast and logical menus, wired smartphone integration, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Charger SRT Dashboard app was where it shone, allowing drivers to customize performance settings extensively and access detailed sensor data. Essential for drag racing, these features highlighted the Charger’s strengths in performance tech.

The K5 offered a more modern infotainment experience, but the Charger's performance-centered technology was unmatched in its class.

The 2022 Kia K5 was loaded with advanced driver assistance systems under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella. Features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping aids, and adaptive cruise control. The EX Premium package added even more safety tech, helping it earn top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features. While it performed well in crash tests, scoring four stars overall from NHTSA, many advanced safety assists were optional or absent, especially on higher-performance Hellcat models. Basic features like rear parking sensors and a backup camera were standard, but more comprehensive systems were not consistently available.

The K5 clearly outperformed the Charger in the safety arena, offering a higher level of standard and optional safety features.