2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Kia K5

Kia positioned the 2022 K5 as a stylish and affordable sedan available in multiple trims: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. All models featured a turbocharged engine, with the LXS and GT-Line offering optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge.

The K5 EX, which was the test car, included front-wheel drive (FWD), premium paint, the EX Premium option package, and additional floor mats, summing up to a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,945. This pricing was deemed attractive, given the median average transaction price for typical new vehicles in America.

Aesthetically, the K5 stood out with its low, long, and sleek design, reminiscent of a luxury sports sedan while maintaining its practical family sedan essence. Kia continued its legacy of leading design innovation in its segment, much like the Optima before it.

The test car showcased Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather, complemented by black interior elements, matte-finish fake wood trim, and polished metallic accents. Despite the presence of hard plastic surfaces, the interior felt upscale and exuded quality. The controls conveyed a sensation of solidity and care in construction, enhancing the vehicle’s overall feel. The automatic transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks all demonstrated a refined sense of motion, adding to the high-quality experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring demonstrated its elegant exterior during its test drive in scenic Hudson Valley, New York. Stretching roughly three inches longer than its predecessor, the 2023 Accord sported a sleek exterior with a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting at the front and rear. The overall design evoked comparisons to the luxury Audi A7, especially when viewed from the side.

With blacked-out LED headlights and taillights spanning the rear's width, the Accord's planted stance was accentuated by its long and flowing roofline. Starting at approximately $38,435, including the $1,095 destination fee, the Touring trim came in seven exterior colors with standard 19-inch alloy wheels, though a set of optional gloss-black Honda Performance Development (HPD) 19-inch alloys were available for an additional $2,000.

The interior of the Accord showcased a new dashboard design and standard digital instrument display. The Touring trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with advanced features like Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The test car's Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its premium feel. Honda also offered an optional gray leather cabin for select exterior paint colors.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT excelled in power and performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, making the GT a thrilling drive. However, it was also the most expensive and least efficient version, and it did not offer AWD.

In contrast, the majority of K5 models relied on a standard turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Despite seemingly modest figures, the engine’s torque and horsepower ranges ensured linear power delivery with minimal lag. The K5 offered Drive Mode Select with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings, and the EX trim included Active Sound Control for simulated engine notes.

During testing in Southern California, the 1.6-liter turbo proved well-matched for the K5, although it did not excel in passing power. The K5 EX returned 29.1 mpg on diverse road conditions, narrowly missing the EPA’s combined estimate of 31 mpg. Road noise was a concern, particularly on rough surfaces, although wind noise was minimal, thanks to a 0.27 coefficient of drag.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid utilized a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Accord Hybrid operated smoothly and efficiently, switching seamlessly between electric and gas power. While it wasn’t the fastest, it provided ample power for highway merges and passing maneuvers. The suspension adeptly absorbed road imperfections, balancing firmness and comfort.

Honda enhanced the regenerative braking system, offering six levels of regeneration for a customizable driving experience. The Accord's handling was agile and relaxing in various environments, retaining ease of parking despite its increased length.

Comfort was a strong point for the 2022 Kia K5, with dual-zone automatic climate control standard across all trims. Features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents added to the comfort. The panoramic glass sunroof enhanced the cabin's natural light, although the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging for some.

The SynTex synthetic leather proved to be an excellent alternative to real leather, providing comfort for front and rear occupants. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space, though reclined front seats impacted rear legroom. The K5 boasted logically arranged controls, combining style with practicality. Storage solutions included a spacious bin, smartphone charging slot, and integrated trays. The 16 cubic-foot trunk was expandable via the 60/40-split folding back seat, despite lacking an internal handle for closing.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid’s interior, inspired by the Civic and CR-V, featured honeycomb mesh trim concealing air vents and easy-to-reach climate control buttons and heated/ventilated seat controls. The gearshift lever replaced the previous version's buttons, simplifying use and providing a convenient resting spot for the driver’s hand.

Honda’s redesigned front seats offered better support, delivering comfort during extended drives. Rear legroom and shoulder room were ample, although the sleek roofline impacted headroom for taller passengers. The Accord offered 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, with easy access due to a low load floor, simplifying loading and unloading.

For the 2022 Kia K5, two infotainment systems were available. The standard system for LX and LXS trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and higher trims included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen but sacrificed the tuning knob and required a cable for smartphone connectivity. Additional features included satellite radio, Kia Connect subscription services, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and ambient noise tracks. A wireless charger, 12-speaker Bose system, and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system were standard on most trims.

Voice recognition technology on the K5 was lacking, performing poorly in tests and encouraging reliance on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, both easy to navigate. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless charging, “Hey Google” assistant, Amazon Alexa, head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Physical volume knobs and climate control buttons complemented the touchscreen, ensuring user-friendly operation. The intuitive digital gauges and advanced connectivity features enhanced the Accord's tech appeal.

Safety features in the 2022 Kia K5 included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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, driver monitoring, rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added advanced features like cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a surround-view monitor, and power rear child locks.

The Kia Drive Wise system earned high marks, contributing to the K5’s Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an overall five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Similarly, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a robust suite of safety features as part of its Honda Sensing bundle, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera, parking sensors, and a head-up display.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on all trims for a modest additional cost. The Accord’s next-generation airbags and slimmer front A-pillars improved safety and visibility. The Accord Hybrid achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, earning top scores in crash tests and safety features.