2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in several trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Each trim housed a turbocharged engine, with the LXS and GT-Line trims offering an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge from Kia’s West Point, Georgia, assembly plant. Our test vehicle, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive (FWD), showcasing extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and a set of floor mats, retailed at $33,945, including destination fees. This positioning was quite attractive given that most Americans spent considerably more on an average new vehicle. The K5’s design set it apart on the road, suggesting it was a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. Kia’s lineage of striking and innovative designs was carried forward by the K5 after years of the sleek Optima. Our test model boasted Glacial White Pearl paint, striking Ash Blue synthetic leather, and a black interior adorned with matte-finish fake wood trims and polished metallic accents, giving it an upscale look despite some expected hard plastics. In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra appealed to a broad audience with its varied trims, from the basic SE to the upscale Limited. Prices ranged from $21,545 to $33,245, including a $1,095 destination charge, making it accessible to diverse budget constraints. Our test vehicle was a Limited model costing $27,395 with optional carpeted floor mats. The Elantra’s exterior design sparked some controversy. It was a polarizing look that not everyone found appealing. However, Hyundai’s interior design for the Limited was well-received. Dressed in Melange with Gray, the combination of light gray leather and contrasting black cabin offered sophistication. Upscale fabric trims added a touch of luxury, with classy illumination and high-tech displays boosting its charm. Despite a hard plastic coating on the upper door panels being a minor letdown, the Elantra Limited’s cabin was largely impressive for its price bracket.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered robust performance with its GT model, powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, transmitted to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Although the GT was the pinnacle of the K5’s performance, it was also the most expensive and least fuel-efficient. Most K5 buyers instead opted for the standard turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine providing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. While these figures seemed modest, the engine delivered smooth power thanks to the torque available from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm and the horsepower peaking at 5,500 rpm. The Drive Mode Select system allowed drivers to select from Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings. During our test drive in Southern California, the 1.6-liter turbo engine exhibited a spirited yet efficient performance, returning an average of 29.1 mpg against an EPA rating of 31 mpg. However, the K5 EX’s suspension allowed minor road imperfections to affect ride quality, and road noise was noticeable, although wind noise was minimal due to the car's aerodynamic design (0.27 coefficient of drag). In comparison, the 2023 Elantra Limited's performance features a conventional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Although not designed for speed, the Elantra Limited was surprisingly peppy and returned 33 mpg often close to its EPA rating of 34 mpg during our drives across mountainous Southern California routes. The Elantra Limited's torsion-beam rear axle suspension was adequate for most driving conditions. The ride was communicative and compliant in city and suburban settings, offering a quiet and composed highway experience. Over curvy terrains, the car displayed admirable stability, though it didn’t offer the spirited handling of the Elantra N or the N Line. The steering could have been more precise, and brakes were prone to heating and slight shuddering, but the chassis remained predictably composed.

Comfort was a strong suit for the 2022 Kia K5. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, and in our EX test vehicle, a luxurious package of features such as a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger seat with heating and ventilation awaited. Rear passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents, and a panoramic glass sunroof brightened the interior. Despite the seats being low-slung, which made entry and exit somewhat challenging, the K5 boasted generous storage solutions including a 16 cubic-foot trunk. Unfortunately, the lack of an interior trunk lid handle was inconvenient. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra, known for its striking design, didn’t skimp on practicality. Proximity-sensing keyless entry was among standard features, welcoming drivers right into the well-appointed cabin. The test vehicle included a six-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats, enhancing comfort, although the front passenger only received a manual seat-height adjuster. However, rear-seat passengers in the Elantra might find the seating position too reclined and miss air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, particularly on longer drives. Fortunately, Hyundai did provide a hands-free trunk release feature as standard on some models. The Elantra offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than the K5, but creative packers still found it accommodating for full-sized suitcases and more, especially with the 60/40-split folding back seat.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems depending on the trim. The base trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The higher trims got a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen but at the cost of losing the tuning knob and requiring a cable connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, Wi-Fi hotspot access, navigation, and ambient noise tracks. The EX Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and Active Sound Design. A unique feature, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, helped distracted drivers know when traffic ahead started to move.However, the voice recognition system was less impressive and often failed to execute commands correctly. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays to the SEL Convenience package and the N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, dynamic voice recognition, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging, though a wired connection was required for smartphone mirroring. Despite passing many voice recognition tests, the Elantra’s system faltered when executing climate control commands. The Bose premium sound system did not stand out in its segment, and despite visual appeal, the audio quality was disappointing compared to rivals like the Honda Civic. Digital Key technology allowed smartphones to function as vehicle keys, and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert ensured a safer, attentive driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 proved its commitment to safety with an extensive suite of driver assistance systems under Kia Drive Wise. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and lane-following assists, automatic high-beam headlights, driver monitoring, rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The K5 scored top ratings in crash tests, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra also excelled in safety, featuring automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and lane-keeping assists, lane-centering, driver monitoring, rear-seat reminder, and safe exit warning systems. The Limited model added more advanced features such as cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and Highway Driving Assist. During our drive testing, the Elantra’s systems worked seamlessly, imparting a smooth and confident driving experience even under challenging conditions. Though it received a Top Safety Pick rating in 2022, the 2023 model maintained a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, continuing the Elantra’s streak of safety excellence.