2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Nissan Versa

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in multiple trims, each featuring a turbocharged engine, with the LXS and GT-Line offering optional all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding destination charges. The test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, and the EX Premium package, had an MSRP of $33,945. The K5's design was sleek and luxurious, resembling a high-end sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather interior added to its upscale feel, despite some hard plastic surfaces.

The K5's quality was evident in its solid controls and refined interior features. The automatic transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks all conveyed a sense of care in construction. The car's operation was smooth, with minimal panel flex and a secure feel. The K5's design and build quality made it a standout in its segment, offering a luxury experience at a competitive price.

The 2023 Nissan Versa borrowed design elements from Nissan's larger sedans, giving it a more upscale appearance. The prominent V-Motion grille and sleek profile made it instantly recognizable as a modern Nissan. The Versa's styling updates for 2023 included a new front end, wheel design, and Gray Sky Pearl paint for the SR model, enhancing its grown-up look.

Inside, the Versa's design was creative for a budget model, with large round air vents and an elaborate dashboard. While most surfaces were plastic, the fit and finish were impressive. The SR trim added red stitching and upholstery inserts, reminiscent of the early 2000s Sentra SE-R. The Versa SR also included heated front seats, automatic climate control, a center console with an armrest, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, making it a more appealing economy car.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT featured 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, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard K5 had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery and minimal low-end lag. The K5 EX's 1.6-liter turbo performed well during testing, providing enough power for daily driving and merging onto freeways, though passing power was limited.

The K5 EX achieved 29.1 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. Road noise was noticeable, and the suspension struggled with small road imperfections. However, wind noise was minimal, and outward visibility was excellent. The K5 EX's handling was capable but not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord. The steering feel was so-so, and the brakes emitted an odor after spirited driving. Despite these drawbacks, the K5 EX was reasonably capable for its intended purpose.

The 2023 Nissan Versa's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produced 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT in the SV and SR trims. The base S model offered a five-speed manual transmission. The Versa SR's CVT was responsive, though the manual transmission likely made better use of the engine's power. The Versa's handling was satisfactory, with notable body roll but good grip and responsive steering. The ride was comfortable, and cabin noise levels were lower than expected for an entry-level model.

The Versa felt more substantial than its subcompact classification suggested, with handling and refinement that felt a class above. The car's performance was adequate for daily commuting, providing a pleasant driving experience without any performance aspirations.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the interior. However, the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats provided ample space, though the hard plastic front seatback panels could be a drawback.

The K5's controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, with a roomy center bin, smartphone charging slot, and hidden door panel trays. The 16 cubic-foot trunk offered plenty of cargo space, expandable with the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a sedan, offered 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space in the base S trim and 15 cubic feet in the SV and SR trims. This was more than the similarly sized Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedans. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was available in higher trims. The front seats provided more headroom and legroom than competitors, though rear-seat space was slightly less.

The front row felt spacious, with good outward visibility. However, the center console bin was small, and the shifter's raised platform wasn't the best use of space. The optional wireless charging pad was conveniently tucked away.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base system, standard on LX and LXS trims, featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and higher trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. This system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and ambient noise tracks. The Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. However, the voice recognition technology was subpar, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2023 Nissan Versa's base S trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, three USB ports, and keyless entry. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the S Plus Package or higher trims. The SV trim added a 7-inch driver information display and wireless phone charging, while the SR trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and NissanConnect Services. The touchscreens were small, and the graphics were outdated, but the digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with the Kia Drive Wise suite, including forward-collision warning, 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, a driver monitoring system, rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a surround-view system, and power rear child locks. The K5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Versa offered impressive standard driver-assist tech, including automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SR trim included adaptive cruise control. The Versa received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and four stars in frontal and rollover categories. The IIHS had not yet published updated ratings for the 2023 model.