2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Kia K5

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a consumer shift to SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices. These factors made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals. Unlike some competitors, Acura did not flood rental fleets with its vehicles, making the TLX a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, tested in Southern California, featured eye-catching Tiger Eye Pearl paint and a performance wheel and tire package, bringing its MSRP to $59,100, including the destination charge.

Acura's latest TLX design was based on a concept vehicle, introducing a new design language. Despite its front-wheel-drive platform, the TLX had a rear-wheel-drive look, tapering into a tidy tail. However, the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but the control layout required relearning how to operate the car, causing unnecessary distractions. The Type S model, with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and FWD started at $41,045.

The 2024 Kia K5, although not a new model, continued to draw attention with its stylish design. The GT-Line trim, tested in Southern California, featured an extra-cost Passion Red Tint Coat, which garnered positive comments from passers-by. The K5 replaced the Optima in 2021, but many Americans were still unaware of its existence. The GT-Line was positioned between the base LXS and the more upscale EX trims, with base prices ranging from $25,390 to $31,790, plus a $1,125 destination charge.

The test vehicle's MSRP included extras like a Premium Package, Panoramic Sunroof Package, and floor mats, bringing the as-tested price to $30,530. While the K5's cabin had some inexpensive-looking plastic, the interior design and detailing were impressive. The GT-Line's transmission shifter exuded refinement, and the car's overall design made it easy to overlook the hard, glossy surfaces.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim and drivetrain, this engine achieved between 24 and 25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX featured multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system, available on higher trims, provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control.

The TLX Type S, the sportiest model, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It featured performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the brake-by-wire system, based on the discontinued NSX sports car, proved less satisfying on twisty roads, causing a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder base engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT model featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The K5 GT-Line, tested, had a sporty look but was more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving with FWD (28 mpg with AWD). However, the test car averaged only 24.5 mpg.

The K5 GT-Line's turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered a healthy amount of torque starting at 1,500 rpm, but passing power was limited at higher revs. The suspension provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining control in corners. However, the electric steering was column-mounted, resulting in a less responsive feel. The GT-Line's brakes were adequate for daily driving but faded during spirited driving. The K5's acoustic sound-absorbing glass made the cabin remarkably quiet.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered interior color options like Ebony, Red, and Orchid, with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel featured analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them difficult to read. The 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats provided excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped, with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, more in line with a compact car.

The 2024 Kia K5 provided comfort and utility, with legible analog gauges. The GT-Line trim featured SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts, which could be sticky depending on clothing. The test car had a 10-way power driver's seat, and all K5 models offered a manual front passenger seat height adjuster. Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The panoramic glass sunroof was a treat, but taller adults might find headroom limited. The K5's cargo space measured 16 cubic feet, with a remote keyless entry fob to pop the trunk.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition system. The TTI's one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and display proved distracting. Standard infotainment features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. The TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was not conversational.

The 2024 Kia K5 LXS had a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity in the LXS and wired in higher trims. The larger display included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. Kia Connect offered features like 911 Connect, remote start, and notifications related to teen use. The test car's voice recognition technology was hit and miss, and the larger display included a wireless phone charging pad and an optional 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia K5 featured Kia Drive Wise, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. Upgrades included cyclist detection, automatic intersection braking, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The K5's adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist (HDA) provided semi-autonomous highway driving. The K5 received high marks from the NHTSA but low scores in updated IIHS tests for moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact protection.