2023 Toyota Prius vs 2024 Kia K5
Overview | |
MSRP$27,450 | MSRP$25,590 |
Average price$28,562 | Average price$27,177 |
Listings480 | Listings352 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2023 Toyota Prius Reviews SummaryAfter decades of being the frumpy leader of the fuel-efficiency movement, the Prius emerges as one of the better-looking new cars to hit the market recently. This fifth-generation revelation in looks is then backed up by a huge jump in power without sacrificing any of the fuel-sipping ways of the earlier model. Add in impressive standard safety features and a reasonable suite of interior tech and comfort goodies, and you have an impressive hatchback that just now happens to be a hybrid. | |
2024 Kia K5 Reviews SummaryIf you can overlook the real-world fuel economy and unimpressive crash-test ratings, then a 2024 Kia K5 is a steal of an automobile. (Don’t worry, it has an engine immobilizer system to prevent theft.) It comes in LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels, and the only change for 2024 is standard heated seats for the GT-Line trim. Turbocharging is standard, and you can get all-wheel drive if you live where the sun often doesn’t shine. Verdict: It’s a shame Kia doesn’t offer the K5 with a hybrid powertrain, and its performance in new, tougher-to-pass crash tests is worrisome. But there is no doubt the 2024 Kia K5 is a stylish, comfortable, enjoyable, and technologically advanced midsize car. And the price is undeniably nice. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 194 hp I4 Hybrid | Engine1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
EV Battery Capacity0.9 kWh | EV Battery Capacity |
MPG City57 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway56 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 194 hp I4 Hybrid | Engine Name1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity0.9 kWh | EV Battery Capacity |
MPG City57 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway56 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space23.8 cu ft | Cargo Space16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3097 lbs | Curb Weight3148 lbs |
Height55.9 in | Height56.9 in |
Length181.1 in | Length193.1 in |
Width70.2 in | Width73.2 in |
Wheelbase108.3 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload860 lbs | Maximum Payload1206 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $27,450 | $25,590 |
Average price | $28,562 | $27,177 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | After decades of being the frumpy leader of the fuel-efficiency movement, the Prius emerges as one of the better-looking new cars to hit the market recently. This fifth-generation revelation in looks is then backed up by a huge jump in power without sacrificing any of the fuel-sipping ways of the earlier model. Add in impressive standard safety features and a reasonable suite of interior tech and comfort goodies, and you have an impressive hatchback that just now happens to be a hybrid. | If you can overlook the real-world fuel economy and unimpressive crash-test ratings, then a 2024 Kia K5 is a steal of an automobile. (Don’t worry, it has an engine immobilizer system to prevent theft.) It comes in LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels, and the only change for 2024 is standard heated seats for the GT-Line trim. Turbocharging is standard, and you can get all-wheel drive if you live where the sun often doesn’t shine. Verdict: It’s a shame Kia doesn’t offer the K5 with a hybrid powertrain, and its performance in new, tougher-to-pass crash tests is worrisome. But there is no doubt the 2024 Kia K5 is a stylish, comfortable, enjoyable, and technologically advanced midsize car. And the price is undeniably nice. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 194 hp I4 Hybrid | 1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 0.9 kWh | |
MPG City | 57 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 56 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 194 hp I4 Hybrid | 1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 0.9 kWh | |
MPG City | 57 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 56 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 23.8 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3097 lbs | 3148 lbs |
Height | 55.9 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 181.1 in | 193.1 in |
Width | 70.2 in | 73.2 in |
Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 860 lbs | 1206 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Toyota absolutely transformed the 2023 Prius with a complete redesign—a necessary move given the rising competition from cheaper electric cars and other hybrids. The new Prius revealed a sleeker and more contemporary look, blending curves and edges to achieve a futuristic but accessible design. Vehicle handling and aesthetics improved as the wheels were pushed further into the corners, enlightening the Prius with a planted and athletic stance. Additionally, the model got longer, lower, and wider compared to its predecessor.
The car rode comfortably on a robust platform, feeling sturdy over rough roads and never like a lightweight hybrid. The doors closed with a reassuring 'thunk,' and the interior boasted high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The dual-screen setup, featuring both an instrument panel and a dashboard-mounted infotainment screen, proved to be a welcome change from previous center-mounted displays.
While the cabin layout prioritized functionality over aesthetics, lacking decorative trims or avant-garde materials, the overall comfort level remained high. However, some might have found the interior a bit stark. Despite this, the new Prius represented a vast improvement in terms of both exterior attractiveness and interior refinement.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Kia K5, especially in the GT-Line trim, sported eye-catching aesthetics that drew positive attention wherever it went. Introduced in 2021 to replace the Optima, the K5 impressively captured passerby's interest with its design. The GT-Line's positioning between the base LXS and the more upscale EX trim added an attractive option for those seeking a sporty feel without breaking the bank.
For a starting price range of $25,390 to $31,790, plus destination charges, the K5 GT-Line offered excellent value. Despite a cabin somewhat laden with inexpensive plastic, the remarkable interior design showed thoughtful detailing—from textured metallic trims around the air vents to a sophisticated transmission shifter. The result was a visually compelling and semi-luxurious interior.
The 2023 Prius significantly improved its performance figures with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, up from the previous 1.8-liter engine. Paired with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, the new setup delivered a combined 194 horsepower in FWD and 196 horsepower in AWD models. This upgrade was substantial compared to the outgoing model's 121 horsepower. The continuously variable automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery.
In everyday driving, the new Prius felt lively and responsive, offering ample but not excessive acceleration. With a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds, it was a significant improvement over the previous model's 10.5 seconds. The car handled well thanks to a revised suspension and a longer wheelbase, which provided better agility and stability. The brakes, although slightly squishy, performed adequately for a hybrid vehicle.
On the other hand, most 2024 Kia K5 models came equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, while an AWD system was optional on the GT-Line trim. For those seeking even more power, the K5 GT offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Driving modes varied from Smart, Normal, Sport, and Custom, with an additional Snow mode for AWD versions. The K5 GT featured an exclusive Sport+ mode with launch control, enhanced suspension, quicker steering, more substantial brakes, and larger alloy wheels. Though the GT-Line modeled itself after the sportier GT, its fuel efficiency earned an official EPA rating of 31 mpg combined for FWD (28 mpg for AWD). However, real-world tests revealed lower figures, averaging around 24.5 mpg.
Despite this, the GT-Line's turbo engine offered satisfying torque and a decent auditory experience during acceleration. Its suspension provided a balanced blend of ride comfort and handling agility, although the brakes showed limitations under aggressive driving.
Despite the slight reduction in some interior dimensions, the 2023 Prius compensated with increased legroom and overall comfort. Taller passengers found adequate room in the rear seats. Opting for the fixed glass roof improved cabin openness, though it didn’t open for air circulation.
Cargo space took a hit, decreasing to 20 cubic feet for the XLE and Limited trims and 24 cubic feet for the LE. Rear visibility was slightly compromised due to the loss of the split rear window. Interior storage was practical yet compact, with minimalist designs and USB-C charge ports in both front and rear seats. Additionally, the center console featured wireless smartphone charging and various pockets for storage.
In contrast, the 2024 Kia K5 interior was as practical as it was stylish. The GT-Line trim had SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts, which sometimes hampered entry and exit due to stickiness. However, Kia equipped it with numerous comfortable and practical features, like a 10-way power driver's seat and manual front passenger seat height adjuster.
The dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats were standard, with additional options like ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing comfort. Legroom was generous, though the sunroof slightly impacted headroom for taller passengers. Comprehensive interior storage ensured convenience, though some compartments were noisy due to hard plastic linings.
The K5's trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space. The remote keyless entry fob allowed for effortless trunk access, with the lid opening fully. The Smart Trunk function automatically opened the trunk when the user stood behind it with the key.
The 2023 Prius came with various technology features. The base LE and XLE models included an 8-inch color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLE could be upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard on the Limited trim. While the screen was responsive and intuitive, the cloud-connected navigation required a $160 annual subscription to Toyota’s Drive Connect system.
A 7-inch digital instrument cluster provided information but seemed too crowded. There were six USB-C charging ports throughout, wireless smartphone charging on higher trims, and an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot, though requiring a subscription. Three subscription-based connectivity bundles offered remote access, safety features, and cloud navigation.
On the other hand, the Kia K5 LXS had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on the LXS but required a wired connection on higher trims. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth for multiple devices and included navigation, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services, which provided remote start, stolen vehicle recovery, teen usage notifications, and other functions.
An optional wireless phone charging pad and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were available on higher trims. Despite lacking an active subscription during testing, the Kia's voice assistant showed promise but struggled to match the capabilities of Siri or Google Assistant.
The 2023 Prius was equipped with Toyota’s latest suite of active safety features, bundled as Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This suite included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure alerts, lane-tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. We found the latter impressively functional, mimicking EV regenerative braking.
Standard safety features also included stability control, traction control, eight airbags, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. The Limited trim could be upgraded with hands-free automatic parallel parking. However, crash tests from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.
The 2024 Kia K5 came with Kia Drive Wise, featuring advanced driver-assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure and keeping assistance, and a safe exit warning system. Additional standard features included automatic high-beam headlights, driver monitoring, and a rear-seat reminder system.
Upgrade options included cyclist detection, automatic intersection braking, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Driving Assist (HDA) were also available. During our tests, HDA performed exceptionally well in various driving conditions, though it had minor issues in more complex scenarios.
The K5 received high safety marks from NHTSA but scored poorly in updated IIHS tests for moderate overlap frontal impact and side-impact protection.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Toyota Prius was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2024 Kia K5 scored 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend the 2023 Toyota Prius for its overall higher rating. It showcased a more balanced offering of efficiency, refined design, advanced safety features, and technological advancements, making it the better choice for those seeking an all-rounder hybrid vehicle.
Choose the 2023 Toyota Prius if:
- You're looking for a hybrid that balances efficiency with a sleek, modern design.
- Advanced safety features and high-quality cabin materials are top priorities.
- Enhanced handling and a comfortable ride are important to you.
Choose the 2024 Kia K5 if:
- You prioritize driving excitement and extensive comfort features.
- A well-designed, stylish exterior and interior are crucial.
- A semi-autonomous highway driving aid (HDA) and advanced driver-assistance systems are important.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Toyota Prius was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2024 Kia K5 scored 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend the 2023 Toyota Prius for its overall higher rating. It showcased a more balanced offering of efficiency, refined design, advanced safety features, and technological advancements, making it the better choice for those seeking an all-rounder hybrid vehicle.
Choose the 2023 Toyota Prius if:
Shop Now- You're looking for a hybrid that balances efficiency with a sleek, modern design.
- Advanced safety features and high-quality cabin materials are top priorities.
- Enhanced handling and a comfortable ride are important to you.
Choose the 2024 Kia K5 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize driving excitement and extensive comfort features.
- A well-designed, stylish exterior and interior are crucial.
- A semi-autonomous highway driving aid (HDA) and advanced driver-assistance systems are important.

By: CarGurus + AI
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