2024 Acura Integra vs 2024 Kia K5

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S stood out with its widebody appearance and aggressive detailing, which lent it a robust and athletic look. Borrowing hardware from the Honda Civic Type R, it featured comprehensive performance modifications. Visually, the Integra Type S differentiated itself with a redesigned front end, boasting a new front bumper and extended track width.

The rear track was wider by 1.9 inches, aesthetically tied with glued-on rear fender flares, a lower body kit, and a rear lip spoiler. A prominent rear diffuser panel and a distinctive triple-outlet exhaust system completed the sporty look.

Inside, the Type S retained much of the standard Integra A-Spec’s layout, with added Type S emblems and Ultrasuede seat inserts enriching the interior. However, despite the upscale features, some materials, particularly in the rear seats, did not justify the high price. The test car came in at $53,785, with dealer-installed extras such as Apex Blue paint and a carbon fiber rear spoiler contributing to the cost.

The 2024 Kia K5 GT-Line also made a strong visual statement, particularly in the vibrant Passion Red Tint Coat. Although the K5 had been on the market since 2021, it continued to attract attention and curiosity. The GT-Line trim sat higher than the base LXS but positioned just below the luxurious EX.

The interior of the GT-Line was stylish yet marred by the use of inexpensive-looking plastics. Despite this, the cabin showcased impressive design details, such as textured metallic trim and a robust transmission shifter. The test model, priced at $30,530, offered excellent value with options like a panoramic sunroof, a Premium Package, and floor mats.

Performance was a key selling point for the 2024 Acura Integra Type S. Sharing its core components with the Honda Civic Type R, it featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque between 2,600 and 4,000 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission, adaptive damping suspension, and Brembo brakes underscored its high-performance intent.

Driving the Integra Type S in Ojai, California, revealed a vehicle engineered for enthusiasts. The suspension was tuned for a slightly softer, more compliant ride compared to the Civic Type R. However, road noise was a significant concern, and fuel economy fell short at an average of 21.7 mpg.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered a more pragmatic performance approach. Most versions came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it powered the front wheels, with AWD available on the GT-Line trim. The higher GT model featured a 290-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine coupled with a dual-clutch transmission and sport-tuned suspension.

On the road, the K5 GT-Line delivered a balance of comfort and agility. The turbocharged engine produced ample torque at low rpm, though it struggled at higher speeds. Fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 24.5 mpg over diverse driving conditions. However, the suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the steering, though not perfect, was adequate for most driving scenarios.

The Integra Type S was equipped with front sport seats that balanced comfort with moderate bolstering. The driver’s seat offered 12-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat lacked similar flexibility. Rear-seat passengers had sufficient legroom but lacked amenities such as air vents and USB charging ports.

The sportback design of the Integra Type S provided a practical touch, with a liftgate revealing a 24.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Folding the rear seats expanded this space significantly, offering the utility characteristic of a small crossover SUV while maintaining the driving dynamics of a sports car.

The Kia K5 excelled in comfort and utility. The GT-Line trim featured SynTex leather/cloth seats and a 10-way power driver’s seat, with a manual height adjustment for the front passenger seat as standard. Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats contributed to passenger comfort.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though headroom was compromised by the optional panoramic sunroof. The K5 offered practical storage solutions, and its 16 cubic-foot trunk provided adequate cargo space, with a Smart Trunk feature that automatically opened the lid when you stood behind it with the key fob.

The Integra Type S came with a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. Despite lacking Acura’s True Touchpad Interface, the system was user-friendly, featuring a touchscreen with physical buttons for essential functions.

Standard technology included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the wireless smartphone charger was inconsistent, and the audio system struggled against the car’s interior noise levels.

The Kia K5 LXS featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless connection on the lesser trims and wired on the higher-end models.

Features included Bluetooth for multiple devices, navigation, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services, offering benefits like remote start and teen driver alerts. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was available on EX and GT trims, providing superior sound quality.

The Acura Integra Type S included comprehensive safety features under the AcuraWatch suite. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-centering assist were notable inclusions. However, the adaptive cruise control lacked low-speed follow due to the manual transmission, and the automatic emergency braking could not stop the vehicle completely.

The Type S model had ten airbags and other safety systems like rear-seat reminders and automatic high-beam headlights. While crash-test ratings for this specific model were unavailable, high marks for the standard Integra suggested strong safety performance.

All 2024 Kia K5 models came equipped with the Kia Drive Wise suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and active blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a safe exit warning.

The K5’s Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist for semi-autonomous driving on highways. Despite high marks from the NHTSA, the K5 received low scores in two challenging IIHS tests for moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact protection.