Honda Civic vs Kia K5

Unchanged since it last received a redesign for the 2022 model year, the 11th generation 2024 Civic Si takes everything that is good about the standard Civic Sedan and amplifies it for people who love the journey as much as the destination. It has a high-output turbocharged engine, comes only with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive, and boasts dynamic improvements that make it more rewarding to drive. In addition, because you must know how to use a clutch pedal to operate this car, owning one is like joining an exclusive club limiting membership to legitimate car enthusiasts.

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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.