Subaru Impreza vs Kia K5

The 2024 Subaru Impreza exhibited an evolution in styling compared to its previous generation. The sixth-generation model boasted a more aggressive and sporty demeanor. Its grille was larger and more angular, set off by narrower LED headlights that conveyed a focused intensity. Distinctively, it featured body-colored wheel arches rather than the typical black plastic liners seen in other Subaru models, creating a more streamlined appearance. The RS trim added side skirts for a low-slung look, enhancing its sporty credentials. The rear haunches, with flared fenders similar to its predecessor, implied a wide and athletic stance, more rugged than rivals like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3 hatchback. Inside, the Impreza embraced a modern look with an impressive 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen standard on the Sport and RS trims, while the Base model offered dual 7-inch displays. The interior layout remained familiar to the last generation, but the RS trim introduced racy red stitching and seat upholstery accents. Materials were of commendable quality, with soft-touch materials in areas frequently touched, contrasting with the hard plastics in the rear seats for durability. In contrast, the 2024 Kia K5 drew attention on the streets with its eye-catching Passion Red Tint Coat, eliciting admiration for its color and design. The K5 had been in the market since 2021, replacing the Optima. Despite the name change, it was clear that the K5 was still making an impression. The GT-Line trim, positioned between the base LXS and the upscale EX trim, offered a balance of sporty aesthetics and affordability. The test model featured add-ons bringing its price to $30,530, a value in today’s market. While the K5’s cabin displayed some budget-conscious plastic, the design and detailing were commendable. Textured metallic trim and a quality transmission shifter enhanced the interior's appeal. Even though the GT-Line’s SynTex artificial leather seats could be sticky, and analog gauges replaced digital ones, the overall comfort and utility remained exceptional. With its panoramic sunroof and thoughtful storage areas, the K5 provided an enjoyable passenger experience.

For performance, the 2024 Subaru Impreza offered two engine choices. The Base and Sport trims were equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The RS model upgraded to a 2.5-liter engine, increasing output to 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with the Sport and RS trims featuring steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across all trims ensured improved traction. The RS model, with its more powerful engine, provided responsive acceleration, though not overwhelming. Handling was sporty, supported by AWD and a sport-tuned suspension, allowing for confident cornering and a comfortable ride. The 2024 Kia K5 presented two engine options. Most versions, including the GT-Line, came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The all-wheel-drive system was available with the GT-Line trim. The K5 GT variant featured a more potent turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 rpm to 4,000 rpm, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and available only with front-wheel drive. The GT-Line test car delivered a satisfactory driving experience, offering good torque and decisive shifts from the eight-speed automatic. However, fuel efficiency fell short, averaging around 24.5 mpg in real-world driving compared to the EPA estimate of 31 mpg. The suspension in the GT-Line struck a balance between comfort and control, though the brakes showed signs of fading during spirited driving. Despite some limitations at higher revs, the K5’s performance was generally agreeable, with notable refinement and quietness.

In terms of interior space and functionality, the 2024 Subaru Impreza provided front-seat passengers with a spacious and functional cabin. Controls were logically placed for ease of use, and outward visibility was excellent thanks to narrow front roof pillars. The large rear hatch glass improved rearward visibility, despite rear headrests partially blocking the view. Storage solutions were thoughtfully designed, with ample drink storage for larger bottles and a large center armrest bin. The rear seats of the Impreza were unexpectedly roomy, accommodating six-footers with ease and offering ample headroom, legroom, and foot space. The cargo area behind the rear seats could hold up to 20.4 cubic feet of luggage, less than the Honda Civic but comparable to the Mazda 3. Folding the seatbacks increased cargo capacity to 56 cubic feet, though they did not lie flat. The Impreza also catered to outdoor enthusiasts with provisions for roof racks, though it was not rated for heavy overlanding tent platforms. The 2024 Kia K5’s cabin offered comfort and utility, with notable features like SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts, though full SynTex could be sticky depending on attire. The 10-way power driver’s seat and manual front passenger seat height adjuster enhanced usability, with additional features like dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats for mid-level trims. The rear seats provided generous legroom and excellent support, though the panoramic sunroof could limit headroom for taller passengers. The K5’s cargo space measured 16 cubic feet, with convenient access through the remote keyless entry fob or Smart Trunk function. However, rear air conditioning vents were only available with higher trims, limiting rear passenger comfort in lesser trims.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza incorporated a highly functional and visually impactful 11.6-inch touchscreen in the Sport and RS trims, with large on-screen buttons and physical controls for commonly used functions. Despite a slight delay in screen response, the system’s usability was enhanced by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity in the Sport and RS trims. The Starlink system, available with higher trims, provided connectivity features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring. The 2024 Kia K5 featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LXS trim, with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The K5’s infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless connectivity was limited to the base trim, an unusual choice. The larger display offered additional features like a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services, which included a variety of remote and safety features. The larger display also included a wireless phone charging pad, with a 12-speaker Bose audio system available for EX and GT trims. The voice recognition technology, however, proved less reliable than alternatives like Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant.

While crash-test results for the 2024 Subaru Impreza were not available, its more rigid chassis inspired confidence in its safety performance. All Impreza models came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist suite, including features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. The RS trim added advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering. The 2024 Kia K5 was equipped with the full Kia Drive Wise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and a safe exit warning system. Optional upgrades included features like cyclist detection and Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous highway driving aid. While the K5 received high marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it earned lower scores in updated IIHS tests for moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact protection.