2021 Kia K5 vs 2020 Lexus ES

In the early 2010s, the Lexus ES was often criticized for its "boring" design. However, by 2020, Lexus had significantly revamped the ES to appear more aggressive. The large spindle grille, which first appeared in 2016, had grown even larger by 2020, fitting well with the car's larger proportions. The rear of the ES was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, adding to its sleek, elongated look.

Inside, the ES offered a luxurious cabin that seamlessly blended modern technology with an organic aesthetic. Soft-touch materials were abundant, and the center of the dash was dominated by a large infotainment screen. The 2020 ES came in various trims, including the base 350 FWD, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport. Standard features included a power moonroof, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10-way power-adjustable front seats. The F Sport trim added unique styling elements and performance features, making it stand out in the lineup.

The 2021 Kia K5 marked a significant departure from Kia's past, symbolizing a new identity for the brand. Styled in the GT-Line trim with flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, the K5 resembled an Audi A5 Sportback, thanks to the influence of Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief designer. The K5 featured a fastback form, a long ovoid-shaped rear window, and unique taillights with dashed LEDs, emphasizing its width. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions made it look sportier than its predecessor, the Optima.

Inside, the K5's interior was equally impressive. The dash was split between the driver and passenger, with a center stack angled toward the driver. The GT-Line trim featured red seats with black accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished black trim on the dash. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the materials used throughout the cabin were of high quality. The K5 also offered a spacious trunk with 16 cubic feet of space, which could be expanded by folding down the rear seats.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. While not a performance machine, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and the steering was light yet precise. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers, enhancing the driving experience with modes like Sport+.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not drive as aggressively as its styling suggested. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the K5 handled well in everyday driving, it lacked the verve of a true sports sedan. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, but it was only available with front-wheel drive. The K5's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD models.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could be adjusted to provide plenty of legroom for rear-seat passengers, and the rear-seat headroom was improved with the 2019 redesign. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to carry larger items.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered comfortable seating for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The infotainment system and central display were user-friendly, and the wireless charging pad was a convenient feature. The K5 had 16 cubic feet of trunk space, which could be expanded by folding down the rear seats, providing more versatility than the ES.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, which controlled the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The ES gained standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2020, making it easier to use smartphone features. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Kia K5 came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to set up. The LX trim included LED headlights, auto high beams, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a 10-inch infotainment display. The GT trim included paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, and additional performance hardware. The K5 also offered semi-automated driving features with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist. The ES had a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores due to its stronger chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear emergency braking, and parking sensors.