2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Kia K5

Hyundai had redesigned the Sonata for the 2020 model year, resulting in a highly distinctive and daring look. The broad grille and tapered tail gave it an immediately recognizable appearance. The N Line treatment in 2021 highlighted the Sonata's sporty aspects while minimizing less appealing features. Enhancements included a restyled front fascia with larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a subtle rear lip spoiler. Inside, the N Line sport seats featured premium Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, and aluminum pedal covers, contributing to a high-quality feel. A standard panoramic sunroof added to the interior’s spacious feeling.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 presented an equally bold but more streamlined and luxurious design. Available in LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trims, the K5 featured an array of turbocharged engines. The K5 sported low, long, and sleek lines, resembling a luxury sports sedan. The test model, a K5 EX with FWD, displayed a Glacial White Pearl exterior with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior. Matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents provided an upscale ambiance, despite some hard plastic surfaces. The interior controls and mechanicals exuded a quality feel, enhancing the perception of careful construction.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), the Sonata provided rapid gear shifts and a responsive drive, helped by its performance-oriented driving modes. The ride offered a balance of stiffness and comfort, with minimal understeer and excellent road-holding capabilities, even during aggressive mountain drives. On average, fuel economy stood at 23.7 mpg on a mixed driving route, slightly below the EPA's estimated 27 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT also featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed DCT, promising excellent performance. However, the GT was at the higher end of the price spectrum and lacked AWD. The more economical 1.6-liter turbo engine available on other trims delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, suitable for daily driving but less thrilling. Even the smaller engine displayed linear power delivery and little low-end lag, complemented by adjustable driving modes. The K5 EX returned 29.1 mpg in mixed driving conditions, close to the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. Road noise was an issue, and the sporty suspension sometimes resulted in an uncomfortable ride on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered sport seats with a balance of comfort and lateral support, featuring manual adjustments for the front passenger. Rear seats lacked the comfort of upscale sedans but included air vents and USB ports. Interior storage was practical but suffered from a cumbersome center console design. The trunk provided 16 cubic feet of space and included a Smart Trunk hands-free release feature.

The 2022 Kia K5 also provided ample comfort, especially in higher trims with heated and ventilated front seats and rear air vents. The panoramic sunroof added light to the interior, enhancing the roominess. Although getting in and out of a sedan can be more challenging than an SUV, the K5's seat comfort mitigated this drawback. Interior storage was logical and plentiful, with several dedicated spaces for various items. Trunk capacity was also 16 cubic feet, but like the Sonata, the K5 lacked an internal handle for closing.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its lack of a tuning knob and occasional accidental touch activations were drawbacks.

For the 2022 Kia K5, two infotainment systems were available. Lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims, including GT-Line, featured a 10.25-inch screen with wired connectivity and added features like satellite radio and a WiFi hotspot. A wireless smartphone charger and a Bose premium audio system were available in higher trims. However, the voice recognition technology was often unreliable.

Both vehicles came with comprehensive safety features. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line included the SmartSense suite with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Highway Drive Assist. These features provided a reliable and stress-reducing driving experience, although crash-test ratings specifically for the N Line were not available.

The 2022 Kia K5 boasted the Kia Drive Wise collection, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and various other safety technologies. The EX Premium package added advanced features like Junction Turning Assist and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its excellent safety standards.