2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Kia K5

In terms of aesthetics, the 2021 Kia K5 presented itself as a definitive leap forward for Kia, embodying the brand's new identity. Enthusiasts who previously invested in the Optima sedan were already familiar with the "K" logo, and the K5 sought to transition seamlessly from Optima's legacy with a name that, while reminiscent of insect repellent, aimed to signify evolution.

The K5 flaunted a fastback silhouette, somewhat paralleling the design ethos of the Kia Stinger. Its GT-Line trim was particularly striking, showcasing a flat Wolf Gray exterior paired with fire-engine red seats, alluding to the Audi A5 Sportback's design—no surprise given Peter Schreyer’s influence, who came from Audi and played a key role in Hyundai Motor Group's designs since 2006. Distinctive details such as a long, ovoid rear window, polished black trim, and unique taillights with dashed LEDs amplified the car's visual appeal, presenting an illusion of width and sophistication. Despite its faux air vents and exhaust tips, these features were executed with such finesse that one might overlook their lack of function.

On the interior, the K5 impressively intertwined sportiness with quality. Its dashboard bifurcated the front cabin, with certain design elements reminiscent of the Toyota Supra’s layout. The GT-Line's red and black seating combined with polished materials further emphasized the upscale intent. Although standard equipment included a smaller 8-inch touchscreen and analog gauges, they were elegantly integrated into a driver-focused environment. Overall, the K5 was a noteworthy departure from Kia's earlier, more conservative designs.

Conversely, the Hyundai Sonata has had a long journey from its early days of emulating segment leaders like the Honda Accord. The 2022 Sonata, part of the seventh generation introduced in 2020, emerged as a midsize sedan with a personality and distinctive style. Its wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline gave it a distinctive presence, but as with any design, reactions varied.

Stepping into the Sonata, one was greeted by a functional and spacious cabin designed for five passengers. The material quality was mid-segment, but our Limited trim test car's leather seats were comfortable, even if the tan upholstery divided opinions. For those who craved a sportier look and feel, the Sonata N Line introduced aggressive styling cues and a more engaging interior, highlighted by red stitching, sport seats, and other unique N-brand elements. This model aimed to offer a contrasting personality, one brimming with character and dynamism.

The 2021 Kia K5, despite its sporty GT-Line appearance, did not quite match its visual promises in performance. In comparison to rivals like the Volkswagen GLI, the K5 lagged in driving verve, especially devoid of paddle shifters and fitted with softer suspension damping. Its Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires squealed under pressure, not living up to the sporty image the GT-Line suggested. The ride, however, remained balanced and comfortable for day-to-day drives.

The K5's standard engine was a 1.6-liter turbo-four producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for a smooth if unremarkable drive. This setup offered commendable fuel efficiency, clocking in at an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. The AWD variant slightly dipped these numbers. A more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder variant in the GT trim promised 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, but its FWD-only disposition without handling enhancements was concerning.

On the other hand, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata showcased a dual personality in its performance specs. The Sonata's base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, catered to the everyday driver looking for reliability and comfort. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, offering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, aligned with the calm demeanor of the rest of the trims, both engines mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The inclusion of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters added a nod towards sportiness, but most drivers would find them superfluous.

The Sonata N Line, however, departed from this calm persona with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine cranking out 290 hp, paired with a wet dual-clutch eight-speed automatic and a sport suspension. This character shift might have elicited a smile from those seeking thrill in an otherwise composed sedan lineup. Unfortunately, AWD was conspicuously absent across all trims, which might disappoint some potential buyers.

Interior space in the 2021 Kia K5 was designed with passenger comfort in mind. Despite its stylishly raked roofline, the back seat provided adequate headroom and legroom for two adults, due to scalloped roof portions and front seatbacks. The front seats were firm and supportive, perfect for longer journeys, and the cabin controls were well-organized and user-friendly. A notable inclusion was Kia's wireless charging pad, which was conveniently placed. However, the absence of standard rear air vents was a surprising oversight in a 2021 model. The trunk offered a generous 16 cubic feet of cargo space, which further enhanced its practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata additionally boasted significant passenger space, with a cabin offering 104.4 cubic feet, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, and while the rear seats were adequate, three passengers would find it snug. The trunk, also measuring 16 cubic feet, was similarly capacious. An amusing and practical highlight was the Remote Smart Parking Assist, enabling the car to park itself forward or backward from outside the vehicle—an attribute eliciting awe in spectators.

When considering technology, the 2021 Kia K5 made a strong showing with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, even in the absence of factory navigation. The base LX trim included useful features like LED headlights, auto high beams, and dual-zone climate control, but it lacked folding rear seats and push-button start. The LXS trim improved upon this, adding these functionalities along with proximity entry and remote start. The GT-Line trim, which we tested, brought 18-inch wheels, rear USB ports, and the notable addition of fog lights and LED taillights. Higher trims, like the EX and GT, offered even more advanced equipment, such as heated and ventilated seats, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment display.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata mirrored this technological prowess with diverse offerings dependent on the trim level. Base SE versions started with an 8-inch touchscreen, while SEL Plus and higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. Additionally, the 2022 model integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly. Hyundai also added the Tech package features standard to the SEL trim for the year, enhancing its value proposition with advanced navigational and vocal capabilities.

Safety-wise, the 2021 Kia K5, though not yet rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time, was expected to achieve top scores due to its robust chassis and comprehensive safety features. Standard across trims were rear side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included supplementary safety tech like blind-spot monitoring, rear emergency braking, and parking sensors.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata also came equipped with a thorough safety suite from its base model. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims built upon this with additional features such as blind-spot view monitors and surround-view cameras. NHTSA had rated the 2022 Sonata with a solid five stars for overall crash protection, emphasizing its solid safety credentials.