2021 Kia K5 vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own unique model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and a large functional air intake. The WRX STI took it further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite these racy touches, the non-STI version could be somewhat of a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered a bit pedestrian for a new car in 2021.

Trim levels for the WRX included Base, Premium, and Limited. The Base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, a power moonroof, and a larger 7-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and STI Limited trims, included 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-and-suede upholstery, and dual-zone climate control, with the STI Limited adding navigation and a Harman Kardon stereo.

The 2021 Kia K5 marked a significant shift in Kia’s identity, moving away from the drab sedans of the past. Styled in the GT-Line trim with flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, the K5 resembled an Audi A5 Sportback, thanks to the design influence of Peter Schreyer. The K5 featured a long, ovoid-shaped rear window, unique taillights with dashed LEDs, and a honeycomb grille with Z-shaped amber LED running lights. The GT-Line trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a power driver’s seat, enhancing its sporty appearance.

Inside, the K5’s dash was split between driver and passenger, with the center stack angled toward the driver. The GT-Line featured red seats with black accents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The standard analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen felt upscale, with quality materials throughout. The K5’s trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space before the rear seats folded down, providing ample storage for a sedan.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT featuring Subaru’s SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The AWD system varied based on the transmission, with the manual offering a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution and the CVT providing a 45:55 split. The manual transmission was preferred for its precise feedback and smooth clutch pedal.

The WRX STI featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. It included Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension, enhancing its cornering abilities. However, the taut handling resulted in a rough ride, especially on imperfect roads. Despite the noise and stiffness, WRX loyalists appreciated the car’s performance and cornering capabilities.

The 2021 Kia K5’s GT-Line trim, despite its aggressive styling, lacked the verve of a true sports sedan. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. However, the GT’s FWD setup without a limited-slip differential raised concerns about handling.

The K5’s standard engine provided good fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD models. The AWD version had slightly lower estimates. The K5’s ride was isolated and balanced, but the GT-Line’s handling fell short of expectations. The GT trim’s performance remained to be seen, but the K5 excelled as a family sedan with good fuel economy and comfort.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout. The large windshield, slanted hood, and quarter windows ensured terrific forward visibility, while the rear and side visibility were also commendable. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The WRX provided plenty of first-row seating space and adequate rear-seat space for adults on short trips. However, its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans.

The 2021 Kia K5 accommodated two adults comfortably in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The dash featured hard buttons for climate controls and stereo, with a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The infotainment system was simple and quick to operate, with an optional 10-inch display. The K5’s trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, providing ample storage for a sedan.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering easy navigation between menus. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The LX trim included LED headlights, auto high beams, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. The LXS trim added folding rear seats, push-button start, and proximity entry. The GT-Line trim upgraded to 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a power driver’s seat. The EX trim included heated and ventilated seats, rear air vents, and a Bose stereo system. The GT trim added paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, and performance hardware. The K5 also featured adaptive cruise control and semi-automated lane centering.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was available, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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. Blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist was standard on LXS and above trims. The GT-Line Premium package included cyclist detection and Junction Turning. Rear emergency braking and parking sensors were available on EX and above trims.