2021 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from its past of drab and unattractive sedans. It was a symbolic break from the Optima, which had gained recognition since 2011. The K5's design was striking, with a fastback form reminiscent of the Kia Stinger. The GT-Line trim featured flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, giving it an Audi A5 Sportback-like appearance. The K5's details, such as the unique taillights and polished black trim, emphasized its width and sportiness. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions made it look sportier than its predecessor, the Optima.

Inside, the K5's interior was designed with style and quality in mind. The dash was split between driver and passenger, with a Supra-style divider and angled centre stack. The GT-Line trim featured a flat-bottom steering wheel and quality materials throughout. The seats felt like leather, and the hard plastic had a good grain and finish. The K5 exuded sportiness and quality, setting it apart from many GM and Ford interiors.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation since 2011, continued to be popular due to its variety of models, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. The Charger maintained a consistent design over the years, giving it a recognizable look. The widebody styling option added an athletic stance, and the functional performance hood on the SRT Hellcat Redeye enhanced its appearance. The Charger offered a range of tire, wheel, brake, and exterior colour options, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles.

Inside, the Charger's interior had been updated over the years, but it still lacked some comfort and convenience features. The fit and finish improved, but the gauge cluster and climate controls revealed the model's age. The Charger had a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces, similar to the utilitarian Jeep Wrangler. Cloth seats were standard, with Nappa leather available on higher trims. The Charger offered a spacious trunk and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional storage.

The 2021 Kia K5's performance didn't match the aggressive styling of the GT-Line trim. The suspension had softer damping, and the Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires protested in tight turns. The GT trim promised better suspension and a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, the GT lacked an all-wheel-drive option, which was standard on lower trims. The K5's standard engine was a 1.6-litre turbo-four with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing good fuel efficiency at 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options. The SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with up to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T model had a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat Redeye had a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 with 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models.

The 2021 Kia K5 provided comfortable seating for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The K5's interior featured hard buttons for climate controls and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The infotainment system was easy to use, with an optional 10.25-inch display. The K5 offered 434 litres of trunk space before folding down the rear seats.

The 2021 Dodge Charger functioned well as a family car, with a spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations. The instrument cluster varied by model, and the steering wheel provided easy access to in-car functions. Paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. The Charger had a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, expanding the trunk space for additional storage.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard. The GT-Line trim included 18-inch black alloys, LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. Heated seats were standard, with ventilated seats and a 10.25-inch infotainment system available. The K5's Smart Cruise Control allowed for semi-automated driving on marked highways.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with standard features like push-button start, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Available features included a sunroof, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and a premium audio system. The Uconnect infotainment system was easy to navigate, but some functions were buried in menus. The Charger lacked a head-up display, making navigation less convenient.

The 2021 Kia K5 earned top marks in crash tests from the NHTSA and IIHS, receiving the Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5 EX trim and above featured Junction Turning for intersection safety.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning were available in packages.