2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from its past of drab and unattractive sedans. With its fastback form and styling reminiscent of the Kia Stinger, the K5 was a striking vehicle. The GT-Line trim, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, gave it an Audi A5 Sportback-like appearance. The design was detailed, with a long rear window, unique taillights, and a killer front with Z-shaped LED running lights. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions made it sportier than its predecessor, the Optima. The interior was upscale, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel.

The 2021 Honda Accord, on the other hand, received a mid-generation refresh to keep up with its competitors. It featured a wider, restyled grille and a more sculpted face, enhancing its sophisticated appearance. The Accord came in six trim levels, with the Sport 2.0 being our test vehicle. It boasted LED headlights, new alloy wheel designs, and a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint option. The interior was sophisticated, with cloth or leather-trimmed seats depending on the trim. The Accord's cabin was well-designed, with a focus on comfort and convenience, making it a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment.

The 2021 Kia K5's performance didn't quite match its aggressive styling. The GT-Line model lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping, making it less sporty. The standard engine was a 1.6-litre turbo-four with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered good fuel efficiency, with an estimated 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 290 hp, but it was front-wheel drive only, which could be problematic for handling.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options. The standard 1.5-litre turbocharged engine produced 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-four delivered 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Accord's fuel economy was competitive, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with smooth braking and paddle shifters for a more interactive driving experience.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered comfortable seating for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive, and the interior featured easy-to-use controls and a convenient wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10.25-inch display. Trunk space was 434 litres, providing ample storage.

The 2021 Honda Accord excelled in daily drivability, with comfortable seating for five and generous headroom and legroom. It came with standard convenience features like dual-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The rear seats had a 60/40 split and a centre armrest, with a spacious 473-litre trunk. The cabin was well-designed, with easy access to controls and a small-item storage cubby.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. The GT-Line trim added 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The GT trim included a Bose premium audio system and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Honda Accord came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Touring trims included navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Kia K5 earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter awarding it the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came with standard safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Rear side airbags and a driver's knee airbag were also standard.

The 2021 Honda Accord also received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord's front crash prevention system earned a Superior rating from IIHS.