2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh chapter in Kia's design evolution, shedding its past image of drab sedans. With a fastback form reminiscent of the Kia Stinger, the K5 was styled to impress, especially in the GT-Line trim with its striking Wolf Gray paint and red seats. The design was a testament to Peter Schreyer's influence, featuring unique taillights and a sleek, sporty profile. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and details made it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic continued its legacy of setting benchmarks in the compact car segment. The 10th-generation Civic, available in sedan, hatchback, and Type R formats, maintained its polarizing yet familiar design. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, offered a mix of appeal and practicality. Inside, the Civic's cabin, though showing its age, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design. The interior space was comparable to a decade-old midsize car, providing comfort and practicality, though the infotainment system lagged behind in terms of modernity.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, offered a balanced ride with good brakes and communicative steering, though it fell short of being a true sports sedan. The standard 1.6-litre turbo-four engine delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing decent performance for everyday driving. The GT trim promised more excitement with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 290 hp, but its front-wheel-drive setup without a limited-slip differential raised concerns about handling. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Honda Civic, on the other hand, offered a choice between a 2.0-litre engine with 158 hp and a more desirable 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 174 hp. The turbo engine, paired with a CVT, provided a spirited drive, though the transmission's droning was a drawback. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering made it a joy to drive, especially in the Touring trim with 18-inch wheels. Fuel economy was impressive, averaging 6.8 L/100 km, making it an efficient choice for daily commutes.

The Kia K5's interior was designed for comfort, with supportive front seats and ample space for rear passengers, despite its sleek profile. The absence of rear air vents was a minor drawback, but the overall comfort and practicality were commendable. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10.25-inch display. Trunk space was generous at 434 litres, providing ample room for luggage.

The Honda Civic's interior, though low to the ground, offered comfort and practicality. The front seats were adjustable, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided excellent support, and the centre console offered remarkable storage space. The trunk was spacious, with 428 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The Kia K5 excelled in technology, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The GT-Line trim added features like a panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control. The GT trim offered a Bose premium audio system and advanced driver assistance features, making it a tech-savvy choice.

The Honda Civic, while equipped with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, showed its age in the technology department. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker audio system, but the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. The Civic's technology was functional but lacked the modernity of its competitors.

The Kia K5 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter awarding it the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The inclusion of rear side airbags and a driver's knee airbag added to its safety credentials.

The Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, while innovative, had its limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.