2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh chapter for Kia, shedding its past image of drab sedans. With a design reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger, the K5 was a striking sedan with a fastback form. The GT-Line trim, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and fire-engine red seats, gave it an Audi A5 Sportback-like appearance. The K5's design was marked by unique taillights, a long ovoid rear window, and a killer front with Z-shaped amber LED running lights. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions made it sportier, being lower and longer than its predecessor, the Optima. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata was a bold redesign, offering a love-it-or-hate-it styling. The Sonata N Line amplified its appeal with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents. The car's profile was enhanced by bold 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a subtle gloss black lip spoiler. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, and aluminum pedal covers. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while the interior materials were a cut above, offering a blend of comfort and sportiness.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not quite match its aggressive styling with performance. The GT-Line lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping, making it less of a sports sedan. The standard engine was a 1.6-litre turbo-four with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing good fuel efficiency but lacking in midrange power. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was front-wheel drive only, which could be problematic without a limited-slip differential. The K5's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and multiple driving modes. The Sonata N Line's performance was enhanced by a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and faster steering. It handled mountain roads with ease, offering a firm yet comfortable ride. The Sonata N Line's fuel efficiency was slightly lower, averaging 9.9 L/100 km, but this included spirited driving and city traffic.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered comfortable seating for two adults in the back, with enough headroom and legroom for six-footers. 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 Hyundai Sonata N Line's interior was designed for both comfort and sportiness. The front sport seats offered a balance of lateral support and comfort, with a manual seat height adjuster for the passenger. Rear-seat comfort was slightly compromised, but rear air vents and a USB port were included. The Sonata N Line's trunk was spacious at 453 litres, with a hands-free trunk release feature for added convenience.

The 2021 Kia K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, though it occasionally had connectivity issues. The GT-Line trim added features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. The K5's safety features included lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with onboard navigation. It included wireless smartphone charging, a Bose premium sound system, and Blue Link connected services. The infotainment system had some usability issues, but it offered a unique Sounds of Nature feature for relaxation.

The 2021 Kia K5 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter awarding it the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai's advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata received high safety ratings, but the N Line had not been independently tested.