2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a significant shift in Kia's design philosophy, moving away from its past of drab and unattractive sedans. With its fastback form and GT-Line trim, the K5 was reminiscent of the Audi A5 Sportback, thanks to the influence of Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief designer. The K5's exterior was marked by its unique taillights, Z-shaped LED running lights, and a honeycomb grille, giving it a sporty and appealing look. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and design details made it a standout in its class. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty feel that was a step above many competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Audi A4 maintained a simple, clean, and conservative design, serving as a perfect canvas for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The A4's exterior was complemented by classic five-arm rotor-design wheels, which were a testament to timeless automotive design. Inside, the A4's aesthetic restraint continued with a black-themed interior accented by aluminum trim and gloss black décor. The dashboard seamlessly integrated air vents, and the controls were clearly labeled, contributing to a user-friendly experience. The A4's interior was marked by high-quality materials, a digital instrumentation panel, and ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated and comfortable environment.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in its GT-Line trim, did not quite live up to its sporty appearance in terms of performance. The GT-Line lacked paddle shifters and had a softer suspension, making it less agile in tight turns. The standard engine was a 1.6-litre turbo-four producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, which was adequate for city driving but lacked punch at higher speeds. The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower, but its front-wheel-drive setup without a limited-slip differential raised concerns about handling. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with impressive highway mileage.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a more engaging driving experience, especially in the 45 TFSI model with its 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The A4's Quattro Ultra AWD system and sport suspension provided a balanced and dynamic ride, with the ability to accelerate to 100 km/h in about 5.4 seconds. The A4's driving modes allowed for customization, and the S-tronic dual-clutch transmission added to the driving pleasure. Despite its performance, the A4 maintained good fuel efficiency, and its brakes and steering were reliable and responsive, making it a joy to drive.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a spacious interior, comfortably accommodating two adults in the back despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive, and the layout of controls was intuitive, with a convenient wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the trunk provided 434 litres of space, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Audi A4, while comfortable, had a snug cabin that made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with a three-zone climate control system enhancing comfort. The rear seats were less spacious, suitable for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, but the trunk was well-finished with 340 litres of space and practical features like storage nets and grab handles.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with various connectivity options. The K5's technology was user-friendly, with features like Smart Cruise Control enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Audi A4 boasted the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi's MMI, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen supporting intuitive smartphone-like functions. The system included wireless connectivity, a premium audio system, and a navigation system. The A4's technology was well-integrated, with separate climate controls and useful voice recognition, making it a standout in terms of user experience.

The 2021 Kia K5 excelled in safety, earning top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2022 Audi A4 also received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The A4 Technik trim included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The driver assistance technology was effective, though some features required driver intervention in certain situations.