2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from its past of drab and unattractive sedans. With its fastback form, the K5 was reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger, particularly in the GT-Line trim with its striking Wolf Gray paint and red seats. The design, led by Peter Schreyer, was a testament to Kia's commitment to style, featuring unique taillights and a sleek front with Z-shaped LED running lights. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and details made it a standout, though the base wheels could detract from its overall appeal. Inside, the K5's interior was driver-focused, with quality materials and a sporty feel, offering a level of sophistication that was a step above many competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining hatchback market with its redesigned model. Built in North America, the Civic hatchback shared its front design with the sedan but offered a distinct look from the rear. The Sport Touring trim provided a more modern interior with digital instrumentation and high-quality controls, though the CVT shifter operation was slightly lacking. The Civic hatchback was designed to be practical and enjoyable to drive, with a focus on comfort and functionality. Despite some minor complaints about seating adjustments and the absence of rear air vents, the Civic hatchback delivered a well-rounded package that appealed to those seeking a balance between practicality and driving enjoyment.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not quite live up to its sporty appearance in terms of driving dynamics. The absence of paddle shifters and softer suspension damping meant it was not a sports sedan, though it offered good brakes and communicative steering. The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower, but the front-wheel-drive setup without a limited-slip differential raised concerns about handling. The standard 1.6-litre turbo-four engine delivered 180 horsepower, providing decent performance for everyday driving. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with impressive real-world consumption figures.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice of engines, with the Sport and Sport Touring trims featuring a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 180 horsepower. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a well-tuned suspension and steering that provided a satisfying driving experience. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, while the six-speed manual transmission was a highlight for driving enthusiasts. The Civic hatchback excelled in fuel efficiency, closely matching official estimates during testing. While not a performance car, the Civic hatchback delivered a balanced and enjoyable drive, with the promise of more excitement from upcoming performance models.

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

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a spacious trunk measuring 693 litres and a versatile 60/40-split folding rear seat. While the load floor was not flat, the Civic hatchback maximized space efficiently. Seating comfort was generally good, though some passengers noted the lack of a seat-height adjuster and rear air vents. The driver enjoyed the best seat with eight-way power adjustment, and the Sport Touring trim offered heated seats and leather upholstery. The Civic hatchback's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with thoughtful touches like smartphone charging ports and climate control.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added 18-inch wheels, LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The GT trim offered a Bose premium audio system and additional performance features. The K5's technology package included Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing the driving experience with semi-automated features.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with the Sport Touring trim offering a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound controls improved usability, and the voice recognition system worked effectively. Digital instrumentation was standard, with the Sport Touring trim featuring a comprehensive 10.2-inch display. The Civic hatchback's technology package was a significant improvement over previous models, offering a user-friendly and feature-rich experience.

The 2021 Kia K5 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including rear side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and electronic safety aids like forward collision avoidance and lane-keep assist. The K5's safety package was robust, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. The Civic hatchback also featured advanced airbags and a reinforced structure, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. While the driver aids were improved, their operation was not entirely seamless, with some instances of abrupt braking and lane-keeping interventions.