2021 Nissan Maxima vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold design precedent for Nissan's lineup. Its distinctive styling, featuring a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, was later adopted by other Nissan models like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima stood out with its steeply-angled front end and massive grille, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim on the SR grade. Despite its bold design, the Maxima shared its unique aesthetic with the equally unconventional Toyota Avalon.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 was offered in Canada in LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT trims, each equipped with a turbocharged engine. The K5's design was sleek and luxurious, suggesting a sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The test car, a U.S.-specification K5 EX, featured a Glacial White Pearl paint with Ash Blue synthetic leather, creating an upscale interior. The K5's controls exuded quality, with a solid feel to the transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the cabin felt refined, and the K5's design continued the tradition of the Optima as a design leader in its segment.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While it wasn't a "four-door sports car," the Maxima delivered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with the V6 engine providing a satisfying sound. The CVT was responsive, meting out power effectively, and the Maxima's handling was agile for a large sedan. However, the steering lacked precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT, with its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the GT was the most powerful and expensive K5 variant, it lacked all-wheel drive. The standard K5 engine, a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, produced 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering linear power delivery and decent performance. The K5's fuel economy was commendable, with a combined consumption of 8.1 L/100 km during testing. However, road noise and suspension issues affected ride quality, and the K5's handling was not as engaging as some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat passengers faced limited space, with rear headroom and legroom among the lowest in its class. The seats were positioned inboard, affecting the sense of spaciousness, and the centre console felt cramped. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats provided excellent support, and the driver enjoyed a clear view of the road. The Maxima's cargo space was limited to 405 litres, the smallest among its competitors.

In the 2022 Kia K5, comfort was a priority, with dual-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the interior, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space. The K5's controls were logically arranged, blending style with functionality. Storage options were generous, and the 434-litre trunk offered plenty of cargo space, expandable with the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system were standard, but the infotainment system's graphics and interface were dated and difficult to use. While analog controls were provided, the notification sounds were jarring and unavoidable.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The GT-Line trim introduced a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen but required a cable for smartphone integration. The K5's infotainment system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a navigation system. However, the voice recognition technology was lacking, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Maxima also offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with standard features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included Safe Exit Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 achieved an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with its safety systems proving effective during testing.