2022 Kia K5 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition further amplified these design peculiarities. For those seeking a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid provided a more affordable path to better fuel efficiency, with prices ranging from $19,350 to $27,450 Canadian, excluding fees and destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 stood out with its low, long, and sleek design, suggesting a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The K5 continued the design leadership established by its predecessor, the Optima. The test car featured Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather, creating an upscale interior ambiance. Despite the presence of hard plastic surfaces, the cabin exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel. The K5's design was both distinctive and appealing, making it a standout choice for those seeking a stylish and modern sedan.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, offered a promising drivetrain combination. The XSE's CVT was one of the best examples of its kind, using a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering, vented front brakes, and a MacPherson strut front suspension. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and engaging driving dynamics, similar to a Honda Civic or Mazda3. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 7.6 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT, with its turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivered 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offered linear power delivery and decent performance. The K5's Drive Mode Select allowed for powertrain calibration, and the car performed well in daily driving situations. Fuel economy was reasonable, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km. While road noise and suspension issues were noted, the K5's handling was decent, though not as engaging as a Honda Accord. The K5's electric steering system in Canadian models was likely more responsive than the U.S. version.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous upgrades over the SE trim, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The front seats provided comfort and clear sightlines, while the rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom. The Corolla's trunk provided 371 litres of cargo space, with no handle on the inside of the trunk lid.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in comfort, with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added natural light, and the SynTex synthetic leather was a convincing alternative to real leather. The K5's interior offered ample headroom and legroom, though the hard plastic front seatback panels could be a liability. The controls were logically laid out, and storage space was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and a Smart Trunk feature for easy access.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla impressed with its infotainment system, featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard. The Corolla SE had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE offered additional features like SiriusXM and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy operation.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim had a larger 10.25-inch display but required a cable for smartphone integration. The K5's system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, the voice recognition technology was lacking, and the graphics were not to everyone's taste.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The K5 also offered Safe Exit Assist and Kia Connect technology for added safety. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.