2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a clean and conservative design, serving as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by classic five-arm rotor-design wheels, which were a testament to timeless automotive design. Inside, the A4 maintained a similar aesthetic restraint, with a predominantly black interior accented by aluminum trim and metallic highlights. The dashboard seamlessly integrated air vents, and controls were clearly marked, contributing to an intuitive user experience. High-quality materials were evident throughout, and the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel added a modern touch. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed somewhat out of place, appearing more as an afterthought than a cohesive part of the design.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 stood out with its unique styling, suggesting a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family vehicle. The K5's low, long, and sleek design continued the tradition of its predecessor, the Optima, as a design leader in its segment. The test car featured Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather, creating an upscale interior atmosphere. Despite the presence of hard plastic surfaces in the lower cabin, the overall impression was one of quality. The K5's controls conveyed a sense of solidity, with a well-engineered automatic transmission shifter, sturdy door release handles, and refined steering wheel stalks. The vehicle's switchgear and air vents operated smoothly, contributing to a perception of a well-constructed car.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This setup achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving and accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, tested here, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with a lowered sport suspension as part of the S-line package. It reached 100 km/h in about 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km. Despite the impressive specs, the test vehicle felt slightly slower than expected, possibly due to a recent experience with a more powerful electric vehicle. The A4's Quattro Ultra AWD system prioritized efficiency, powering the front wheels unless conditions required rear-wheel engagement. The driving experience was enjoyable, with refined engine performance, responsive paddle shifters, and effective brakes. The A4's structure and suspension provided a solid feel over bumps, and the cabin remained remarkably quiet.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a choice between two engines. The K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, this model lacked AWD and was less fuel-efficient. The standard engine, a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, produced 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with power delivery optimized for linear performance. The K5's Drive Mode Select allowed customization of the powertrain, and the car achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, the 1.6-litre engine proved well-matched to the car, offering sufficient power for most driving situations. However, road noise was noticeable, and the suspension struggled with minor road imperfections. The K5's handling was competent but not as engaging as some competitors, and the brakes emitted an unpleasant odour after spirited driving. Despite these drawbacks, the K5 was reasonably capable for its intended purpose.

The 2022 Audi A4's low stance made entry and exit challenging, compounded by small door openings and a snug cabin. However, once inside, the front seats offered exceptional comfort, with soft leather, power adjustments, and a thigh-support cushion. The centre armrest was adjustable for height and position, enhancing driver comfort. The A4 featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, separate from the infotainment screen, ensuring ease of use. The rear seats, while supportive and heated, offered limited legroom and were best suited for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the centre console bin occupied by a wireless charging pad and signal booster. The 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets, providing ample room for luggage.

The 2022 Kia K5 prioritized comfort, with dual-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. A panoramic sunroof added natural light to the cabin. However, the low-slung design made entry and exit more difficult. The front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was a convincing alternative to genuine leather. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample headroom, legroom, and foot room, though hard plastic front seatback panels could be a drawback if the front seats were reclined. The K5's controls were logically arranged, blending style with functionality. Storage space was generous, with a roomy centre armrest bin, smartphone charging slot, and integrated door panel trays. The 434-litre trunk offered substantial cargo space, expandable with the 60/40-split folding back seat, though the lack of an interior trunk lid handle was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI), with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. While the screen's placement on the dashboard was inelegant, the technology was user-friendly, supporting common smartphone functions and providing acoustic feedback. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car also had a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was easy to configure, with an intuitive user experience and effective voice controls. The climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, and the stereo volume and tuning could be adjusted via a centre console knob and steering wheel buttons. The Bang & Olufsen stereo delivered satisfying sound quality, though it could degrade at high volumes. A head-up display was also included, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The standard system, available on LX and EX trims, featured an 8-inch touchscreen with large stereo volume and tuning knobs, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim and above included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, but required a cable for smartphone integration and lacked a tuning knob. This system added satellite radio, Kia Connect services, navigation, and Sounds of Nature ambient tracks. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the GT trim. The K5's infotainment graphics were predominantly purple, which may not appeal to all users. The voice recognition technology was limited, often failing to execute commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with availability increasing with higher trim levels. The Technik trim included Audi Pre Sense, with front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, surround-view camera, and Park Assist. The Matrix-design LED headlights provided excellent visibility. The driver assistance technology was effective, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally required manual intervention. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with standard features including forward-collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, rear occupant alert, and automatic high beams. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it was unsafe to exit the vehicle. Kia Connect technology offered 911 Connect and safe teen driver settings. Additional features on various trims included cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and power rear child locks. The K5's safety systems were generally effective, though lane-keeping technology occasionally misread pavement markings. Highway Drive Assist was particularly refined. The K5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.