2022 Honda Civic vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, drawing inspiration from the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with prices in Canada starting at $24,465 for the LX and reaching $30,265 for the Touring, excluding destination charges. The Civic Touring, tested in the new Morning Mist Blue, offered a refined interior with minimalistic controls and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, contributing to a sophisticated cabin ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 stood out with its sleek, low, and long design, reminiscent of a luxury sports sedan. Available in LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT trims, the K5's pricing ranged from $29,595 to $40,495 in Canada, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a U.S.-spec K5 EX, showcased a Glacial White Pearl exterior paired with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior, exuding an upscale feel. The K5's cabin was adorned with matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents, offering a sense of quality and solidity in its controls and overall construction.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The LX, EX, and Sport trims featured a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim boasted a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency, with a broad torque range from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, though its fuel efficiency fell short of expectations during testing.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and a more potent 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the GT trim. The standard 1.6-litre engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing linear power delivery and decent acceleration. The GT trim's 2.5-litre engine delivered an impressive 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the K5's handling was competent, it lacked the agility of some competitors, and road noise was more pronounced. Fuel economy for the base engine was commendable, with a tested consumption of 8.1 L/100 km.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The power driver's seat allowed for optimal positioning, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging, but rear legroom was generous. The interior featured a new centre console with accessible cupholders and a smaller trunk in the Touring trim due to premium sound system components, offering 408 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the cabin. While entry and exit were challenging due to the K5's low profile, the interior offered ample headroom and legroom. The K5's controls were logically arranged, and storage space was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and a Smart Trunk feature for easy access.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel with customizable options and a Vehicle Activity display. The infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system's voice recognition technology was notably improved.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim introduced a 10.25-inch display, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The K5's system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a Bose audio system exclusive to the GT trim. However, the voice recognition technology was lacking, making smartphone integration essential.

The 2022 Honda Civic came equipped with the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic also featured a new blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, replacing the previous LaneWatch system. The vehicle's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included Safe Exit Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its safety credentials.