2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Kia K5

In Canada, the 2022 Kia K5 was available in LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT trims, each equipped with a turbocharged engine. The LX, EX, and GT-Line featured standard all-wheel-drive, while the GT's more powerful engine was paired with front-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The K5's design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek profile that suggested a luxury sports sedan. The interior, with its Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, exuded an upscale feel, despite some hard plastic surfaces. The controls conveyed a sense of quality, with a solid automatic transmission shifter, hefty door release handles, and refined steering wheel stalks.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant redesign in 2021, transforming its appearance with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The Elantra's exterior styling was unique, with a "Z" shape created by creases and folds on the doors. Inside, the Elantra's material quality was slightly above average for its class, despite some hard plastic surfaces. The Elantra was available in four trims in Canada: Essential, Preferred, Ultimate, and N Line, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements. The interior featured N Line sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, enhancing its sporty look and feel.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the choice for maximum power, boasting 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, it was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a conventional 8-speed automatic. Despite modest figures, the K5's power delivery was linear, with little low-end lag. Fuel economy was a concern, with a combined consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, though our test returned 8.1 L/100 km. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and suspension issues, but wind noise was minimal. The steering system in Canadian models was more responsive, though handling wasn't as lively as competitors like the Honda Accord.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The standard engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, producing 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The N Line trim had a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's DCT was clunky at low rpm but delivered crisp shifts at higher speeds. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension provided confident handling, while larger front brake rotors improved stopping power. The Elantra N Line offered a compelling package, though the sport seats were less comfortable on long drives.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light, while the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging. The interior featured SynTex synthetic leather, providing a convincing alternative to real leather. Rear-seat passengers had ample space, though hard plastic front seatback panels could be uncomfortable. The K5's controls were logically laid out, with traditional analog gauges. Storage was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and 60/40-split folding back seat, though the trunk lid lacked an interior handle.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was easy to live with, offering clear instrumentation and controls, and ample storage options. The N Line's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but visibility was excellent. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited. The Elantra's 402-litre trunk was adequate, though the sloping roofline created a narrow opening. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a drawback.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems. The LX and EX trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and GT trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a navigation system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the GT trim had a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The K5's voice recognition was poor, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered impressive technology for its price. The base Essential trim had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and four speakers. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Ultimate and N Line trims had an eight-speaker Bose audio system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The N Line's infotainment system was easy to pair with a smartphone, though the six-speaker audio system was only adequate.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it was unsafe to exit the car. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating.