2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in Canada in four trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT, each equipped with a turbocharged engine. The LX, EX, and GT-Line trims came standard with all-wheel drive, while the GT trim featured a more powerful engine 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 luxury sports sedan aesthetics. The interior of the test car, a U.S.-specification K5 EX, was upscale, featuring Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, although the latter was not available in Canada. The cabin exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel, making the K5 appear bargain-priced without compromising on quality.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles with various engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Canadian buyers could also choose a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and a $1,750 destination charge. The Mazda3's design was polarizing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback that some might call "hunchback." However, it had a mature and serious appearance, with refined materials and sophisticated design inside. The interior was upscale, with polished metallic finishes and a focus on delivering more value than entry-level luxury cars, except in terms of perceived cachet.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the choice for maximum power, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 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 with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery and decent performance. Fuel consumption was rated at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test car achieving 8.1 L/100 km. The K5's handling was competent but not as engaging as some competitors, with decent grip but noticeable squeal in tighter curves. Road noise was an issue, but wind noise was minimal.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, known for its fuel efficiency. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available with all-wheel drive, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. Fuel consumption varied, with the turbo model averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The Mazda3 Turbo was a joy to drive, with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during spirited driving, and the ride could feel floaty on undulating roads.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with features like dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for rear-seat passengers. Storage space was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and 60/40-split folding rear seats. However, the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, and the trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a snug but comfortable interior, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems. The base system had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and higher trims had a 10.25-inch display requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The larger system included satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the GT trim. However, the voice recognition system was subpar.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 used the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and centre console controls. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting. The system had limitations, including a lack of physical tuning and a voice recognition system that required specific commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services offered remote access via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included Safe Exit Assist and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of safety features, though many were not standard in Canada. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with options for adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings, including a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.