2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in Canada in four trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Each model featured a turbocharged engine, with the LX, EX, and GT-Line offering standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), while the GT came with a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain. The base prices ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The K5 was known for its distinctive styling, resembling a luxury sports sedan rather than a typical family car. The interior of the K5 EX test car was upscale, featuring Glacial White Pearl paint, Ash Blue synthetic leather, and polished metallic accents. The car exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel, making it seem like a bargain-priced vehicle without compromising on quality.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over into 2022 with a modern, coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The Sentra's interior was a highlight, offering a simple yet functional layout with easy-to-use controls and an upscale look. The Sentra was available in S, SV, and SR trims, each offering a range of features from basic to more advanced. The SR trim, which included the Midnight Edition package, featured dark accents and unique styling elements. The Sentra's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample headroom and legroom, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and road trips.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two engine options. The GT model featured 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, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking AWD. The standard engine was a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Despite modest figures, the engine provided linear power delivery and decent acceleration. The K5's fuel economy 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 and a smooth ride, though road noise was noticeable.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came with a standard six-speed manual transmission and FWD, with a CVT available. The CVT managed power well, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions comfortably, though it struggled with harsher surfaces. Overall, the Sentra was a reliable choice for commuting and occasional road trips, offering consistent performance across different driving scenarios.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the cabin. While the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was a convincing alternative to real leather. The K5 provided ample storage space, including a 434-litre trunk, expandable with a 60/40-split folding rear seat. However, the trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. The trunk could be opened remotely via the key fob or a dashboard button. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console provided additional storage options. The Sentra's interior was practical and comfortable, making it suitable for daily use.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems. The LX and EX trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the GT-Line and GT trims had a 10.25-inch display. The larger screen required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unlike the wireless connectivity of the smaller screen. The K5 also offered satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a navigation system. 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 technology was lacking, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with the SV and SR trims featuring an 8-inch display. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy menu navigation and conventional hard buttons. The system lacked wireless connectivity and wireless device charging, which were becoming more common in non-luxury vehicles. Despite this, the Sentra's infotainment system was user-friendly and functional.

The 2022 Kia K5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included Safe Exit Assist, Kia Connect technology, and various collision-avoidance systems. The K5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra also offered a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. The test model included additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with high ratings for its driver-assistance features.