2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in Canada in four trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Each trim featured a turbocharged engine, with the LX, EX, and GT-Line offering standard all-wheel-drive, while the GT came with a front-wheel-drive setup. The K5's pricing 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 appearance that suggested a luxury sports sedan. The interior of the test car, a U.S.-specification K5 EX, was upscale, featuring Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, complemented by matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents. The K5 exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel, making it a bargain-priced vehicle without compromising on construction quality.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to impress with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end was characterized by a sneering face and muscular features, while the interior boasted a wild dashboard with a sweeping curve. The Camry Hybrid offered a roomy and comfortable second row, even for the middle seat. Toyota maintained a high level of fit and finish, with smooth, glossy paint and quality materials. The Camry Hybrid's design and build quality were consistent with Toyota's reputation for reliability and attention to detail.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the choice for those seeking maximum power, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. 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 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Despite modest figures, the engine offered linear power delivery and was well-matched to the car. Fuel consumption was rated at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test returning 8.1 L/100 km. The K5's handling was decent, though not as engaging as some competitors, and road noise was a concern.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with the LE model achieving 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.8 on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 208 horsepower. The Camry Hybrid's handling was improved by a lower centre of gravity, thanks to the battery pack's placement. While the EV mode was challenging to maintain, the Camry Hybrid offered a smooth and efficient driving experience, with some minor drivetrain noise.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for rear-seat passengers. Storage was generous, with various compartments and a 434-litre trunk. However, the low-slung design made entry and exit more challenging.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a comfortable driving position with ample headroom and storage options. The second row was easy to access and spacious, with generous bottle holders and map pockets. The Camry Hybrid's trunk space was 428 litres, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, including the hybrid battery for 10 years/240,000 kilometres.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims having an 8-inch touchscreen and the GT-Line and GT trims offering a 10.25-inch display. The larger system required a cable for smartphone integration, but included satellite radio and navigation. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the GT trim had a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition technology was lacking, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model. All models had Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE and a 9-inch on other trims. The Camry Hybrid featured a smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path rearview camera. Higher trims offered a head-up display and additional luxury features.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Safe Exit Assist system and Kia Connect technology added to its safety credentials. The K5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The Star safety system and 10 airbags provided comprehensive protection. The Camry Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.