2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

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 (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's design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek appearance that suggested a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical 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 controls exuded quality, with a solid feel to the automatic transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks, contributing to a sense of care in the vehicle's construction.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since 2019 in hatchback form and 2020 as a sedan, aimed to shed Toyota's reputation for dullness with bold exterior styling, including LED headlights and a wide grille. The SE and XSE models featured an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade Edition added blacked-out trim. The Apex Edition, with its Cement Grey colour and sporty body kit, stood out with its street-racer fashion. The Corolla's interior was simple yet appealing, with fit and finish up to Toyota's standards. However, the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The SE Apex Edition shared the same interior as the standard SE, with light grey upholstery that seemed susceptible to stains. Cloth upholstery was standard, with SofTex leatherette available on some trims.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the choice for those seeking 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 K5 variant, lacking AWD. 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 transmission. Despite modest figures, the engine offered linear power delivery, aided by Drive Mode Select with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings. The K5's fuel economy was commendable, achieving 8.1 L/100 km during testing. While road noise was noticeable, wind noise was minimal, and the K5's handling was decent, though not as engaging as a Honda Accord.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan offered two engine options: a 1.8-litre four-cylinder with 139 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque for L, LE, and XLE models, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque for SE and XSE models. The Apex Edition shared the latter engine with a sport exhaust system. A CVT was standard, with a six-speed manual available for the 2.0-litre engine. The Apex Edition's suspension enhancements improved handling, making it nimble with excellent front-end feel, though ride quality was stiffer. The Apex Edition wasn't a full performance model, lacking tire, brake, or engine upgrades, but it was fun in corners. The standard Corolla was comfortable but not exciting, with the Volkswagen Jetta offering a more comfortable commute.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added natural light, and the power sunroof shade operated smoothly. While the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, though reclined front seats could be a hindrance. The K5's controls were logically arranged, blending style with utility. Storage was generous, with a roomy centre bin, smartphone charging slot, and integrated door panel trays. The 434-litre trunk offered ample cargo space, expandable with a 60/40-split folding back seat, though the trunk lid lacked an interior handle.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered headroom and legroom similar to the Honda Civic, with a low beltline aiding visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard limited forward visibility. The driver's seat was lowered and moved rearward, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel was standard, aiding driving position. The Corolla's 371-litre cargo space was smaller than competitors, though a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard. The sleek interior design limited storage space, with a thin centre console and shallow cupholders. The angled phone tray was small and oddly shaped, limiting its usefulness.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The LX and EX trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with large stereo knobs, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, losing the tuning knob and requiring a cable for smartphone integration. Satellite radio, Kia Connect services, navigation, and Sounds of Nature tracks were included. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, with a 12-speaker Bose audio system exclusive to the GT trim. The K5's voice recognition was poor, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was outdated compared to rivals. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base model, with an 8-inch screen on other trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, with a six-speaker audio system. The XSE and XLE trims featured a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The interface was user-friendly, but some tasks were cumbersome. The graphics appeared dated, and wireless smartphone integration was unavailable. The Corolla lacked novel tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key, but this might not concern all buyers.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Safe Exit Assist and Kia Connect technology added to its safety credentials. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It featured eight airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, Lane Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available.