2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

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. The K5's pricing ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The test vehicle was a U.S.-specification K5 EX, with a Canadian MSRP of $32,995, including destination. The K5's design was sleek and luxurious, resembling a sports sedan more than a family car. The interior, with its Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, exuded an upscale feel, despite some hard plastic surfaces. The controls were solid and well-constructed, contributing to a sense of quality.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, dipped in a unique Rift light grey metallic colour, was a head-turner on Canadian roads. It featured 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish, standing out in a market dominated by black wheels. The CT5-V was positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing. Starting at $58,429, the CT5-V was more expensive than the base model but significantly cheaper than the Blackwing. The test car, equipped with the Climate Package and Super Cruise 1 Package, had an MSRP of $66,044. Competing with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in size and power, the CT5-V offered a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details. Despite some hard plastic panels, the CT5-V's interior featured ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance leader in its lineup, 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 lacked all-wheel drive and was the least fuel-efficient variant. The standard K5 engine was a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering a more economical choice with a combined fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The K5's handling was decent, though not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord. Road noise and suspension issues were noted, but wind noise was minimal due to the car's aerodynamic design.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in about five seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. The CT5-V's fuel economy was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The 10-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, occasionally required manual intervention via paddle shifters. The CT5-V offered multiple driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance characteristics. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension and Brembo brakes contributed to the car's impressive handling, though road noise and suspension noise were concerns.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort with features like dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but the interior was spacious, with ample rear-seat headroom and legroom. Storage was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and various interior compartments. However, the trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the CT4 and Camaro, offered more interior space. The front seats were 18-way power-adjustable, with optional genuine leather and ventilation. Entry and exit were easy for front passengers but more challenging for rear-seat occupants. The rear seats provided good support and space, though the plastic front seatback panels were prone to scuffing. Storage included a wireless charging pad and a felt-lined centre armrest bin. The trunk, at 337 litres, was small and narrow, with some hidden storage under the floor.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, included Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and ambient noise tracks. A wireless charger was standard on most trims, and a Bose audio system was exclusive to the GT trim. The voice recognition system was limited, making smartphone integration essential.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V's Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system featured a 10-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. The system was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, with intuitive controls on the centre console and steering wheel. An optional navigation system was available, though not included in the test car. The CT5-V also offered a head-up display, surround-view camera, and performance data recorder. Future models would phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favour of subscription-based services.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with features like forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included Safe Exit Assist, 911 Connect, and teen driver settings. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V included the Cadillac Smart System, with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. Super Cruise offered impressive lane-change capabilities but required driver attention. The system occasionally encountered issues, but overall, it was effective in maintaining speed and lane position.