2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Kia K5

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 sedan. The interior of the K5 EX test car was upscale, featuring Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, complemented by matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents. The car exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel, making it a bargain-priced yet well-constructed vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was often mistaken for a luxury sedan due to its sleek design, reminiscent of the Audi A7. The Accord was 7 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting. The Touring trim offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior featured a new dashboard design with a standard digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Hybrid Touring. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its appeal. The Accord Hybrid was praised for its refined and near-luxury appearance, offering a comfortable and upscale driving experience.

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 was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking AWD. The standard K5 featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery and decent performance for daily driving. The K5's fuel economy was rated at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a test result of 8.1 L/100 km. While the K5 provided a comfortable ride, it allowed road noise to penetrate the cabin, and the suspension struggled with minor road imperfections.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Accord Hybrid offered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. It provided ample power for highway merges and passing maneuvers, with a suspension that absorbed road imperfections effectively. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, offering a fine-tuned driving experience. The Accord Hybrid was praised for its agile handling and ease of parking, making it a relaxing and familiar car to drive.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the interior. While the K5's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats provided ample space. The K5 featured a 434-litre trunk with a 60/40-split folding back seat for expanded cargo space. However, the lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid adopted a cabin layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring honeycomb mesh trim and a convenient row of buttons for climate control. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Accord Hybrid's traditional gearshift and dedicated volume control knob added to its user-friendly design. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear seats offered generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was limited by the tapering roofline. The Accord Hybrid's trunk offered 473 litres of capacity, with a low load floor for easy access.

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

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with intuitive menus and easy navigation. The Touring trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, Google Built-in with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also included. The Accord Hybrid's advanced tech features added to its appeal, making it a tech-savvy choice.

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

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Touring trim added front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.