2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Nissan Versa

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 U.S.-specification K5 EX tested had a Canadian MSRP of $32,995, but the GT-Line trim, priced at $36,395, was the closest match in terms of equipment. The K5's design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek profile that suggested luxury sports sedan aesthetics. The interior, featuring Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, exuded an upscale feel, with quality materials and solid controls enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Versa borrowed design elements from its larger siblings, the Sentra and Altima, giving it a more upscale appearance. The Versa's styling updates included a new front end with an elaborate V-Motion grille and a new wheel design for the SR model. The interior showcased creativity with large round air vents and an elaborate dashboard. While most surfaces were plastic, the fit and finish were commendable. The SR trim added red stitching and upholstery inserts, reminiscent of the early 2000s Sentra SE-R. The Versa's interior offered a comfortable ride, with heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel standard on the SR model.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance leader with 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, it lacked all-wheel drive and was the least efficient version. The standard K5 engine was a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering a linear power delivery with minimal lag. The K5's fuel economy was rated at 8.2 L/100 km, and it returned 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 2023 Nissan Versa featured a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Versa's performance was satisfactory, with responsive handling and a comfortable ride. Despite body roll in corners, the Versa maintained grip and provided a nimble driving experience. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and cabin noise levels were lower than expected. Overall, the Versa felt more substantial than typical subcompact cars, offering a refined driving experience.

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, while the interior featured ample storage space. The K5's trunk provided 434 litres of cargo space, expandable with a 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a sedan, offered 416 litres of trunk space in the base S trim and 425 litres in SV and SR trims. The front seats provided more headroom and legroom than the Kia, though rear-seat space was slightly less. The front row felt spacious, with good visibility, but storage space was limited. The centre console bin was small, and the shifter's raised platform wasn't the best use of space.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems. The LX and EX trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a navigation system. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, while the GT trim had a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was lacking.

The 2023 Nissan Versa's base S trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Siri Eyes Free. The SV and SR trims added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect Services. The SR trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. The touchscreens were small, and the graphics were outdated, but the digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication.

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 overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Versa offered standard driver-assist tech, including automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Versa received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though updated IIHS ratings were unavailable.