2023 Toyota Camry 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 EX, which was tested, had a Canadian MSRP of $32,995, including destination. The K5 was praised for its unique styling, resembling a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical 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 conveyed a sense of quality, with a solid automatic transmission shifter, hefty door release handles, and refined steering wheel stalks.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, six years after the eighth-generation Camry's debut, continued to evolve with new styling elements like the Reservoir Blue paint and Nightshade Edition's matte-bronze 19-inch alloy wheels. The Nightshade Edition was available with SE trim, offering a choice between a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with AWD or a hybrid specification with FWD. The Camry's interior, though familiar, was criticized for its cheap-looking plastic and road noise. The base price for the Camry Hybrid in Canada started at just over $35,000, with the SE Hybrid Nightshade Edition priced at $40,785. Despite some shortcomings, the Camry Hybrid offered a practical and cost-effective option for those seeking a hybrid vehicle.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the go-to choice for maximum power and performance, featuring 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 was the most expensive and least efficient version, 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. Despite modest figures, the engine offered linear power delivery and minimal low-end lag. The K5's fuel economy was rated at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test car achieving 8.1 L/100 km. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and suspension issues, but wind noise was minimal. The steering system in Canadian models was more responsive than the U.S. version, though handling was not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered three powertrains, with the hybrid version featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing a net output of 208 horsepower. The hybrid system simulated a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with six programmed ratios. The Camry Hybrid's fuel economy was rated at 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but the test car averaged 7.0 L/100 km. The hybrid system provided quick acceleration from a stop, and the regenerative braking system offered better-than-expected pedal feel. The Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade's sport suspension tuning allowed for predictable handling, though the stability control was sensitive. While not as engaging as the Honda Accord, the Camry Hybrid offered a decent driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided 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 to the interior. The low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but the front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats offered ample space. The K5's controls were logically laid out, with a blend of style and utility. Storage space was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and 60/40-split folding back seat for expanded cargo capacity. However, the trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid emphasized simplicity with durable materials and straightforward controls. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The test car had eight-way power-adjustable front seats, with manual adjustment for the passenger. The Camry's low ride height was offset by height-adjustable front seats for easier access. The rear seats were less spacious than competitors, and the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Camry's trunk offered 428 litres of space, accommodating full-size suitcases on their sides, but lacked a handle for closing.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims featuring 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 connectivity. The system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, navigation, and ambient noise tracks. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the GT trim. The voice recognition technology was lacking, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both offering smartphone connectivity. The larger system included navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The test car had the basic 7-inch touchscreen, with voice recognition struggling with some commands. Physical knobs and buttons surrounded the screen, though the knobs could be more user-friendly. Additional tech included an available 7-inch driver information centre and a 10-inch head-up display, neither of which were present in the test car.

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 the safety suite. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The collision-avoidance features were effective, though some lane-keeping technology misread pavement scars.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid included 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The system lacked refinement, with abrupt adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping issues. The Camry received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it performed poorly in the updated side-impact crash test.