2022 Kia K5 vs 2023 Toyota Crown

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's design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek profile 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 cabin exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel, making it a bargain-priced vehicle without compromising on quality.

The 2023 Toyota Crown was a full-size sedan with a footprint similar to the discontinued Toyota Avalon, but it rode 10 centimetres higher. Its styling was distinctive, with a massive grille, angular wraparound headlights, and large wheels that gave it a sporty aggression. The Crown's interior was modern, featuring a digital instrument panel and a large horizontal touchscreen. The cabin had a mix of hard plastics and cushioned touchpoints, and while it could have been mistaken for an entry-level luxury vehicle with improved surface graining, it still looked and felt like a fancier Toyota. The Crown's design was bold, with a two-tone colour option available on the Platinum trim, adding to its unique appeal.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance leader in its lineup, boasting a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking AWD. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, generating 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite its modest figures, the K5's standard engine offered linear power delivery and decent performance, with a fuel consumption of 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The K5's handling was competent but not as engaging as some competitors, with decent grip and a smooth ride, though road noise and suspension issues were noted.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid electric motor, producing 236 horsepower, and a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with a more powerful rear electric motor in the Platinum trim, delivering 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic transmission. The Crown's ride quality was comfortable, with the Platinum trim offering an adaptive suspension. The base hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, while the Hybrid Max did it in 5.9 seconds. The Crown's cabin was quiet, but the engine drone was noticeable, and some electronic driver aids were intrusive.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for rear passengers. The K5's controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, and the trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's interior featured fabric seat upholstery with SofTex faux-leather trim in the XLE trim, while the Platinum trim offered full leather coverings. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, but firm cushioning could cause discomfort over time. The Crown's taller ride height provided a better view of the road, but the rearview was narrow. The rear seats offered ample space, and a panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel. The Crown's trunk had a capacity of 360 litres, smaller than some competitors, but it was still practical for everyday use.

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

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch multimedia infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base audio system was adequate, with an 11-speaker JBL premium system available. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and featured a voice-recognition system activated by saying "Hey Toyota." A digital key feature was standard on the Platinum trim, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle.

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 K5 also offered Safe Exit Assist, 911 Connect, and safe teen driver settings. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety features included collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parallel parking system. The Crown's adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were well-tuned, but some new features were intrusive. Crash test results were not available at the time of publication.