2023 Toyota Prius 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 K5's pricing ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The K5 EX, priced at $32,995 in Canada, was noted for its luxurious appearance, with a sleek design that suggested a luxury sports sedan. The interior, featuring Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, exuded an upscale feel, with quality materials and solid construction evident throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Toyota Prius underwent a complete redesign, offering a more stylish and appealing look. The new model featured a blend of curves and edges, giving it a futuristic appearance while maintaining a broad appeal. The Prius was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, with 19-inch alloy wheels standard on the XLE and Limited models in Canada. The interior was solid and well-finished, with a pair of screens for the driver and a dashboard-mounted infotainment screen. While the cabin focused more on function than form, it remained a comfortable space for passengers.

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. This power was delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The standard K5 models featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering a more economical choice with AWD. The K5's fuel consumption 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 decent driving experience, it was not as engaging as some competitors, with road noise and suspension issues noted.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivering 196 total horsepower in AWD models. This was a significant improvement over the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 4.7 on the highway. The new Prius offered a more athletic and responsive driving experience, with improved acceleration and handling. However, engine noise was noticeable during hard acceleration, and the brakes had a slight squishiness typical of hybrids.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the cabin. While the K5's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the interior provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with a 434-litre trunk and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Storage solutions were well thought out, with various compartments and trays for convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its larger exterior, had a slightly smaller interior than its predecessor. Headroom was reduced due to the sloping roofline, but legroom improved, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Limited trim featured a fixed glass roof, enhancing the cabin's openness. Cargo space was 575 litres, with some underfloor storage. The cabin included multiple cupholders, USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pocket in the Limited trim. Visibility was generally good, though rear visibility was compromised by the new design.

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

The 2023 Toyota Prius XLE models came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch screen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with cloud-based navigation requiring a subscription. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though it was considered too busy. The Limited trim included an 8-speaker JBL audio system and a digital rearview mirror. The Prius offered several subscription-based connectivity bundles, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety features, with standard equipment including forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. 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 2023 Toyota Prius featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure alerts, and more. The Proactive Driving Assist system was particularly impressive, offering minimal intrusion while enhancing safety. The Prius also included stability control, traction control, and eight airbags. The Limited trim offered an optional hands-free automatic parking feature. The Prius received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were not available at the time.