2023 Acura Integra vs 2024 Kia K5

The 2023 Acura Integra was a testament to Acura's cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting into the brand's lineup with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a fresh five-door liftback design reminiscent of the third-generation Integra. The car's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a nostalgic touch. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic, but with enough unique features to maintain its premium feel. The Elite A-Spec trim level added microsuede inserts, though the lack of ventilated seats was a notable omission.

The 2024 Kia K5, on the other hand, was a striking vehicle that turned heads with its bold design, especially in the Passion Red Tint Coat. Despite being around since 2021, the K5 was still relatively unknown in North America. The GT-Line trim, which we tested, offered a sporty appearance and a well-designed interior, though it did feature some inexpensive-looking plastics. The K5's cabin was comfortable, with textured metallic trim and a robust transmission shifter. However, the SynTex artificial leather could be sticky, and the panoramic sunroof, while a treat, limited headroom for taller passengers.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed manual transmission in the Elite A-Spec trim, offering a lively driving experience with features like automatic rev-matching and a limited-slip differential. The Integra's suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, and its handling was impressive for a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra also featured three drive modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing the car's dynamic capabilities.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered two engine options. Most trims, including the GT-Line, came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The K5 GT, however, boasted a more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The GT-Line's suspension provided a comfortable ride with good control, though the brakes were not up to the task during spirited driving. The K5 offered multiple driving modes, including a Sport+ mode with launch control in the GT trim.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 688 litres of cargo space, though the high lift-over height could be a challenge for loading heavy items. The interior was spacious for front passengers, with a logical dashboard layout and smart storage solutions. Rear passengers had decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were notably soft, providing comfort for passengers.

The 2024 Kia K5 provided ample comfort and utility, with generous legroom and supportive seating. The GT-Line trim featured SynTex artificial leather, which could be sticky, and a panoramic sunroof that limited headroom for taller passengers. The K5 offered a 453-litre trunk, easily accessible with the remote keyless entry fob or the Smart Trunk function. Storage areas throughout the interior were generous, though the plastic linings could cause scraping noises.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity for CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers. The technology package made the Integra a standout in its segment.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered an 8-inch touchscreen on the LX and EX trims, while other trims received a 10.25-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on the LX and EX. The larger display included navigation, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. A wireless charging pad was available on all trims except the base LX, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the GT trim.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia K5 came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 received high marks from the NHTSA but scored poorly in two updated IIHS tests.