2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Kia K5

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs, supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices. Despite these hurdles, the TLX remained a unique sight on the road, especially the sporty Type S model with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint. The TLX's design, inspired by a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive appearance, though this impacted rear-seat space and cargo capacity. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized style over practicality, with a control layout that required some adjustment for drivers.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia K5, though not a new name in the market, often went unnoticed by North American consumers. The K5 GT-Line, with its Passion Red Tint Coat, drew attention and admiration from onlookers. Starting at $33,183 for the LX trim, the K5 offered a good value proposition, though the cabin quality reflected its price point with some inexpensive-looking plastics. However, the interior design was commendable, with features like textured metallic trim and a refined transmission shifter. The K5's pricing and design made it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish sedan.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The TLX's fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The TLX Type S, the sportiest model, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. Despite its impressive power, the Type S's brake-by-wire system occasionally felt disconnected, affecting the driving experience.

The 2024 Kia K5 came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The K5 GT model offered a more powerful 2.5-litre engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The K5 GT-Line, while visually sporty, focused on fuel efficiency, though it fell short of its estimated 8.3 L/100 km, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing. The K5 GT-Line's suspension provided a comfortable ride with good control, but the brakes showed signs of fading during spirited driving.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The U.S.-spec test car's Orchid interior, though unavailable in Canada, looked impressive with optional carbon fibre trim. The TLX's front seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustments, but the rear seats were cramped due to the car's design priorities. The trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car.

The 2024 Kia K5, particularly in GT-Line trim, offered comfort and utility with SynTex artificial leather upholstery. The 10-way power driver's seat and manual front passenger seat height adjuster were notable features. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control were standard in Canada. The K5's back seat provided excellent support and generous legroom, though headroom was limited with the panoramic sunroof. The trunk offered 453 litres of cargo space, with convenient access via the remote keyless entry fob.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons. The system's design proved distracting, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. However, the TLX included a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Kia K5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LX and EX trims, with a 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though wireless connectivity was limited to lower trims. The larger display included navigation, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system was less reliable, but the K5 offered a wireless charging pad and a 12-speaker Bose audio system on the GT trim.

The 2023 Acura TLX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TLX Type S added features like rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the front passenger's frontal-impact rating was four stars.

The 2024 Kia K5 included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The K5 received high marks from the NHTSA but scored poorly in updated IIHS tests for moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact protection.