2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Acura TLX had a definitive presence on the road, characterized by its aggressive stance. The exterior was marked by a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler, emphasizing a sport-oriented design. The front grille, exploding out from the central Acura logo, and the horizontally aligned “jewel eye” LED headlights gave it a bold, assertive look. The twin trapezoidal tailpipes below the rear bumper added to its sporty character. Additionally, the TLX boasted impeccable paint quality and tasteful use of chrome, underscoring its premium sedan status.

Inside the TLX, the commitment to quality and detail was evident. The driver’s cockpit was designed with a sports sedan feel: functional clusters on the dash, high-quality materials like real metal, leather, and wood. The gaps were tight, ensuring a seamless look. The centerpiece was a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, floating intentionally atop the center stack.

The 2022 Kia K5, on the other hand, made an equally strong road presence with its low, long, and sleek design hinting at luxury sports sedans. Despite its practical family sedan roots, the K5’s look could easily be mistaken for something more luxurious. The test car featured a Glacial White Pearl paint paired with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior, accented with matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic details. While the lower half of the cabin had hard plastic surfaces, it still came across as upscale due to the quality execution.

To enhance the solid and well-built feel, the Kia K5 featured controls and switchgear that conveyed a sense of refinement: the transmission shifter felt robust, door release handles had heft, and the steering wheel stalks had a secure motion. Kia ensured that there was minimal panel flex within the cabin, reinforcing the feeling of quality construction.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered either front-wheel drive or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Fuel economy metrics were respectable, with EPA estimates of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models.

Acura's Integrated Dynamics System allowed for the adjustment of various driving parameters in Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Individual modes. Features like adaptive dampers in the Advance package further enhanced the ride quality. The TLX boasted improved torsional stiffness and rigidity at the suspension mounts, providing a solid and balanced ride. In real-world testing, the TLX impressed with its sprightly character and handling, particularly in Sport mode, which mitigated turbo lag and enriched the exhaust note.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in its GT variant, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This setup delivered exciting performance but was also the most expensive and least fuel-efficient. For a more economical option, Kia's standard 1.6-liter turbocharged engine produced 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, mated to a conventional eight-speed automatic.

On the road, the 1.6-liter engine showed remarkable linear power delivery, thanks to its torque band and smooth powertrain calibration available through the Drive Mode Select system. The K5's handling proved to be adequate for daily driving but lacked the engaging driving dynamics found in some competitors. Fuel economy for our test K5 EX was 29.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 31 mpg combined. The K5's suspension allowed for minor road imperfections to filter into the cabin, unlike the TLX's more sophisticated setup.

In the 2021 Acura TLX, the shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console design. This freed up space for a streamlined control panel inspired by the NSX and a more practical layout for the infotainment interface, cupholders, and storage compartments. The front sport bucket seats, with 12-way power adjustability including lumbar support and adjustable headrests, ensured a comfortable driving experience. Ventilated front seats were available in higher trims. The rear seats provided adequate comfort for two adults, and the second row could be folded in a 60/40 split to enhance cargo flexibility. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of space with a 47.6-inch-wide opening and 42.4 inches of depth.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 emphasized comfort and practicality. The test model featured dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. It offered generous legroom and headroom for rear passengers but getting in and out of the lower-slung sedan proved challenging compared to higher-riding SUVs. Storage solutions were practical, with thoughtfully placed trays and bins. Kia's trunk space was more generous than the TLX, offering 16 cubic feet and an expandable 60/40-split rear seat but lacked an interior handle for ease of closing.

The 2021 Acura TLX excelled in performance and occupant convenience technology. Features such as drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, SH-AWD, and a 10-speed automatic transmission with multiple drive-assistance technologies enhanced the driving experience. Ambient interior lighting allowed for customization based on the drive modes or personal preferences. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system stood out with its 17 speakers and 710-watt amplification, providing an exceptional auditory experience. The infotainment system offered seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a head-up display in the Advance Package.

The 2022 Kia K5 presented two infotainment system options. The base setup featured an 8-inch touchscreen, larger stereo knobs, and wireless smartphone integration. Higher trims, starting from the GT-Line, included a 10.25-inch touchscreen with cable-dependent Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a unique feature that reminded drivers when the vehicle ahead had moved. However, the K5's voice recognition struggled with accuracy, making smartphone mirroring more reliable.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured the comprehensive AcuraWatch suite with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, advanced airbags, ABS, and vehicle stability assist. New additions for 2021 included pedestrian sensing, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Optional safety features included rear cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera system.

In comparison, the 2022 Kia K5 excelled with the Kia Drive Wise suite, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features in the EX Premium package included cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The safety tech in the K5 proved effective, contributing to its Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star rating from NHTSA.