2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a bold new direction for Kia, shedding its past image of drab sedans. With its fastback form and striking design elements, the K5 was reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The GT-Line trim, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, gave it an Audi A5 Sportback-like appearance. The K5's design was marked by unique taillights, a long rear window, and a polished black trim, all contributing to its sporty and upscale look. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and details made it a standout in its class, offering a sportier and more refined aesthetic than its predecessor, the Optima.

Inside, the K5 continued to impress with a driver-focused interior featuring red seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and quality materials throughout. The dash was split between driver and passenger, with a center stack angled toward the driver. The GT-Line trim included standard analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen, which, despite its size, felt upscale. The K5's interior exuded sportiness and quality, setting it apart from many competitors in its segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius maintained its iconic boomerang-shaped design, a hallmark since its second generation. While the styling was ingrained in its identity, it was not universally praised. The interior featured a unique layout with a central strip of displays and a toggle lever for transmission controls. The Prius offered a range of trims, including the L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with options for AWD-e. Despite its unconventional design, the Prius provided the utility of a five-door hatchback, with prices ranging from $24,525 to $32,650.

The Prius's interior was also distinctive, with a strip of displays mounted near the windshield and a narrow center console. The infotainment pod was thrust toward the front seat occupants, and the gloss-black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. While the Prius offered practicality and efficiency, its design and interior layout were not as universally appealing as the K5's.

The 2021 Kia K5, despite its aggressive GT-Line styling, did not deliver the sporty performance one might expect. The GT-Line lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping, making it less agile than competitors like the Volkswagen GLI. The standard engine was a 1.6-liter turbo-four producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it offered good fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, the K5's performance fell short of its sporty appearance.

The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was only available in front-wheel drive. The K5's handling was balanced, and the ride was comfortable, but the sporty trim did not match the hype. The K5 excelled as a family sedan, offering a roomy interior and good fuel economy, but it was not a true sports sedan.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius focused on fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving an impressive 56 mpg combined according to the EPA. Other front-drive models earned 52 mpg, while AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. While not powerful, the Prius offered electric-only driving capability at low speeds and excelled in urban environments.

The Prius's TNGA platform provided a lower center of gravity, enhancing its handling on curvy roads. While not a sports car, the Prius offered a predictable and efficient driving experience. The regenerative braking system and various driving modes allowed drivers to maximize fuel efficiency, making the Prius ideal for city commuting and those focused on fuel economy.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with ample space for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The K5's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a wireless charging pad conveniently located. Trunk space was generous at 16 cubic feet, providing practicality for everyday use.

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Prius surprised with its spacious interior, accommodating up to five people. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather could be sticky. The rear seats provided adequate room for adults, but lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim, with up to 27.4 cubic feet behind the back seat and a maximum of 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, offering versatility for carrying larger items.

The 2021 Kia K5 featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a power driver's seat. The EX trim offered ventilated seats, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment display. The K5's adaptive cruise control and semi-automated lane-centering system enhanced its technology offerings, providing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added a JBL premium sound system and a navigation system. However, the infotainment system's graphics were dated, and the sound quality was lacking. The Prius's technology was functional but not as advanced as the K5's offerings.

The 2021 Kia K5 was equipped with a range of safety features, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind-spot monitoring and Safe Exit Assist were standard on higher trims. While not yet rated by NHTSA or IIHS, the K5 was expected to receive top scores due to its strong chassis and body shell.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims. While NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model, IIHS gave it favorable marks. The Prius offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, though the lane-keeping systems could affect steering feel.