2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a significant shift in Kia's design philosophy, moving away from its past of uninspiring sedans. With its fastback form and striking GT-Line trim, the K5 was reminiscent of the more performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The vehicle's design was marked by a long rear window, unique taillights, and a killer front with Z-shaped LED running lights. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and styling details made it a standout in its class. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and sporty accents, offering a level of style and quality that was often missing from other mainstream brands.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX boasted a wide and long stance, giving it the presence of a larger luxury sedan. Its design featured thin headlights, a distinctive grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added exclusive paint options and sporty elements like a rear diffuser and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the TLX was snug but well-detailed, with a focus on comfort and quality. The interior featured a unique touchpad interface for the infotainment system, which required some acclimation but offered a modern approach to controls. The TLX's design was both bold and refined, appealing to those seeking a luxury feel.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, offered aggressive styling but fell short in delivering a sporty driving experience. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. The GT trim promised more excitement with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was limited to front-wheel drive, which could impact handling. The K5 excelled in fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway with the base engine.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, offered a more engaging driving experience. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produced 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced stability and handling precision, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The Type S variant took performance to another level with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling, although the exhaust note was somewhat subdued.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a spacious interior, comfortably accommodating two adults in the back despite its sleek profile. The front seats were supportive, and the layout of controls was intuitive. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10-inch display. Trunk space was generous at 16 cubic feet, providing ample room for luggage.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX felt tight for four passengers, with limited legroom in the back. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable features in the Type S variant. The TLX's touchpad interface for the infotainment system required some getting used to, but the climate control was straightforward. Trunk space was limited to 13.5 cubic feet, which was less than expected for a car of its size.

The 2021 Kia K5 came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to set up. Standard features included LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a premium audio system. The K5's semi-automated driving features worked well, even without navigation.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a head-up display and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The ELS Studio audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the climate control system was linked to the navigation for optimal comfort. The TLX's infotainment interface was unique but required some adaptation. The AcuraWatch suite offered semi-automated driving capabilities, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not yet been rated by major safety organizations, but it was expected to perform well due to its strong chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking.

The 2022 Acura TLX received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It came with standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Higher trims included additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors.