2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of elegance and athleticism, reflecting the personality of its driver. Its design was characterized by a dynamic stance and a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback. The IS featured a distinctive spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights, giving it an assertive look. Inside, the dashboard was simple yet stylish, with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior matched the exterior's boldness, with high-quality materials and a modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock seemed outdated in this contemporary setting.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 stood out with its sleek, low, and long design, resembling a luxury sports sedan. The K5 continued the design leadership established by its predecessor, the Optima. The test car's Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather interior, accented with matte-finish fake wood and metallic touches, created an upscale feel. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the K5 exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined sense of motion in its components. The automatic transmission shifter, door handles, and steering wheel stalks all contributed to a sense of care in construction.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, debuting the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 producing 260 hp. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp. The IS had a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD consuming 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance leader with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, it lacked AWD and was less efficient. The standard K5 engine was a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery. The K5's fuel consumption was 8.2 L/100 km combined, with our test returning 8.1 L/100 km. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and suspension issues, but it handled speed bumps well and had excellent wind noise control.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-focused experience with a comfortable, adjustable seat and supportive F Sport trim. The IS featured synthetic NuLuxe upholstery, ample storage, and a 305.8-litre trunk. Rear seats were comfortable for two but cramped for three, with limited legroom.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort with dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The K5's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but the seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. Rear passengers had ample space, and storage was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and expandable cargo space.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus's connected services. The Mark Levinson audio system was a standout feature, offering high-quality sound. However, the subscription model for navigation was a potential drawback.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the larger 10.25-inch display available from the GT-Line trim. While it required a cable for smartphone integration, it included satellite radio and Kia Connect services. The Bose audio system was exclusive to the GT trim. The K5's voice recognition was lacking, but the system's graphics were vibrant.

The 2021 Lexus IS was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Kia K5 also achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a wide range of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Highway Driving Assist. The K5's safety tech was praised for its effectiveness, though some features had limitations.