The 2022 Kia K5 vs. the Honda Civic—which is better? Kelley Blue Book

By Nelson Ireson

The midsize 2022 Kia K5 and compact 2022 Honda Civic aren’t exactly direct competitors, but we see enough shoppers researching both of them that a comparison is in order. Are you Team K5 or Club Civic? Let’s give each of them an opportunity to win you over.

2022 Kia K5

Brand-new in 2021 as a replacement for the Optima, the 2022 K5 remains a strong competitor in the midsize sedan segment. A sporty midsize sedan with a fastback look, the 2022 Kia /zigman2/quotes/206019389/delayed KR:000270 +1.30% K5 offers technology, comfort, and great driving manners in a handsome package.

Kia K5 highlights

Sharp styling: We love the sharp looks of the outside, particularly the headlights and the fastback styling. The interior is a very nice place to be, with seats that are both comfortable and supportive, and a futuristic-looking instrument panel and infotainment system. A higher trim called the GT-Line adds some sporty looks and 18-inch wheels. Most interior functions are accessed via the infotainment screen, or redundant buttons on the steering wheel, making the cabin neat and tidy.

Value pricing: The K5 is pricier than the smaller Civic, but it’s a strong value among midsize sedans. Apple /zigman2/quotes/202934861/composite AAPL -0.40% CarPlay, Android Auto and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard, as is automatic emergency braking. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Upper trims offer all-wheel drive, more USB ports, a larger touchscreen, heated seats, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. The K5 also offers available all-wheel drive, which isn’t available on the Civic.

Good fuel economy: The base 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder might seem small, but it provides plenty of low-end torque to keep the K5 moving. The 8-speed transmission helps it earn good fuel economy, while a driver-selectable Sport mode adds driving fun. It’s not as efficient as the smaller and less powerful Civic, but its combined EPA rating of 31 mpg is solid for a midsize sedan.

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2022 Honda Civic

As KBB’s Compact Car Best Buy for 2022, the totally redesigned Honda Civic continues to impress with its value, style, and performance. Shoppers are impressed, too, as it’s the top-selling passenger car in the U.S.

Honda Civic highlights

Timeless design: Honda’s /zigman2/quotes/207173990/composite HMC -0.04% “timeless design” concepts from previous Civics have been revisited here, including a low hood, front fenders, and beltline, which create an expansive greenhouse and a superb outward view. While the new Civic hatchback could have been made to look more like a wagon, Honda instead gave it a coupe-like roofline while retaining good rear headroom.

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Impeccably practical yet fun: Despite being even more efficient than previous Civics, the 2022 model also continues the tradition of being fun to drive, offering 158 horsepower and a suspension tuned for fun as well as everyday comfort. Add in the Civic’s roomy interior and solid fuel economy ratings of up to 36 mpg combined and you have a fun and relatively frugal — and still affordable — pick for the daily grind.

Refined and reliable: Just as it’s fun and good-looking, the 2022 Civic also exhibits the best of Honda’s ability to deliver exceptional refinement, reliability, and resale value in a relatively affordable package.

Similarities

Fun to drive; strong tech; excellent interiors.

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Conclusion

You really can’t go wrong choosing either of these high-value, feature-packed, fun-to-drive cars. The Civic is as good as it gets among compact cars, but as a midsize sedan the K5 offers more room, more power, and more features, but for a bit more money.

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	2022 Kia K5	2022 Honda Civic
Starting Price	$23,790	$22,550
Popular Powertrains
Engine	1.6-liter turbo I4	2.0-liter I4
Horsepower	180 hp @ 5,000 rpm	158 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm	138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission	8-spd automatic	CVT
Fuel Economy	32 mpg (29 city/38 hwy)	35 mpg (31 city/40 hwy)
Also Available	2.5-liter turbo I4; 8-spd dual-clutch automatic; AWD	1.5-liter turbo I4; 6-spd manual
Specs
Basic Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	10 years/100,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating	5 stars	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	112.2 inches	107.7 inches
Overall Length	193.1 inches	184.0 inches
Width	73.2 inches	70.9 inches
Height	56.9 inches	55.7 inches
Headroom, Front	40.2 inches	39.3 inches
Headroom, Rear	37.8 inches	37.1 inches
Legroom, Front	46.1 inches	42.3 inches
Legroom, Rear	35.2 inches	37.4 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	58.0 inches	57.0 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	56.1 inches	56.0 inches
EPA Passenger Volume	105.3 cubic feet	99.0 cubic feet
EPA Cargo Volume	16.0 cubic feet	14.8 cubic feet