When it comes to midsize sedans, there are a lot of options on the market for people to choose from. These vehicles are made for individuals and families and share a lot of similarities by default. Two of the top midsize sedans on the market that deserve to be compared are the 2021 Honda Accord vs 2021 Kia K5. These vehicles are so similar in specs and abilities, even more so than many midsize sedans, that it is why it is well worth doing an in-depth side by side comparison of the two vehicles to see which one comes out on top.
Both vehicles have 14.8-gallon gas tanks, enough space to seat four passengers as well as the driver, and an average fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon on the highway. Despite these similarities between the pair, the myriad of differences, both small and large, leaves one as the clear better choice between the two vehicles. The 2021 Honda Accord is often compared to the 2021 Kia K5 because the pair are so closely rated. Before looking at specific numbers or measurements, the largest general difference is the history between the two manufacturers.
Honda has a long history of producing high-quality products and incredibly reliable vehicles. Kia had a much more difficult start, originally known for sub-par vehicles that were not built to last. Over the years, Kia has managed to largely throw off this reputation, which has led to the side by side comparisons between the two brands. However, Kia still targets a lower price point than Honda and does not have the same reputation for bullet-proof reliability. But when it comes to initial quality, the two manufacturers are neck and neck in many respects, especially when it comes to the 2021 Honda Accord vs 2021 Kia K5.
Powertrains and Price
Both the Honda Accord and the Kia K5 come standard with small turbocharged engines that provide an excellent balance between power and efficiency. However, Honda manages to get 192 horsepower out of a 1.5-liter engine, while Kia’s larger 1.6-liter engine only produces 180 horsepower. The increase in power also doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency, thanks to the 2021 Honda Accord’s continuously variable transmission.
This type of transmission allows the car to change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios, giving the Accord a 33 MPG combined fuel economy. The 2021 Kia K5, on the other hand, has an eight-speed automatic transmission. This gives the Kia a lower fuel economy of only 31 MPG combined in most trims and results in a somewhat less smooth ride when compared to the Honda Accord. And of course, if you are looking for ultimate fuel efficiency, the 2021 Honda Accord is available as a hybrid, which gets 48 miles per gallon combined – something that the K5 does not offer.
The MSRP may be one of the first easily identifiable differences between the pair, able to be spotted even by those who know nothing about vehicle buying. The 2021 Honda Accord has an MSRP of $24,770, while the 2021 Kia K5 has an MSRP of $23,490. The Honda does cost more, but not by much. That higher price is a sign of higher quality, more buyer options, and better reliability. Honda’s reputation is well earned, and its vehicles are made to last.
Choices to Make: Colors and Trims
The 2021 Honda Accord has a wealth of options for buyers to choose from for a more personalized vehicle when all is said and done. With eight color options and five trim options, Honda proves that it wants to give its customers as many choices as possible to ensure everyone walks away happy. The color options for the exterior include crystal black pearl, lunar silver metallic, modern steel metallic, san marino red, radiant red metallic, platinum white pearl, sonic gray pearl, and still night pearl.
Options in trim level for the Accord include LX, Sport, Sport Special Edition, EX-L, and Touring 2.0T. The LX is the most basic base model available. It comes standard with seventeen-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch central touch screen, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The next trim level, the Sport, offers nineteen-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, fog lights, and an eight-speaker audio system, among other things. The Sport can also be optioned with the Accord’s larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which comes with 252 horsepower and a ten-speed automatic transmission.
The Sport Special Edition, also known as the Sport SE, builds on the previous trim level. It adds features to the 2021 Honda Accord, such as remote start, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The EX-L eliminates the Sport SE’s sporty nineteen-inch wheels, spoiler, and paddle shifters in favor of greater luxury, including satellite radio, a ten speaker audio system, a sunroof, and a universal garage door opener. The Touring 2.0T is the top trim for the 2021 Honda Accord. This trim level adds rain-sensing wipers, a heads up display on the windshield, a navigation system, and low-speed anti-collision braking, which applies the brakes in a collision taking place under six miles per hour.
The 2021 Kia K5 has five trim levels: the LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. As with the Honda Accord, some safety features are standard across all trim levels, including forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. The base trim level for the 2021 Kia K5 is the LX. It includes a 180 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the base Accord trim, the K5 LX trim only comes with sixteen-inch wheels and manual climate control.
The LXS offers keyless entry, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear passenger safe exit system. The last feature will lock the rear doors to prevent passengers from opening their door into oncoming traffic. The GT-Line offers mostly internal upgrades, including cloth and simulated leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and USB ports for the rear passengers. The EX trim level for the 2021 Kia K5 offers a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and climate control for rear passengers. The GT, as the top of the line trim level, has a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, unlike with the Accord, the K5’s top engine is not available on any of the lower trims.
Honda vs Kia: Conclusion
These vehicles have many similarities and differences, but at the end of everything, Honda simply offers more – from the superior fuel economy to the greater power, to say nothing of the higher quality. Honda’s company history speaks for itself in that regard. Honda was already a household name long before Kia came on to the scene.
The 2021 Kia K5 is cheaper than the 2021 Honda Accord, but the extra money – less than $1000, all told – does little to outweigh the advantages of the Honda. Additionally, Honda has a better reputation for making quality vehicles that will last. If you are trying to decide between a 2021 Honda Accord and a 2021 Kia K5, the choice is clear. Honda costs a bit more, but it lasts far longer. As the saying goes – you get what you pay for, and the 2021 Honda Accord is well worth the slightly higher price tag.
