Are the Kia K5 and the Hyundai Sonata the Same Car?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Some automakers develop vehicles that often have the same look and feel. Others share more than just design ideas and price points. For example, you might already be familiar with just how similar the K5 and Sonata vehicles really are. However, there’s more to the Kia and Hyundai brands than just their South Korean heritage. 

Browsing the latest vehicle introductions between Hyundai and Kia, you’ll notice more than a few similarities. More specifically, if you’re looking at a new Kia K5, you might be wondering if you’re better off buying the Hyundai Sonata instead. Are these two sedans essentially the same car? Is one midsize sedan a better buy than the other?

Similarities between these 2 automakers

The Kia K5 and the Hyundai Sonata | Kia America/Hyundai Motor Company

Kia and Hyundai have a little history. Both automakers are operationally independent of each other. However, Hyundai Motor Group does own around 34 percent of Kia. While uniquely different from each other in manufacturing, design, and operations, Kia and Hyundai continue to be rivals, albeit in a sibling kind of corporate relationship.

Kia and Hyundai models by the specs

The Kia K5 and the Hyundai Sonata have a lot in common, including U.S. manufacturing plants. Both cars also tend to lead their respective classes in advanced driver aids, useful infotainment features, and smartphone integration tech. MotorTrend points out that the Kia K5 and the Hyundai Sonata are priced similarly and are about $3,000 less than the Honda Accord.

Other similarities between the Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata include the generous warranty coverages, with the 10-year and 100,000-mile Limited Powertrain and five-year, 60,000-mile Limited Basic warranties. Additionally, many Kia and Hyundai models share underpinnings and powertrains, translating to common parts and part numbers for maintenance.

Are the Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata the same car?

According to The Car Connection, the Kia K5 and the Hyundai Sonata have many similar standard equipment lists. However, they’re ultimately not quite the same car. Both, for example, have the same four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. However, the K5 gets an all-wheel drive variation, and the Sonata doesn’t. Alternatively, if you want a hybrid treatment, you’ll only find one with the Hyundai Sonata and not the Kia K5.

J.D. Power outlines a few key differences between these two sedans, including price ranges of the higher-trimmed versions. The Kia K5 offers the LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trims. The Hyundai Sonata offers the SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited trims. The 2021 Kia K5 GT is around $30,590, while the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited will cost about $33,950. 

Kia and Hyundai models that could be twins

In addition to the very similar features of the Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata, other Kia and Hyundai models share similarities. For example, despite the styling variations between the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade, both SUVs share platforms and underpinnings. Furthermore, the Kia Sorento offers the same fuel efficiency ratings as the Hyundai Santa Fe. Elsewhere, the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson achieve similar fuel economies and are nearly identical in terms of features and offerings.

When it comes time for you to buy a new midsize sedan, consider the Kia K5 and the Hyundai Sonata. There are a host of window sticker similarities between the two South Korean cars, including standard features and pricing, but in the end, they are different models. Whether you want sporty, comfortable, or tech-loaded, you’ll be able to choose a configuration of both. However, it may boil down to personal style tastes when you decide which sedan comes home to your driveway.

RELATED: Nightmare 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Required $14,000 in Unannounced Repairs

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Consumer Reports Recommends Nearly Every Honda CR-V Model Year It’s Ever Tested

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Honda CR-V is virtually always at the top of its class across the board. It’s a versatile compact crossover SUV that offers ample cargo space and thrifty fuel economy. Most trusted critics love the CR-V. In fact, Consumer Reports recommends nearly every Honda CR-V model year it’s ever tested. 

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid | honda

Which Honda CR-V model years does Consumer Reports recommend? 

The question that’s simpler to answer here is actually which Honda CR-V model years does Consumer Reports not recommend? For generations spanning across over two decades, the CR-V missed the badge on only seven models. Those numbers are looking pretty good. Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend the model years it tested before 2004. 

In addition, the 2006 and 2007 Honda CR-V model years didn’t earn the badge of honor either. Then 10 models later, the 2017 Honda CR-V also evaded the award. However, scrolling through the Consumer Reports pages on the many models of the CR-V shows this one to largely come out in favor. 

A rear quarter view of a green 2009 Honda CR-V parked in the city.
2009 Honda CR-V | Honda Media

We can assume that the older models were just not quite up to par due to its more rough around the edges nature back then. While it did boast the option for all-wheel drive and a cute adventurous design, the Honda CR-V in the early 2000s hadn’t quite ironed out all of its kinks yet. 

These models show only average 3/5 reliability ratings. By 2004, however, things start looking better. The 2004 Honda CR-V earned a 4/5 reliability rating. Reliability ratings dipped back down to an average score of 3/5 during the 2006 and 2007 model years.

The 2007 Honda CR-V, for example, was recalled 11 times. In addition, it was the first model of a new generation for the CR-V. This compact SUV suffered from common problems with the climate system as well as the electronics. But the issues were resolved quickly and reliability ratings went up again in 2008. 

The Honda CR-V is a practical compact SUV with a legacy

a 2021 Honda CR-V driving in a suburban neighborhood
2021 Honda CR-V | Honda

After 2008, only the 2017 Honda CR-V model year came up short. This was also the first model of a new redesign. Consumer Reports tells us that the most common 2017 CR-V problems include in-car electronics and power equipment. Again, this is pretty typical for the first year of a generation. 

So, it’s no surprise that the reliability ratings decreased incrementally here. However, it is surprising the sheer number of recommendation badges the Honda CR-V has from Consumer Reports as a whole. The 2021 and 2022 Honda CR-V are great new compact SUV options. 

That said, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2008, and more all make for great used car options. With high ratings like this, buyers may want to take a second look at this humble character in the compact SUV segment. It may not be exciting per se, but the Honda CR-V has so many Consumer Reports recommendations that it’s difficult to pass up. It’s a reliable option that offers plenty of bang for your buck in addition to being straightforward and inexpensive to maintain.

RELATED: 5 Good Used SUVs Recommended by Consumer Reports

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The Chevrolet Silverado Destroys Ford F-Series in Spring Truck Sales

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ford produces some of the best pickup trucks on the market. Ford pickup trucks have been at the top of their vehicle class for years. The American automaker knows how to build a tough, quality truck. The Chevrolet Silverado is also a favorite amongst truck enthusiasts. Surprisingly, the Chevrolet Silverado outsold Ford F-series trucks by a large margin this spring.

Chevrolet Silverado sales tower over Ford F-series sales

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado | Chevrolet

Ford trucks are tough to compete with. The blue oval badge has become synonymous with reliability and power. Ford F-series trucks are known to deliver exactly what truck enthusiasts are looking for. This spring, the Chevrolet Silverado crushed Ford F-series trucks in sales.

According to The Drive, Ford F-series trucks could not compete with Chevrolet Silverado sales. The chip shortage is a huge factor in Ford’s dismal sales quarter. One automaker’s misfortune is another automaker’s opportunity. The Chevrolet Silverado outsold Ford F-series pickup trucks by over 6,946 units. Chevy’s pickup truck was sold 164,731 times this spring. Ford only sold 158,235 Ford F-series trucks in the second quarter. But do Q2 sales actually mean that Chevrolet has the better truck?

The 2021 Ford F-150 has a historic lineage

A red 2021 Ford F-150.
The 2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

For years the Ford F-150 has been the quintessential American pickup truck. It lasts long, it tows, and it has just enough giddyup to keep drivers excited. Ford has created stiff competition in the pickup truck class, and the F-150 is largely responsible for the automaker keeping the title of best truck in a vice grip. The 2021 Ford F-150 isn’t wildly different from any of its legendary predecessors.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offers quick acceleration, a great-looking cabin, and lots of cool upgrades. It starts at $30,985. Its base model engine is a 3.3-liter 290 horsepower V6. There are several engine options for the 2021 Ford F-150, including a 400 horsepower twin-turbocharged V6.

How the Chevrolet Silverado compares to the Ford F-150

The new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 makes its official debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show January 13, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Bill Pugliano via Getty Images

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a cheaper pickup truck than the 2021 Ford F-150, starting at $29,300. Its V6 engine makes 285 horsepower. It has a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds compared to the 2021 F-150’s 14,000 pounds. Even the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500’s cabin is inferior to the F-150’s. The F-150 also has slightly better gas mileage as well.

On paper, the Chevrolet Silverado isn’t that great of a pickup truck compared to the Ford F-150. The Silverado is efficient and has some great powertrain options, but it just isn’t as comfortable and classy as a Ford truck or even some Ram models.

The verdict is out, and the only logical explanation for the Chevrolet Silverado outselling Ford F-series trucks is a supply issue because of the chip shortage. That being said, it seems that the public has chosen the Silverado as the best alternative option to the F-150. The automotive industry works in mysterious ways, and many contributing factors affect vehicle sales. If Ford isn’t careful, Chevrolet could end up converting some of its loyal customer base into Silverado enthusiasts because of the lack of working, available F-series trucks.

RELATED: You Won’t Be Able to Buy a New Ford F-150

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6 Ford Mach-E Mustangs Each Die at Norwegian Landmark: Must Be Towed Out

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tourists driving rented Ford Mustang Mach-E EVs are having issues. They’re getting stranded at one of Norway’s most popular sites, the famous, winding Eagle Road. It is the country’s most popular tourist road and leads to Geiranger. Well, it is supposed to, but for some, it leads to a local Ford repair facility.

Rented tourist Mustang Mach-E EVs are dying on Norway’s Eagle Road

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E | The Ford Motor Company

That’s because these new, rented Mustang Mach-E EVs suddenly die. They can’t be restarted and need to be towed out. “I have had six salvages of the same car model in 14 days,” said Karl Martin Rønnenberg. He is a Ford salesperson and member of the Norwegian Automobile Federation, or NAF, speaking to Norway’s Motor.no. 

Since the vehicles were stopped, Rønneberg says the Mach-Es with issues had to be removed using a tow truck. But now Ford Norway says it knows what the issues are and how to fix them. The six Mach-Es used too much regen braking. This caused the batteries to get hot. 

All of the Mach-Es were being driven down a long, winding road to Geiranger. They were all set on maximum regenerative braking mode to help charge the batteries under normal conditions. The amount of braking involved to get down the road is not your typical driving condition.

What is Ford doing to fix the issues?

The new Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT | Ford

Annie Sønsteby, Ford Norway information director, says the Mustang Mach-E braking issues can be handled with an over-the-air fix. Unfortunately, with Ford, that means you still have to take it into a dealership to get it. So, maybe Ford should just call it a “software update at the dealer” update instead. The good news is that the over-the-air updates will be starting around October 2021. So it will be happening, just not now. 

“We have been made aware of a very small number of Mustang Mach-E in Norway, where the electric motor has stopped on steep downhills,” Sønsteby says. “There is a software update available for customers at all our resellers that addresses this issue. Alternatively, customers can also get their Mustang Mach-E updated with a Power-Up via OTA updates that will be available as part of our next 21B update – which will take place in September/October this year.”

We’ve covered some of the issues Mustang Mach-E owners are experiencing. On some forums, owners are calling themselves “beta testers” instead of “drivers.” None of the EV manufacturers have had clear sailing when it comes to new models, including Tesla. 

There is a certain confidence that Ford has the Mustang Mach-E dialed-in

A bright orange 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E against a black background.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E | Ford

But that is why potential EV adopters have been anxious to look into purchases from legacy auto manufacturers. Rather than buying from a startup, there is a certain built-in confidence that goes with buying a new EV from Ford or Chevy. That is why these issues that keep popping up are disappointing. 

Of course, nobody is more frustrated and embarrassed about these EV hiccups than Ford. As more issues inevitably crop up, and with actual over-the-air software fixes, these will be but minor blips for owners. And won’t make headlines like they currently are doing.

RELATED: Ford’s Mustang Mach-E Won’t Start Due To Software Problems

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