There’s no denying that the Toyota Camry is a great car. But when it comes to comparing it to the 2021 Kia K5? Well, unfortunately for this year’s Camry, there are plenty of reasons to choose the 2021 Kia K5 instead.

For best-in-class torque ratings, choose the 2021 Kia K5

Much like the Toyota Camry, this year’s new Kia K5 comes with your pick of engine under the hood. Standard with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, this year’s model can also be had with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. Opt for the K5’s turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which boasts best-in-class torque ratings, and you’ll enjoy the thrill of 290-hp and 311 pound-feet of torque every time that you get behind the wheel.

As for the Toyota Camry? This year’s model comes standard with a 2.5-liter engine. It’s also available with a 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. Unfortunately, neither engine can match the K5’s best-in-class available torque ratings. While the Camry’s standard engine is rated at 203-hp and 182 pound-feet of torque, its V6 engine only manages 301-hp and 267 pound-feet of torque.

Kia’s warranty is pretty much unbeatable

But the Kia K5 has more to offer than best-in-class torque ratings when you opt for its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. This year’s K5 also comes standard with Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty. It also includes roadside assistance coverage for five years or 60,000-miles, whichever happens to come first.

Compare that to the Toyota Camry’s warranty coverage, and it’s easy to see that Kia’s warranty is pretty much unbeatable. While the Kia K5 comes with a decade worth of warranty coverage, this year’s Camry is standard with only a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty, a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and rust-through coverage for 60-months and unlimited miles. 

The 2021 Kia K5 costs less than its Toyota competition

Because of its comprehensive warranty, you might be thinking that the 2021 Kia K5 costs more than the Toyota Camry. Fortunately, that’s not the case at all. In fact, the 2021 Kia K5 is cheaper than the Toyota Camry. The base model K5 costs approximately $23,590. At its most expensive, the Kia K5 will run you about $30,590.

The 2021 Toyota Camry, on the other hand, will cost you a pretty penny. Opt for the base model, and you can expect to spend about $24,970. Choose the range-topping Toyota Camry XSE with a V6 under the hood, and this year’s Camry will have you spending approximately $35,545. Expensive, right?

Is the 2021 Kia K5 the right fit for you?

The 2021 Kia K5 may offer better torque ratings than the 2021 Toyota Camry. It may also be cheaper and come standard with more comprehensive warranty coverage. But does that make it the right fit for you? Not necessarily. While the K5 certainly does have a lot going for it, we recommend test driving it before making your final decision.