2019 Kia Optima vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as revolutionary in design as its predecessors, still managed to capture attention with its signature tiger-nose grille, stylish fender-vent trim, and optional black panoramic glass roof. It offered a range of trim levels, allowing buyers to find a look that suited their taste and budget. However, the limited availability of interior color options, except for black, posed a challenge for those seeking a specific aesthetic. The price range for the Optima spanned from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the Limited Package, with a plug-in hybrid model exceeding $42,000. The SX Turbo trim, with its blacked-out exterior, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and red brake calipers, presented a sporty appearance, though the Limited Package was preferred for its luxurious upgrades.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat's exterior design closely resembled its predecessors and the redesigned VW Jetta, offering a familiar look. Inside, the Passat retained a traditional dashboard layout with a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, lacking the latest VW technology. The interior featured glossy plastic surfaces, which were easy to clean, and the overall theme of the car was simplicity. The Passat was available in four trims, with the base S starting at $22,995 and the top SEL at $31,095. The R-Line trim, priced at $28,645, added a sporty touch with its Aurora Red paint and remote engine start, totaling $30,206 with destination charges.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered a diverse range of powertrains, including hybrid options. The base LX and sporty S trims featured a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the EX Turbo utilized a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 178 horsepower. The hybrid models delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with the standard hybrid achieving 41 mpg in combined driving and the plug-in hybrid offering up to 28 miles of electric range. The SX Turbo trim, tested with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, provided smooth acceleration and a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The car offered four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode adjusting to driving behavior. The SX Turbo's steering system, brakes, and sport-tuned suspension contributed to an enjoyable driving experience, though it lacked the crispness of a true performance sedan.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivered 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While not exceptionally powerful, it didn't require premium fuel. The 6-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, offering a Sport mode and paddle shifters. The Passat's simplicity in powertrain and driving modes appealed to those seeking straightforward performance. The engine's torque allowed for smooth acceleration, though the transmission occasionally upshifted to maximize fuel economy. The Passat achieved 26 mpg on the testing loop, close to the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The steering was light yet precise, and the brakes performed well under repeated use. However, the suspension tuning resulted in a stiff ride over bumps and a floaty feel over undulations, though it conveyed road texture effectively.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort, simplicity, and ample storage. The controls were logically arranged, with buttons and knobs enhancing usability. The spacious interior featured a 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and numerous storage compartments. The front seats provided various power adjustments, heating, and ventilation options, with the Limited Package offering premium Nappa leather and additional luxury features. The backseat offered impressive legroom, thigh support, and a comfortable backrest angle, along with rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports. The Smart Trunk feature, while convenient, could be inadvertently triggered, but an interior handle facilitated closing the trunk lid.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, designed for American preferences, boasted a spacious interior with wide seats, large door openings, and excellent visibility. The Passat S featured cloth upholstery, while the SE and R-Line trims offered V-Tex leatherette seats, with genuine leather available in the SEL trim. Heated seats and rear air conditioning vents enhanced comfort in varying weather conditions. The trunk, measuring 15.9 cubic feet, provided a flat load floor for maximum utility, accommodating full-size suitcases and compact strollers. The key fob allowed for easy trunk access, and grips on the lid facilitated closing. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical choice, with SUVs only offering advantages in all-wheel drive, cargo capacity, or third-row seating.

The 2019 Kia Optima came equipped with a generous standard infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. The S and EX Turbo trims added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which relied on the owner's smartphone data plan. The 2019 update included a smartphone app for remote vehicle access and climate control. The SX Turbo trim offered a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, despite the unique font choice, and the voice-recognition technology was flexible.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, but its 6.3-inch touchscreen display provided essential features. App Connect included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim added navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat's infotainment system, with its buttons and knobs, offered a nostalgic simplicity. The test car featured optional remote engine start, useful for pre-conditioning the interior, and the SEL trim included a parking steering-assist system.

The 2019 Kia Optima stood out for its comprehensive safety features, even in the base LX trim. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Rear parking-assist sensors and a driver-monitoring system were also standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system. The Optima's advanced safety features operated smoothly, and the car received top crash-test ratings from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility. The federal government awarded the Optima 5-star ratings in most assessments.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat prioritized safety with standard features like forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. An automatic post-collision braking system was also included. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim offered parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat earned the top rating of Good in IIHS crash-test assessments.