2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2019 Kia Optima

In 2019, Volkswagen introduced a sleek new version of its Jetta compact sedan. The new model was slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, which contributed to a more upscale presence. Volkswagen gave the Jetta a wide, angular grille, inspired by the Arteon sport sedan, that transformed its look significantly from the previous generation’s bland front end. However, some critics felt that the striking new grille could be overwhelming for a compact sedan, though it did integrate seamlessly with the interior’s angular design language.

Inside, the Jetta’s cabin was noticeably spacious and attractive, balancing comfort and functionality. Soft-touch surfaces were strategically placed to give the interior a premium feel. The base S trim, which Volkswagen chose to showcase, came well-equipped with features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and taillights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display offering Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

As one moved up the trims, additional features like V-Tex leatherette seating, a panoramic moonroof, and advanced driver-assistance technologies became available. The R-Line trim offered exclusive styling and performance touches like unique bumpers and side skirts, a blacked-out grille, and Volkswagen's XDS differential for a sportier drive. Higher trims like the SEL and SEL Premium included upgraded LED lighting, auto-dimming mirrors, and a 400-watt BeatsAudio system, among other premium touches.

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as groundbreaking in design as the previous generation, retained an appealing look with its trademark tiger-nose grille, stylish fender-vent trim, and available black panoramic glass roof. The Optima came in various trims, each offering distinct features and price points. Despite its attractiveness, buyers might find it challenging to get the right color combination because of limited interior color options.

Pricing for the Optima ranged from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the Limited Package. The plug-in hybrid variant was the most expensive, going over $42,000 but benefitting from federal and state incentives. The SX Turbo trim, which lacked the Limited Package in the test car, featured a blacked-out exterior appearance, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and red brake calipers, giving it a stealthy, sporty look. The interior matched this theme with black leather seats and red inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and advanced instrumentation.

While the SX Turbo was appealing, the Limited Package upgrade added luxurious touches like quilted Nappa leather, improved interior materials, and other premium features, making it a bargain at less than $37,000.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta featured a single engine option across all trims: a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Though this engine had slightly less horsepower compared to the previous model, it felt more responsive. The engine was designed to deliver power efficiently from a stop, contributing to quicker acceleration. This was aided by the new 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the older 6-speed unit, which allowed for better power management and efficiency across various speeds. A 6-speed manual transmission was also available for those who preferred to shift gears themselves.

Unlike many small turbocharged engines that either excel in city driving or highway speeds, the Jetta's engine tuning provided balanced performance across both scenarios. The steering offered a blend of smoothness and sportiness akin to an entry-level BMW 3 Series. The ride quality was refined, handling both rough roads and corners with minimal body roll and without feeling overly soft. Impressively, both manual and automatic versions returned identical fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon city, 40 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered a diverse range of engines across its different trims. The base LX and sporty S trims housed a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the mid-grade EX Turbo featured a fuel-efficient 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 178 horsepower. The hybrid models boasted a remarkable 41 mpg combined, and the plug-in variant offered up to 28 miles of pure electric range before switching to hybrid mode.

The test car, an Optima SX Turbo, came with a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produced 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided smooth, linear acceleration rather than an aggressive push into the seat. It was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, featuring a manual shift gate and paddle shifters. Four driving modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart—offered tailored driving dynamics, with Smart mode adjusting to driving patterns. On a standard test loop, the car averaged 23.5 mpg, close to the EPA's combined estimate of 24 mpg.

The SX Turbo trim's unique rack-mounted electric steering system provided a responsive feel, though it lacked crispness on challenging roads. Brakes with larger front discs handled daily driving well but faded under aggressive use. The sport-tuned suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride that managed city speed humps with ease, though body motion was more pronounced on undulating terrain. Overall, the Optima SX Turbo delivered an enjoyable driving experience, albeit not as thrilling as some true performance sedans.

The interior of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfort and practicality. Both front and rear seats were comfortable, even on long trips, despite slightly reduced legroom compared to the previous model. The trunk capacity had also decreased from 15.7 to 14.1 cubic feet, but this was still on par with class averages. Volkswagen improved cabin usability by repositioning the touchscreen above the front climate vents and moving the shifter back, enhancing driver visibility and increasing the center tray's size.

The layout was user-friendly, blending touchscreen functions with traditional buttons and dials, preserving practicality. This set the Jetta apart from competitors that had transitioned to entirely touchscreen-based controls.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a commuter car, prioritizing comfort, simplicity, and ample storage spaces. The interior featured logically arranged, clearly marked controls, and the array of buttons and knobs minimized the need to interact with the touchscreen. These controls were angled toward the driver for better visibility and ease of use.

The Optima's spacious interior included a 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and numerous storage cubbies. Front seats offered multiple power adjustments, heating, and ventilation options, though the standard leather felt stiff. Opting for the Limited Package added luxurious Nappa leather and other premium touches. The backseat boasted impressive legroom, thigh support, and a comfortable backrest angle, along with rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports.

The Smart Trunk feature automatically opened the trunk lid when standing behind the car with the key fob, which was convenient for carrying items but could be triggered unintentionally. The Optima's interior handle for closing the trunk kept fingers clean. Overall, the Optima was easy to live with daily, offering a blend of comfort, practicality, utility, and luxury with the SX Turbo's Limited Package.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta came packed with technology, even at its base level. The standard 6.5-inch touchscreen display featured Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing users to access navigation and other apps without upgrading to higher trims.

The SEL and SEL Premium trims included Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable, full-color digital display similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. This 10.25-inch screen could be personalized to show a variety of driver-selected information, including navigation. The myriad of tech features across all trims provided excellent connectivity and user experience.

The 2019 Kia Optima also offered a robust array of technology features. Standard equipment included an 8-inch touchscreen with the latest version of Kia’s UVO technology, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera.

Higher trims like the Optima S and EX Turbo added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which provided emergency response and remote vehicle access via a smartphone app. These eServices, though subscription-free, relied on the smartphone’s data plan. The SX Turbo trim included a navigation system, HD Radio, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system, enhancing the overall experience. Kia’s infotainment system was user-friendly and provided flexible voice-recognition technology, though some users might find the font choice unique.

Safety was a key focus for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. Standard features included a full array of front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The automatic post-collision braking system added an extra layer of safety.

Driver-assist technologies like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and forward-collision avoidance were standard from the SE trim onwards and optional for the base S trim. The SEL and SEL Premium trims added more safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled in safety, even at the entry level. Every Optima came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert systems. 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 were user-friendly and refined, making them less likely to be disabled by the driver. The IIHS gave the Optima SX Turbo top ratings in most areas, while the federal government awarded it 5-star ratings in almost all tests, with a 4-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal collision.