2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a significant shift in Kia's design philosophy, moving away from the brand's past of uninspiring sedans. With its fastback form and striking GT-Line trim, the K5 was reminiscent of the more performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The vehicle's design was marked by a long rear window, unique taillights, and a sleek front with Z-shaped LED running lights. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions gave it a sporty appearance, enhanced by its lower and longer stance compared to the Optima. Inside, the K5's interior was driver-focused, featuring a split dash, red seats, and quality materials that exuded sportiness and quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta maintained its status as a best-seller for the brand, even amidst challenging market conditions. The Jetta received a mild makeover with subtle exterior tweaks, including a redesigned grille and bumper with more chrome accents. The Jetta's design was understated, likened to a suitcase in its simplicity. However, the vehicle's profile appeared more aggressive due to its lower front fascia and new wheel designs. Inside, the Jetta offered a comfortable cabin with ergonomic controls and ample storage space. The interior updates included a new rhombus pattern on the seats and contrast stitching, adding a premium touch to the overall design.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not deliver the sporty performance its aggressive styling suggested. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for city driving but lacking excitement in handling. The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower, but it was limited to front-wheel drive, which could lead to handling issues. The K5's fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway for FWD models. However, the sporty trim fell short of expectations in terms of driving dynamics.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, an upgrade from the previous year's 1.4-liter engine, offering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta's performance was adequate for city commuting, with impressive fuel economy ratings of up to 43 mpg highway for manual models. However, the Jetta's powertrain was criticized for its touchy throttle and turbo lag, leading to a less refined driving experience. The vehicle offered various drive modes, but the overall dynamics were considered tepid. Despite these shortcomings, the Jetta provided a comfortable ride on long journeys, with good visibility and supportive seats.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a spacious interior, comfortably accommodating two adults in the back despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive, and the cabin featured easy-to-use controls for climate and audio. The K5's trunk provided 16 cubic feet of space, with the option to fold down the rear seats for additional storage. However, the absence of rear air vents was a notable omission in terms of passenger comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to fit a fifth. The cabin was driver-centric, with well-placed controls for climate and audio. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. The Jetta's trunk space was practical, though the center storage bin lacked a latch, which was an unusual design choice.

The 2021 Kia K5 came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to set up without factory navigation. Standard features included LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a Bose stereo system. The GT trim added performance-oriented features like paddle shifters and 19-inch wheels.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL trim. The infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, while the SEL trim offered an 8-inch system with navigation and wireless charging. The Jetta's voice activation system was criticized for its lack of intuitiveness, but the touchscreen was responsive and easy to use.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not yet been rated by safety organizations, but it was expected to receive high scores due to its strong chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with IQ.Drive, which included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Jetta had not yet been rated for 2022, but the previous model received high safety ratings, with some shortcomings in headlight performance and LATCH use.