2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from the drab designs of the past. It was a stylish sedan with a fastback form, reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The GT-Line trim, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, gave it an Audi A5 Sportback vibe. The K5 featured a long rear window, unique taillights, and a polished black trim, making it a standout in terms of design. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and details made it sportier and more appealing than its predecessor, the Optima. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty feel, especially in the GT-Line trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition was a tribute to the model's legacy, with only 1,973 units produced. It featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. The interior boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery, fake wood trim, and unique seat tags. Despite its age, the Passat's design had aged well, and the 2020 refresh helped extend its appeal. However, the interior was a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies, with a small 6.3-inch touchscreen and an archaic driver information display. The Passat's cabin had a traditional European sobriety, but it lacked the modernity and quality of the K5's interior.

The 2021 Kia K5's performance didn't quite match its aggressive styling. The GT-Line model, with its softer suspension and Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires, lacked the handling prowess of competitors like the Volkswagen GLI. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing decent acceleration but lacking midrange power. The eight-speed automatic transmission was quick but not always smooth. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD models. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was only available with FWD, which could be problematic for handling.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, was enigmatic in its driving dynamics. It featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Passat's performance was adequate for daily driving, with a torque curve that provided acceptable power for commuting and highway cruising. The transmission's Sport mode helped make the Passat feel more responsive, and the car achieved an impressive 30.7 mpg on a mountainous testing loop. The Passat prioritized ride quality, but its suspension and tires made it feel jittery on city streets. The brake pedal feel was inconsistent, and the car felt cheap and flimsy over rough surfaces. However, on twisty roads, the Passat exhibited traditional German handling traits, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered comfortable seating for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10-inch display. Trunk space was 16 cubic feet, providing ample storage. However, rear air vents were missing, which was a drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat excelled in interior space, with plenty of room for five adults. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, but the lack of separate bottom cushion angle adjustment affected comfort. The rear seats were exceptionally comfortable, with ample legroom and good support. The Passat had a 15.9 cubic feet trunk, which was slightly smaller than the K5's but still competitive. Storage space was good, with many locations lined with rubber to reduce noise. However, the door-panel bins were lined with hard plastic, causing items to slide and make noise.

The 2021 Kia K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added features like 18-inch wheels, fog lights, rear USB ports, and a power driver's seat. The EX trim offered heated and ventilated seats, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment display. The GT trim included paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, and advanced voice command features. The K5 also had adaptive cruise control and semi-automated lane centering.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system was less sophisticated, with a 6.3-inch screen and standard App-Connect smartphone connectivity. The R-Line and Limited Edition trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. The voice recognition system was not as advanced, and the infotainment system felt outdated compared to other VW models. However, the Fender audio system was a highlight, offering excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores due to its stronger chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, cyclist detection, and rear emergency braking.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's safety features lagged behind more modern VW models. The base SE trim included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line trim added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition had adaptive headlights and parking sensors. The IIHS gave the Passat's top-trim headlights a "Good" rating, but NHTSA rated it four stars overall, with a three-star rating for frontal-impact collision protection.