2021 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Kia K5
Overview | |
MSRP$23,995 | MSRP$23,790 |
Average price$19,495 | Average price$24,131 |
Listings448 | Listings1052 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews SummaryDespite its German branding, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an All-American midsize sedan. It was developed specifically for the United States market, and it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2011, when the Americanized Passat was launched, VW thought the sedan was the key to dominating the U.S. market. Midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default choice for most buyers at that time, after all. A lot has changed since then—SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars—but the Passat rolls on. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously-available Passat SEL trim level is gone, leaving just the base S, SE, and R-Line models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the board, and some trim levels get more standard equipment as well. Our test car was a mid-level SE model. | |
2022 Kia K5 Reviews SummaryLast model year, as part of a redesign of its midsize sedan, Kia changed the car’s name from Optima to K5. Rakishly attractive and an undeniably good value, the new Kia K5 is an appealing choice in a shrinking vehicle segment where it faces fewer rivals with each year that passes. For the 2022 model year, the K5 wears Kia’s redesigned emblems, upper trim levels add standard features, and a new Premium option package for the GT-Line AWD installs upgraded headlights, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, Highway Driving Assist technology, and adaptive cruise control that can automatically adjust vehicle speed for curves. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3314 lbs | Curb Weight3115 lbs |
Height58.7 in | Height56.9 in |
Length193.6 in | Length193.1 in |
Width72.6 in | Width73.2 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload948 lbs | Maximum Payload1239 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,995 | $23,790 |
Average price | $19,495 | $24,131 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 5.0 |
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Despite its German branding, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is an All-American midsize sedan. It was developed specifically for the United States market, and it’s built in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2011, when the Americanized Passat was launched, VW thought the sedan was the key to dominating the U.S. market. Midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default choice for most buyers at that time, after all. A lot has changed since then—SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars—but the Passat rolls on. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously-available Passat SEL trim level is gone, leaving just the base S, SE, and R-Line models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the board, and some trim levels get more standard equipment as well. Our test car was a mid-level SE model. | Last model year, as part of a redesign of its midsize sedan, Kia changed the car’s name from Optima to K5. Rakishly attractive and an undeniably good value, the new Kia K5 is an appealing choice in a shrinking vehicle segment where it faces fewer rivals with each year that passes. For the 2022 model year, the K5 wears Kia’s redesigned emblems, upper trim levels add standard features, and a new Premium option package for the GT-Line AWD installs upgraded headlights, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, Highway Driving Assist technology, and adaptive cruise control that can automatically adjust vehicle speed for curves. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 1.6L 180 hp I4 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3314 lbs | 3115 lbs |
Height | 58.7 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 193.1 in |
Width | 72.6 in | 73.2 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 948 lbs | 1239 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.