2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, all featuring a turbocharged engine. The LXS and GT-Line trims offered an optional all-wheel-drive system. Base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge. The test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and floor mats, had an MSRP of $33,945, including destination. This pricing was attractive considering the median average transaction price for new vehicles in the U.S.

The K5’s design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek profile that suggested a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. The test car featured Glacial White Pearl paint and an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior with matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents, giving it an upscale feel. The car exuded quality, with solid controls, a refined transmission shifter, and secure door release handles, contributing to a sense of care in its construction.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, a long-time best-seller for the automaker, received a mild makeover for 2022, including an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, more features, and a new Sport trim. The Jetta Sport replaced the outgoing R-Line model, and the SEL Premium was dropped, simplifying the lineup to four trims: S, Sport, SE, and SEL. The Jetta’s design changes were subtle, with minor updates to the front fascia, bumper, and grille, and new wheel designs and paint colors.

Inside, the Jetta’s updates were equally subtle but appealing, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching on all upholstery types. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for climate control, audio, and seat controls conveniently located. Storage space was practical, with door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. The Jetta’s interior was comfortable for long drives, though the powertrain had some drawbacks, including a touchy throttle and turbo lag.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This made the GT the most powerful and least efficient K5 variant, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery with minimal low-end lag. Drive Mode Select allowed calibration of the powertrain, and the K5 EX included Active Sound Control for a simulated engine note.

During testing, the K5 EX’s 1.6-liter turbo performed well, providing adequate power for merging onto freeways and handling curves. The EPA estimated the K5 EX’s fuel economy at 31 mpg combined, with the test car achieving 29.1 mpg. The K5’s ride quality was affected by road noise and minor pavement imperfections, but wind noise was minimal. The EX Premium package added a surround-view camera system and bumper sensors, enhancing parking ease.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options included a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The Jetta’s fuel economy was impressive, with the manual transmission rated at 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Automatic transmission models had slightly different ratings, with the SE and SEL trims achieving 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 46.9 highway mpg, requiring only two fill-ups for a 1,000-mile journey. The Jetta’s cabin was comfortable for long drives, though the powertrain had some drawbacks, including a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, with Sport mode providing a slight improvement in driving dynamics. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well on the highway, but the overall driving experience was less engaging than some competitors.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light to the interior. However, the low-slung design made entry and exit more challenging. The front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was a convincing alternative to real leather. Rear passengers had ample room, though the hard plastic front seatback panels could be a drawback.

The K5’s controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, with a roomy bin under the center armrest, a smartphone charging slot, and integrated door panel trays. The K5’s trunk offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable by lowering the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the trunk lid lacked an interior handle for easier closing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta’s compact proportions did not compromise passenger space, comfortably accommodating four adults and even five if needed. The front seats had a slightly inclined bottom cushion edge, which might not suit shorter individuals. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for climate control, audio, and seat controls conveniently located. Storage space included door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder. The center storage bin lacked a latch, which was unusual but not problematic.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base system, standard on LX and LXS trims, featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and higher trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. This system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and ambient noise tracks. The Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. However, the voice recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. S, Sport, and SE trims had an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The Jetta SEL’s infotainment system included an 8-inch MIB3 touchscreen with navigation, wireless App-Connect, wireless charging, and enhanced voice recognition. The system also offered HD Radio, SiriusXM 360L, a Car-Net Hotspot, and a Plus Nav package. However, the voice activation and navigation commands were not intuitive, making manual entry of addresses more efficient.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with the Kia Drive Wise suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, a rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a surround-view system, and power rear child locks. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with IQ.Drive, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist monitored driver attentiveness. The full IQ.Drive suite was standard on SE and SEL trims. The 2022 Jetta had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2021 model received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and mostly “Good” grades from the IIHS.