2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. Each trim featured a turbocharged engine, with the LXS and GT-Line offering 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. 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 Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim created an upscale interior ambiance.

The K5's build quality was impressive, with solid controls and a refined feel. The automatic transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks all conveyed a sense of care in construction. The switchgear and air vents operated smoothly, and the cabin exhibited minimal panel flex. The K5's design and build quality made it feel like a bargain-priced vehicle without compromising on quality.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was available in S, Sport, SE, SEL, and GLI trim levels, with prices ranging from $20,665 to $31,585, excluding the $1,095 destination charge. The test car, a Jetta SEL in Platinum Gray Metallic with a Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior, had an MSRP of $29,480, including destination. The Jetta's conservative styling aimed for timeless appeal, but the current-generation design lacked the symmetry and balance of previous models. The interior of the SEL trim channeled the Audi luxury brand, featuring ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, an oversized power sunroof, and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment.

The Jetta's interior was visually inoffensive and functional, with a no-nonsense design. The SEL trim's features provided an upscale feel, delivering emotional value at a price point below $30,000. The Jetta's conservative design and practical interior made it a sensible choice for those seeking a reliable and straightforward sedan.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two engine options. The 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 setup provided exhilarating performance but was the most expensive and least efficient version of the K5, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite modest figures, the engine's torque availability between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm and maximum horsepower at 5,500 rpm resulted in linear power delivery with minimal lag.

The K5 EX's 1.6-liter turbo engine proved well-matched to the car during testing in Southern California. It offered sufficient power for daily driving, though passing power was limited. The EPA estimated 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 useful features like a surround-view camera system and bumper sensors, enhancing parking ease. However, the K5 EX's steering feel and handling were not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The S and Sport trims came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, while the SE and SEL had an eight-speed automatic. The automatic transmission included a Sport mode and manual shifting mode, though it exhibited a noticeable delay in acceleration response. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the Jetta SEL at 33 mpg combined, with the test car averaging 30 mpg.

The Jetta SEL's driving experience was characterized by light, responsive steering and a compliant suspension that absorbed road imperfections. The car felt nimble in urban and suburban environments, and its accurate steering and predictable handling inspired confidence on mountain roads. The all-season tires provided excellent grip and communication, enhancing the driving experience. However, the automatic transmission's delayed response and occasional surges in power delivery were drawbacks.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior 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 cabin. While the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. Rear passengers had ample space, though hard plastic front seatback panels could be uncomfortable if the front seats were reclined.

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 dedicated smartphone charging slot, and integrated trays in the door panels. The 16 cubic-foot trunk provided ample cargo space, expandable by lowering the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta's interior successfully straddled the compact and midsize sedan segments, accommodating four adults comfortably. The SEL trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the Jetta's higher ride height made entry and exit easier. The back seat offered plenty of legroom and a supportive seat cushion, though rear air conditioning vents were absent.

Interior storage was generous, with a large bin under the center armrest, a sizable glove compartment, and storage areas in the door panels. The wireless smartphone charger in the SEL trim was a convenient feature. The trunk offered 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The 60/40-split folding back seat allowed for carrying longer items, enhancing the Jetta's practicality.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems. The base system, standard on LX and LXS trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and higher trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen but required a cable for smartphone integration. The larger screen added satellite radio, Kia Connect subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system, and ambient noise tracks. The Premium package included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition, but the voice recognition technology was subpar.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included proximity sensing, knobs for volume and menu functions, and shortcut tiles for main menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio. The infotainment system required more inputs for tuning the radio, and the voice recognition system was basic unless upgraded with Car-Net connected services. Car-Net provided a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote engine starting, and other features for five years. The SEL trim's Beats Audio premium sound system was underwhelming compared to previous Fender systems.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with the Kia Drive Wise collection, 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 monitoring system, and power rear child locks. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came with the IQ.Drive package, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering for semi-autonomous driving, performing well on challenging roads. Emergency Assist could identify an unresponsive driver and safely stop the car. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test and was unimpressed with the car's headlights.