2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its brand-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor unless you were a dedicated Volkswagen enthusiast. The new GTI was longer and lower, maintaining its 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness and quickness characteristic of earlier models. The styling followed the traditional GTI form, featuring a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and the signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic improvements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with 18-inch alloys on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Interior options included plaid cloth seats or Vienna leather upholstery, with the classic golf-ball shifter knob on manual transmission models.

The 2022 Kia K5, available in multiple trims, offered a turbocharged engine across the board, with the LXS and GT-Line trims providing an optional all-wheel-drive system. The K5 EX test car featured front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and floor mats, totaling an MSRP of $33,945. The K5's design was sleek and luxurious, with Glacial White Pearl paint and an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior accented by matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents. The car exuded quality, with solid-feeling controls, a secure transmission shifter, and refined steering wheel stalks. The K5's driving experience was enhanced by a well-matched 1.6-liter turbo engine, providing linear power delivery and decent fuel economy, though it allowed some road noise and had a suspension that struggled with minor road imperfections.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, introduced in 1983, had evolved significantly from its original 90-horsepower model. The 2022 version boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque available at a low 1,750 rpm. This power was delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly better with the automatic. The Mk8 GTI featured a retuned suspension, lighter front assembly, and stiffer rear springs, with various drive modes and an electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its handling. The top-tier Autobahn trim included the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, further improving the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT, the performance-oriented model, 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. The standard K5 models came with a 1.6-liter turbo engine delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, providing linear power delivery with minimal lag. The K5's fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg combined for the EX trim, though our test returned 29.1 mpg. The K5's driving experience was marred by road noise and a suspension that struggled with minor road imperfections, though it handled speed bumps well and had excellent wind noise insulation. The K5 EX's steering feel was less engaging than competitors like the Honda Accord, and the brakes showed signs of strain during spirited driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a balance of performance and practicality, with 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for a family of four.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided 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. The K5's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but the front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats offered ample space. Storage was generous, with various bins and trays, and the 16 cubic-foot trunk could be expanded by lowering the rear seats. However, the lack of a handle on the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital 10.25-inch driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and color profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on the SE and Autobahn trims, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SE and Autobahn trims also featured a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various subscription-based services, including remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability, with additional options for map updates, natural language controls, and online radio.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the LX and LXS trims, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a navigation system on higher trims. The larger screen required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The K5 also featured a wireless smartphone charger, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and Active Sound Design technology. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a unique addition, though the voice recognition technology was subpar.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with IQ.Drive, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including Travel Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. All trims featured Park Distance Control, with the Autobahn trim adding Park Assist for automatic parking.

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, rear-seat reminder, Safe Exit Assist, and Kia Connect's 911 Connect and teen driver settings. 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 rating from the NHTSA.