2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2024 Kia K5

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a conservative design that was typical of the brand, aiming for a timeless appeal. However, its current iteration lacked the symmetry and balance of previous models, resulting in a rather bland appearance. Despite this, the Jetta SEL's interior offered a touch of luxury with features like ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large power sunroof, all contributing to an upscale feel for under $30,000. The no-nonsense interior design, reminiscent of the Audi luxury brand, provided a sense of emotional value, even if the exterior did not excite.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, turned heads with its striking Passion Red Tint Coat and sporty design. Although the K5 had been around since 2021, it still managed to capture attention and curiosity. The GT-Line trim, positioned between the base LXS and the more upscale EX, offered a sporty look without the high-powered performance of the GT model. The K5's interior design was impressive, with textured metallic trim and a robust transmission shifter, though it did feature some inexpensive-looking plastics. Despite this, the K5 GT-Line's overall aesthetic and detailing were outstanding, making it a visually appealing choice.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided zippy acceleration and a nimble feel, especially in urban settings. The Jetta's suspension was soft and compliant, absorbing road imperfections with ease. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a noticeable delay in response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Jetta SEL averaged 30 mpg in testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 33 mpg. Despite these quirks, the Jetta's accurate steering and faithful brakes made it a trustworthy companion on mountain roads.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered a more powerful base engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The K5 GT model took performance up a notch with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The GT-Line, however, focused on style rather than performance, achieving an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving. Unfortunately, real-world testing showed a lower average of 24.5 mpg. The K5 GT-Line's suspension provided a comfortable ride with impressive control, though the brakes faded during spirited driving. The electric steering was adequate but not exceptional, and the GT-Line's dynamics were predictable and trustworthy.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta defied its compact classification by offering ample space for a family of four. The interior was spacious, with generous storage and a cavernous trunk boasting 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The Jetta SEL featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and rear air conditioning vents were absent. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Jetta provided a comfortable and practical environment for passengers.

The 2024 Kia K5 excelled in comfort and utility, with the GT-Line trim featuring SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts. The test car's 10-way power driver's seat and manual front passenger's seat height adjuster were commendable features. Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats were standard, while the optional panoramic sunroof added a touch of luxury. The K5's interior offered generous storage, though some areas had plastic linings that could produce noise. The trunk provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space, with a Smart Trunk function for easy access.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL came with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the native voice recognition was limited without a Car-Net subscription. Car-Net offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote engine starting, and emergency services. The Beats Audio premium sound system was included, but it fell short of expectations compared to previous Fender systems.

The 2024 Kia K5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen in the LXS trim, while other trims received a 10.25-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity in the LXS. The larger display included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. Kia Connect offered features like remote start, vehicle recovery, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The test car's voice recognition was inconsistent, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. A wireless phone charging pad and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were available with higher trims.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL were equipped with IQ.Drive, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. Emergency Assist was a standout feature, capable of stopping the car safely if the driver became unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta poorly in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test.

The 2024 Kia K5 came with Kia Drive Wise, a comprehensive package of driver-assistance systems. It included features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Upgrades offered cyclist detection, parking sensors, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA provided a semi-autonomous highway driving experience, though it required driver intervention in certain situations. The K5 received high marks from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in updated frontal-impact and side-impact tests.