Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Kia Optima

2019 Kia Optima
2019 Kia Optima
$22,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Kia Optima
$22,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$22,900

MSRP

$31,965

Average price

$12,750

Average price

$19,069

Listings

241

Listings

173
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available (for now)
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor ergonomic design

Reviews Summary

Even though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car.

Reviews Summary

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was introduced for the 2022 model year and enters 2024 essentially unchanged. The main news is that 2024 marks the last year a manual transmission will be available in this classic hot hatchback. Volkswagen is making a 380 special edition package standard on all stick-shift GTIs to commemorate that. A more substantial update is expected for the 2025 model year.

Verdict: The GTI is a great all-rounder held back by poor interior design choices and a staid personality.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.4L 185 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

33
2019 Kia Optima
2019 Kia Optima
$22,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Kia Optima
$22,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$22,900
$31,965
Average price
$12,750
$19,069
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.6
Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available (for now)
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor ergonomic design
Summary
Even though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car.

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was introduced for the 2022 model year and enters 2024 essentially unchanged. The main news is that 2024 marks the last year a manual transmission will be available in this classic hot hatchback. Volkswagen is making a 380 special edition package standard on all stick-shift GTIs to commemorate that. A more substantial update is expected for the 2025 model year.

Verdict: The GTI is a great all-rounder held back by poor interior design choices and a staid personality.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.4L 185 hp I4
2.0L 241 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
24
24
MPG Highway
33
33
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