Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Kia Optima
Overview | |
Years produced2001-2020 | Years produced1985-1992 |
MSRP$22,900 | MSRP$32,445 |
Average price$11,601 | Average price$18,949 |
Listings4219 | Listings3363 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews9.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
Reviews SummaryEven 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 SummaryRent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway32 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space19.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3230 lbs | Curb Weight3183 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height57.7 in |
Length191.1 in | Length168.9 in |
Width73.2 in | Width81.6 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase103.6 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload926 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-2020 | 1985-1992 |
MSRP | $22,900 | $32,445 |
Average price | $11,601 | $18,949 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 9.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
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. | Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. |
Video | ||
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 | 32 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 24 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 32 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 19.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3230 lbs | 3183 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.7 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 168.9 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 81.6 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 103.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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