Volkswagen Passat vs Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, all featuring a turbocharged engine. The LXS and GT-Line trims offered 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. This pricing was attractive, considering the median average transaction price for new vehicles in the U.S.

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 test car featured Glacial White Pearl paint and an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior with matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents, giving it an upscale feel. The car exuded quality, with solid controls, a refined transmission shifter, and secure door release handles and steering wheel stalks. The switchgear and air vents operated smoothly, and the cabin had minimal panel flex, making the K5 feel like a bargain-priced but not bargain-sourced vehicle.

Volkswagen commemorated the Passat's final year with a Limited Edition for 2022, priced at $31,570, including destination. Only 1,973 units were produced, featuring exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. The Limited Edition was available in unique Racing Green paint, as well as white, gray, and red. The test car had Mauro Brown leather upholstery, fake wood trim, and special seat tags, giving it an upscale appearance.

Despite its decade-old design, the Passat's interior looked upscale, with a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies. The 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and small driver information display appeared archaic. However, the cabin had modern touches like integrated dashboard air vents and metallic detailing. The subdued surface textures and tones added a traditional European feel. The Passat's interior was spacious and comfortable, especially in the back seat, making it a fine place to spend time if it had a decent driver's seat.

The 2022 Kia 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. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient K5 variant and lacked all-wheel drive. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered linear power delivery with little low-end lag, thanks to its torque availability between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm.

The K5 EX test car had a 1.6-liter turbo engine, which performed well in daily driving situations, providing enough power for merging onto freeways and powering out of corners. The EPA estimated the K5 EX's fuel economy at 31 mpg in combined driving, but the test car returned 29.1 mpg. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and minor pavement anomalies, but wind noise was minimal at highway speeds. The car's outward visibility was excellent, except for the high rear deck. The K5 EX's handling was reasonably capable but not as fun as a Honda Accord, with so-so steering feel and excess body motion on imperfect roads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine's torque curve made it acceptably powerful for commuting and highway cruising, but it lacked immediate power for passing. The Passat's fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg in combined driving, but the test car achieved 30.7 mpg. The Passat's 18.5-gallon fuel tank allowed for long distances between refueling stops.

The Passat prioritized ride quality, feeling like it was floating down the road most of the time. However, the suspension and tires made the car feel busy on certain road surfaces. The brake pedal feel was inconsistent, causing aggravation for the driver and passengers. On the highway, the Passat was remarkably quiet, with a low coefficient of drag and silent tires. The car's handling on twisty roads was surprisingly good, with a flat cornering attitude and accurate steering, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof provided natural light, and the power sunroof shade moved quickly. However, getting in and out of the low-slung K5 was harder on the knees and back. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats offered plenty of room for passengers. The K5's controls were logically laid out, and the storage space was generous, with a 16 cubic-foot trunk and 60/40-split folding back seat.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat had a spacious cabin with plenty of room for five adults. The Limited Edition's front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, but the bottom cushion angle couldn't be adjusted separately, affecting comfort. The back seat was more comfortable, with ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The Passat's storage space was good, with many locations lined with rubber to reduce noise. The trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, but it lacked underfloor trays or side bins.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The standard system for LX and LXS trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim and above featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, but it required a cable for smartphone connectivity. The K5 also offered satellite radio, Kia Connect subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system, and Sounds of Nature ambient noise tracks. The Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. However, the K5's voice recognition technology was poor, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto necessary.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system had a 6.3-inch screen with App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The R-Line and Limited Edition trims added HD Radio, a navigation system, and a Fender premium audio system. The voice recognition system worked for simple commands but struggled with more complex ones. The Fender audio system was excellent, offering clarity and range.

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. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based 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 2022 Volkswagen Passat's safety features lagged behind more modern VW models. The base SE trim included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line trim added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition had adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a park-assist system. The Passat received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating for frontal-impact collision protection.