2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in Canada in four trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Each model featured a turbocharged engine, with the LX, EX, and GT-Line offering standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), while the GT came with a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain. The K5's pricing ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. 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 interior of the K5 EX test car was upscale, featuring Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, complemented by matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents. The car exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel, making it seem like a bargain-priced vehicle without compromising on quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was offered in Canada in Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and GLI trims, with prices ranging from $23,295 to $34,495, excluding a $1,850 destination charge. The Jetta's design was conservative, with a bland appearance that lacked the symmetry and balance of previous models. However, the Highline trim's interior channeled the VW Group's Audi luxury brand, featuring ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment systems. The Jetta Highline delivered an upscale feel at a price of less than $32,000, offering emotional value despite its inoffensive exterior.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT was the performance-oriented model, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, it was the most expensive and least efficient version, lacking AWD. The standard K5 featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery and decent performance for daily driving. The K5's fuel economy was rated at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test car achieving 8.1 L/100 km. While the K5's handling was not as lively as some competitors, it was reasonably capable, with decent grip and minimal impact harshness.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Trendline and Comfortline trims offered a six-speed manual transmission, while the Highline had an eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's performance was characterized by zippy acceleration and light, responsive steering, making it nimble in urban environments. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a noticeable delay in acceleration, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. The Jetta's fuel economy was rated at 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test car averaging 7.8 L/100 km. The Jetta Highline's handling was predictable and trustworthy, with impressive all-season tires providing excellent grip.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the cabin. While the K5's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for rear-seat passengers. The K5's trunk provided 434 litres of cargo space, expandable with the 60/40-split folding back seat. Storage solutions were generous, with a roomy centre armrest bin and dedicated smartphone charging slot.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline accommodated four adults comfortably, with generous interior storage and a cavernous trunk offering 399 litres of cargo space. The Jetta featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the Jetta's higher ride height made entry and exit easier. The back seat offered plenty of legroom and heated seats, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Jetta's trunk was well-shaped, allowing easy loading of luggage and longer items with the 60/40-split folding back seat.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The K5's infotainment system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and Sounds of Nature ambient tracks. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, while the GT trim featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the K5's voice recognition technology was lacking, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with proximity-sensing and shortcut tiles. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio. The Jetta's infotainment system had some usability issues, such as requiring multiple inputs to change radio stations. The voice recognition system was basic, with more advanced features available through Car-Net connected services. Car-Net offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and four years of complimentary access to remote and safety features. The Highline trim included a Beats Audio premium audio system, though it was not as satisfying as previous Fender systems.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, with standard features including forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The K5 also offered Safe Exit Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional features like blind spot monitoring and Travel Assist available on higher trims. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. The Jetta's Emergency Assist feature could identify an unresponsive driver and safely stop the car. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had a Poor rating from the IIHS in a new frontal-impact crash test.