2022 Kia K5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its new eighth-generation design, retained a familiar look that might not have been immediately distinguishable from its predecessor for those not deeply familiar with the brand. The car was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness characteristic of earlier models. The GTI's styling adhered to the classic Volkswagen form, featuring a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. The signature red accent line extended between the LED headlights, with an optional light bar adding drama to the front end. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, while red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on trim added to its sporty appeal. The GTI was available in staple colours like silver, black, and white, with additional options like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Performance trim. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard on base and Autobahn trims, with Vienna leather on the Performance trim, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2022 Kia K5, available in LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT trims, presented a striking design that set it apart from other sedans on the road. Its low, long, and sleek profile gave it the appearance of a luxury sports sedan, continuing the design leadership established by its predecessor, the Optima. The test car, a U.S.-specification K5 EX, featured Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and a black interior, creating an upscale feel despite the presence of hard plastic surfaces. The K5 exuded quality, with controls that conveyed a sense of solidity, such as the automatic transmission shifter and door release handles. The steering wheel stalks and switchgear also demonstrated a refined sense of motion, contributing to the perception of the K5 as a well-constructed vehicle. Despite some road noise and suspension issues, the K5 offered a comfortable ride with excellent outward visibility, except for the high rear deck.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management and faster warm-up. The GTI's power was delivered to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG). The GTI's fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 L/100 km on the highway with the automatic transmission. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs, and various drive modes allowed for customization of the driving experience. The Performance trim offered the DCC adaptive damping system for even greater handling precision.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The K5's standard engine, a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, produced 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering linear power delivery with minimal lag. The K5's fuel consumption was estimated at 8.2 L/100 km in combined driving. While the K5's handling was not as lively as some competitors, it provided a comfortable ride with decent grip and minimal impact harshness. The K5's suspension allowed for excess body motion on imperfect roads, but it remained reasonably capable for daily driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 977 litres with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI's driver-centric design included a centre stack angled toward the driver and a "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear-seat legroom was generous, making the GTI suitable for transporting a family of four.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort 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 interior. While the K5's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom. The K5's controls were logically laid out, and storage space was generous, with a 434-litre trunk expandable via the 60/40-split folding back seat.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Performance trim offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access features.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for lower trims, and a 10.25-inch display with satellite radio and navigation for higher trims. The K5's infotainment system included a wireless smartphone charger and a 12-speaker Bose audio system in the GT trim. The K5's voice recognition technology was limited, but Kia Connect services offered additional features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was equipped with IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included Safe Exit Assist, 911 Connect, and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from NHTSA.