2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a significant shift in Kia's design philosophy, moving away from its past of drab and unattractive sedans. With a fastback form reminiscent of the Kia Stinger, the K5 was styled to impress, especially in the GT-Line trim with its striking Wolf Gray paint and red seats. The design was the work of Peter Schreyer, a former Volkswagen Group designer, and it showed in the K5's sleek lines and unique taillights. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions gave it a sporty appearance, further enhanced by its lower and longer stance compared to the Optima. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel. However, the base 16-inch wheels detracted from its overall style.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, offered a more dramatic design compared to its predecessor, with a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon. This new styling gave the Jetta a more upscale presence, although some found the grille a bit much for a compact sedan. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, creating a spacious and functional cabin. The seats were comfortable for long drives, and the layout was practical, with a blend of touchscreen functions and real buttons. The Jetta's interior was praised for its practicality, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom, and a trunk space of 399 litres, which was average for its class.

The 2021 Kia K5, despite its aggressive GT-Line styling, did not deliver the sporty performance one might expect. The GT-Line lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping, making it less of a sports sedan. The standard engine was a 1.6-litre turbo-four with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing decent acceleration but lacking excitement at higher speeds. The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower, but it was only available with front-wheel drive, which could be problematic for handling. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with the base engine achieving an impressive 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a single engine option: a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta handled well at both low and high speeds, with precise steering and minimal body roll. The ride was surprisingly soft over rough roads, providing a comfortable driving experience. Fuel efficiency was also commendable, with the manual transmission achieving 6.9 L/100 km combined and the automatic 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with supportive front seats and enough space for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. However, it lacked rear air vents, which was a notable omission for a 2021 model. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an optional 10.25-inch display. Trunk space was generous at 434 litres, providing ample room for luggage.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's interior was praised for its comfort and practicality. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, and the rear offered adequate legroom and headroom. The trunk space was 399 litres, which was average for its class. The layout was functional, with a blend of touchscreen functions and real buttons, making it easy to use.

The 2021 Kia K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. The GT trim included a Bose premium audio system and 19-inch wheels. The K5 also offered Smart Cruise Control, which could centre the car in its lane on highways.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that could project navigation information. This feature added a high-tech touch to the Jetta's interior.

The 2021 Kia K5 earned top marks in crash tests from both the NHTSA and IIHS, receiving the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including rear side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5 EX trim and above also included Junction Turning, which helped prevent collisions at intersections.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came with a full array of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline grade added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS due to its headlights.