2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Overview | |
MSRP$23,590 | MSRP$18,995 |
Average price$27,561 | Average price$24,081 |
Listings11 | Listings276 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
2021 Kia K5 Reviews SummarySedans are now the most exciting new cars in the mainstream market. They are to crossovers today what craft beer was in the early 2000s. They’re not on every corner anymore because North Americans prefer trucks over cars, but sedans like the 2021 Kia K5 are refreshing to see, surprisingly good to drive, and will make you look cultured and smart without having to try. The K5—and its new name—replaces the Optima and upgrades nearly everything in the pursuit of style and performance. It’s one of the best midsize sedans out there. | |
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews SummarySmall cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience. But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans. So Volkswagen had some work to do with the seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.6L 180 hp I4 | Engine1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway39 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.6L 180 hp I4 | Engine Name1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Torque195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm |
Horsepower180 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway39 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.0 cu ft | Cargo Space14.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight3115 lbs | Curb Weight2965 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height57.6 in |
Length193.1 in | Length185.1 in |
Width73.2 in | Width70.8 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase105.7 in |
Maximum Payload1239 lbs | Maximum Payload882 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,590 | $18,995 |
Average price | $27,561 | $24,081 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.7 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | Sedans are now the most exciting new cars in the mainstream market. They are to crossovers today what craft beer was in the early 2000s. They’re not on every corner anymore because North Americans prefer trucks over cars, but sedans like the 2021 Kia K5 are refreshing to see, surprisingly good to drive, and will make you look cultured and smart without having to try. The K5—and its new name—replaces the Optima and upgrades nearly everything in the pursuit of style and performance. It’s one of the best midsize sedans out there. | Small cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience. But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans. So Volkswagen had some work to do with the seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.6L 180 hp I4 | 1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 39 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.6L 180 hp I4 | 1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5500 rpm | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 39 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.0 cu ft | 14.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3115 lbs | 2965 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 57.6 in |
Length | 193.1 in | 185.1 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 70.8 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 105.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 1239 lbs | 882 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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