2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$23,590

MSRP

$23,995

Average price

$27,287

Average price

$24,264

Listings

11

Listings

96
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

2021 Kia K5 Reviews 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.

2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

In 2011, when a Volkswagen Passat was launched customized for the North American market, VW thought the sedan was the key to domination. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default mid-size sedan choice for most buyers at that time, after all, particularly in the U.S. where mid-size cars were much more strongly preferred. A lot has changed since then: SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. Both the Passat and the Arteon are nearing the end of their lives here in Canada as they’ll be discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously available Comfortline trim level is gone, leaving just the Highline and Execline models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard. Our test car was a U.S.-spec SE model, the closest Canadian equivalent of which would be the Highline, though some equipment varies.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.6L 180 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

180 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

37

MPG Highway

36
2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$23,590
$23,995
Average price
$27,287
$24,264
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.5
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read 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.

In 2011, when a Volkswagen Passat was launched customized for the North American market, VW thought the sedan was the key to domination. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default mid-size sedan choice for most buyers at that time, after all, particularly in the U.S. where mid-size cars were much more strongly preferred. A lot has changed since then: SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. Both the Passat and the Arteon are nearing the end of their lives here in Canada as they’ll be discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously available Comfortline trim level is gone, leaving just the Highline and Execline models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard. Our test car was a U.S.-spec SE model, the closest Canadian equivalent of which would be the Highline, though some equipment varies.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.6L 180 hp I4
2.0L 174 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
180 hp @ 5500 rpm
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
27
24
MPG Highway
37
36
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