Kia Optima vs Volkswagen Passat
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2022 Volkswagen Passat
Overview
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | SE |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2022 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,390 (best) | $27,575 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 35 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 185 hp (best) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 206 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.4 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.9 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft |
| Payload | — | 948 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,230 lbs (best) | 3,314 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 110.4 in |
| Length | 191.1 in | 193.6 in (best) |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 72.6 in |
| Height | 57.7 in | 58.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Volkswagen PassatSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Optima | Volkswagen Passat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $27,575 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $24,890 MSRP | R-Line $29,575 MSRP |
| 3 | SE $26,390 MSRP | Limited Edition $30,575 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $27,190 MSRP | — |
| 5 | EX $29,310 MSRP | — |
| 6 | EX Premium $30,190 MSRP | — |
| 7 | SX $32,190 MSRP | — |
| 8 | EX $36,090 MSRP | — |