Kia Optima vs. Volkswagen Passat

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and Volkswagen Passat contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Optima and the Volkswagen Passat.

In comparing the Kia Optima's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the areas of reliability and resale value. The Kia Optima and Volkswagen Passat have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $13,949 to $22,944 while a used 2020 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $15,512 to $23,989.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Passat retains 0.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Passat a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. Both the Optima and the Passat are rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 592 and 629 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room and front leg room. The Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Kia Optima and Volkswagen Passat are comparable in regards to rear head room and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Optima has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.