Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 Kia Stinger

The Passat has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Stinger doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Passat and the Stinger have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volkswagen Passat is safer than the Kia Stinger:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volkswagen Passat is safer than the Kia Stinger:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Passat’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Stinger’s (7/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Passat for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Stinger.

The Volkswagen Passat’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Stinger’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Passat gets better mileage than the Stinger:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Passat uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Stinger requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Passat has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Stinger (18.5 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Passat higher (7 out of 10) than the Kia Stinger (3). This means the Passat produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Stinger every 15,000 miles.

For better traction, the Passat has larger tires than the Stinger (235/45R18 vs. 225/45R18). The Passat’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Stinger (235/45R18 vs. 225/40R19).

For better maneuverability, the Passat’s turning circle is .3 feet tighter than the Stinger’s (36.4 feet vs. 36.7 feet). The Passat’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Stinger AWD’s (36.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The Volkswagen Passat may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 650 pounds less than the Kia Stinger.

The design of the Volkswagen Passat amounts to more than styling. The Passat has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .28 Cd. That is lower than the Stinger (.3) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Passat get better fuel mileage.

The Passat has 7.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Stinger (101 vs. 93.8).

The Passat has .5 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 2.7 inches more rear legroom and 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Stinger.

The Passat’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Stinger’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the Passat the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Stinger can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Passat to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Stinger doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Volkswagen Passat and the Kia Stinger, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the Kia Stinger by 77% during the 2021 model year.