Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI vs 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Get the best interest rate
Mathieu St-Pierre
Fuel economy for the buck
Fuel vs gas
The outcome of our half day of back-to-back testing was conclusive, and not so much at the same time.

The drive took us through a city setting, traffic and some country roads. The freeway portion represented 40% of the total drive. There were numerous elevation changes, slow and quick runs. In other words, a mixed bag of daily driving situations.

The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid fared slightly better in the consumption war. During the test, the Optima consumed 5.0L/100km. This is a mind-blowing figure. The Passat also impressed by having only used up 5.6L/100km. To achieve these results, we stuck, as best and as often as we could, to the posted speed limits.

The difference, in part and in my opinion, stems from idling. This is the less definitive portion of the outcome. The Optima, like all two-mode hybrids, shuts off the gasoline engine when it is not required. We stopped on numerous occasions to take notes, take pictures, take leaks and for a number of other reasons. The exterior temperature was hovering around the freezing point and so we wanted to keep the cars warm.

The half-litre of fuel could have been consumed in the course of a half-dozen five-minute stops. The Passat's fuel consumption gauge does indicate how much fuel is being consumed per hour while idling. I notice anywhere from 1.5 to 2.0L per hour.

This, then, leads me to believe that both cars sipped an identical amount of petrol. One way or another, the results are nothing short of amazing.

2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid front view
During the test, the Optima consumed 5.0L/100km and the Passat also impressed by having only used up 5.6L/100km. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

Variations on refinement
Here again, both manufactures have similar goals. The Volkswagen strives for refinement through a comfortable and plush ride. The Kia goes for sharper handling but without any harshness.

The Passat handles as a car from Wolfsburg should. Although soft at times, the car adheres to the road surface with full confidence. Steering is responsive but does not bite or bite back. In fact, the Passat is one of the quietest and smoothest cars I've driven in a while and this, despite the presence of a diesel engine.

The only negative aspect of the Volkswagen's driving experience stems from the brakes; the pedal is far too mushy, almost to the point of being worrisome. Thankfully, the brakes do eventually scrub off speed with authority I might add.

The Optima rides and drives like a Honda should and did. The driver feels just enough of what's going on without any unpleasantness. The suspension is stiffer which translates into a tauter ride which I enjoyed.

The Kia lacks the organic (for a lack of a better word) nature of the German and replaces it with a slightly more artificial driver-car interaction. As well, the Optima is decidedly noisier overall than the Volkswagen. This is common issue for Korean cars but, mark my words, they'll fix it eventually.

The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is a marvel to witness working. The hybrid system cycles seamlessly from one mode to another, regardless of speed or condition. While highway cruising, the gasoline engine may shut off and momentum will be maintained by the batteries. The same can occur in the city. As well, the regenerative brakes presence is barely felt, unlike with many other hybrids.

2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, 2011 Kia Optima Hybridr ear 3/4 view
The suspension of the Optima, stiffer than the Passat's, translates into a tauter ride which I enjoyed. The Passat handles as a car from Wolfsburg should. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

The final element
Price. Yes the almighty buck. This is the only area where the simpler Passat clearly loses out.

The Optima Hybrid has a base price of $30,595. As tested, it included the Premium Package for a grand total of $35,495. The base DSG-equipped Passat TDI retails for $28,875, which was the car we drove. If I were to compare kit vs kit, the Passat would top out at $36,650 but still be short some elements such as heated rear seats and a backup camera.

The days of charging more “because they can” are over as is proven by the fact that the Volkswagen Passat has never been more accessible. Be that as it may, the base Kia Optima LX is still less expensive and better equipped than the VW.

The result
Damn, I'm still scratching my head a week after test day. In the end, this is how I see it:

The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is an awesome car that does everything very well and that is smartly priced. The car is dynamic, involving and almost exciting. Without consideration for the future, I'd go for the Korean right away.

If my plan was to keep the car 5 years and then replace it, I'd spring for the German. Diesel-powered cars have an excellent resale value. Similarly, if I intend to drive the car for the next 10 years, I'd once again purchase the Passat. Diesel longevity and relative reliability are legendary.

2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid front view
The Optima Hybrid has a base price of $30,595. The base DSG-equipped Passat TDI retails for $28,875, which was the car we drove. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

Mathieu St-Pierre
Mathieu St-Pierre
Automotive expert
None