Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Kia Cerato vs Volkswagen Passat

What's the difference?

VS
Kia Cerato
Kia Cerato

$20,990 - $39,999

2022 price

Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat

$42,880 - $73,990

2023 price

Summary

2022 Kia Cerato
2023 Volkswagen Passat
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.6L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
6.9L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Harsh ride quality
  • Unrefined, noisy cabin
  • Ageing interior design

  • Classic Euro seats ... aka hard on the backside
  • Missing some charging ports in rear
  • Expensive servicing costs
2022 Kia Cerato Summary

Three years after the fourth-generation Cerato small car rolled into Australian dealerships, Kia launched a mid-life facelift for the sedan and hatch range in mid-2021.

It ushered in styling tweaks including new headlights and Kia’s new logo, as well as more safety tech and a multimedia upgrade.

At the top of the range sits the warmed-up Cerato GT. It’s not quite Hyundai i30 N-level performance, more i30 N-Line. In other words, more than enough performance to keep most people satisfied and enough poke to get away quickly at the lights.

But is the updated version of Kia’s Cerato trying to be something it’s not, or is it a performance bargain?

Read on to find out.

View full pricing & specs
2023 Volkswagen Passat Summary

I'm calling it - the Volkswagen Passat is the forgotten hero of station wagons.

It's surprisingly large while retaining the creature comforts and understated styling of old-world glamour.

Then enters the R-Line. A badge that diehard Volkswagen enthusiasts know is synonymous with sporty performance and handling.

However, it can be overlooked for its more affordable rivals, the Mazda6 and Skoda Octavia wagons.

But does affordability take it out of the running for the family market? Or is this the answer for the drivers who don't want to compromise on performance but still have a kid (or three) to throw in the back?

I've been hauling my little family of three around town this week to see what the big blue wagon could do.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2022 Kia Cerato 2023 Volkswagen Passat

Change vehicle