Kia Forte vs Volkswagen Jetta
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Overview
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | S |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2024 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $19,990 (best) | $23,995 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG | 34 MPG |
| City MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 41 MPG (best) | 40 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 158 hp (best) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.3 cu ft (best) | 14.1 cu ft |
| Payload | 884 lbs | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,908 lbs (best) | 2,998 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (best) | 105.7 in |
| Length | 182.7 in | 186.5 in (best) |
| Width | 70.9 in (best) | 70.8 in |
| Height | 56.5 in | 57.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 3 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 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 Forte | Volkswagen Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $19,990 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $23,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LXS $20,490 MSRP | Sport $25,305 MSRP |
| 3 | GT-Line $22,490 MSRP | SE $26,985 MSRP |
| 4 | GT $24,690 MSRP | SEL $29,995 MSRP |
| 5 | GT $25,390 MSRP | Autobahn $33,745 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Autobahn $33,745 MSRP |