Kia Forte vs Volkswagen Jetta
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2027 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 | 2027 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $19,990 (best) | $23,995 |
| Lowest listing price | $18,198 | $14,398 (best) |
| Median listing price | $19,390 | $17,554 (best) |
| Highest listing price | $19,390 (best) | $20,709 |
| For sale now | 3 (best) | 2 |
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) | 12.8 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 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 3 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| 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 $25,395 MSRP |
| 3 | GT-Line $22,490 MSRP | SE $26,995 MSRP |
| 4 | GT $24,690 MSRP | SEL $29,995 MSRP |
| 5 | GT $25,390 MSRP | Autobahn $33,795 MSRP |
Live inventory
Kia Forte3 for sale
See all
Kia Forte vs Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
- Which is better: 2024 Kia Forte or 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2024 Kia Forte vs 2027 Volkswagen Jetta on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2024 Kia Forte or 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2024 Kia Forte starts lower at $19,990. Live Kia Forte listings start at $18,198. Live Volkswagen Jetta listings start at $14,398.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2024 Kia Forte or 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2024 Kia Forte leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (19,990).
- Which has better horsepower: 2024 Kia Forte or 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2027 Volkswagen Jetta leads on horsepower in this comparison (228).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2024 Kia Forte vs 2027 Volkswagen Jetta?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Forte (4/5 NHTSA overall).