Kia Forte5 vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Kia Forte5LX | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | TSI |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2018 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia Forte5LX | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $18,300 (best) | $23,195 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $16,797 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $16,838 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $16,879 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia Forte5LX | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia Forte5LX | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 164 hp (best) | 147 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia Forte5LX | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume | 56.4 cu ft (best) | 25 cu ft |
| Payload | 1,040 lbs (best) | 915 lbs |
| Curb weight | 2,928 lbs (best) | 2,945 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 171.3 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 70.1 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 57.1 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia Forte5LX | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
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 Forte5 | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $18,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | EX $22,200 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | SX $23,900 MSRP | — |
| 4 | SX $26,100 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Kia Forte5 vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2018 Kia Forte5 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2018 Kia Forte5 vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2018 Kia Forte5 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2018 Kia Forte5 starts lower at $18,300. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2018 Kia Forte5 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2018 Kia Forte5 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (18,300).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2018 Kia Forte5 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2018 Kia Forte5 or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2018 Kia Forte5 leads on horsepower in this comparison (201).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2018 Kia Forte5 vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).