Volkswagen Jetta vs Kia Forte
Overview | |
MSRP$20,655 | MSRP$19,690 |
Listings9843 | Listings9085 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe popularity of sedans such as the Jetta might have tumbled as buyers flock to big SUVs and even bigger pickups, but there's still plenty to like about VW's family car. The base 1.5-litre gas engine's 158 horsepower is plenty for a front-drive family car, and can be paired with either manual or automatic transmission. And for those who get a kick from driving, there's the sportier Jetta GLI with retuned suspension and a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine pumping out 228 horsepower. All 2023 Jettas feature a pleasant if not very exciting interior design. To make it as smart as possible, we recommend going for SEL trim or above to get VW's upgraded 10.25-inch digital dials and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. | |
Reviews SummaryThe 2023 Kia Forte makes its mark among rival compact sedans with value. You get more for the money than with its rivals, but at the same time, you won't feel as though you have to sacrifice quality or performance. It's an all-around solid choice in a very competitive class. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 158 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City31 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway39 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 158 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City31 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway39 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.1 cu ft | Cargo Space15.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight2915 lbs | Curb Weight2769 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height56.5 in |
Length186.5 in | Length182.7 in |
Width80.2 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload937 lbs | Maximum Payload1023 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $20,655 | $19,690 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.8 out of 10Read full review | 6.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The popularity of sedans such as the Jetta might have tumbled as buyers flock to big SUVs and even bigger pickups, but there's still plenty to like about VW's family car. The base 1.5-litre gas engine's 158 horsepower is plenty for a front-drive family car, and can be paired with either manual or automatic transmission. And for those who get a kick from driving, there's the sportier Jetta GLI with retuned suspension and a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine pumping out 228 horsepower. All 2023 Jettas feature a pleasant if not very exciting interior design. To make it as smart as possible, we recommend going for SEL trim or above to get VW's upgraded 10.25-inch digital dials and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. | The 2023 Kia Forte makes its mark among rival compact sedans with value. You get more for the money than with its rivals, but at the same time, you won't feel as though you have to sacrifice quality or performance. It's an all-around solid choice in a very competitive class. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 158 hp I4 | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
MPG City | 31 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 39 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 158 hp I4 | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 31 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 39 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 15.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2915 lbs | 2769 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 186.5 in | 182.7 in |
Width | 80.2 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 937 lbs | 1023 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.









































