2020 Kia Forte vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$27,595MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Kia Forte
2020 Kia Forte
$17,890MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$27,595MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Kia Forte
$17,890MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Kia Forte scores 9.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Kia Forte is the better choice, offering a more comprehensive package with advanced safety features, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a comfortable, modern interior.

Overview

MSRP

$27,595

MSRP

$17,890

Average price

$22,387

Average price

$15,339

Listings

154

Listings

631
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Great handling
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Excellent value for money
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine

2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews Summary

Small, fun cars hold a special place in my heart. I’ve always been a fan of little yet mighty automobiles, and not just because they put performance within easier financial reach. You simply cannot help but smile when you drive one, and smiling is good for you. So, think of the 2019 Volkswagen GTI as a contributor to a healthier lifestyle, because you’ll be smiling plenty from behind its steering wheel.

2020 Kia Forte Reviews Summary

Hyundai owns nearly 40% of Kia, and when both companies decided to get serious about building world-class cars, they went to Germany to find design and engineering talent. Today, a decade later, that German influence is blatantly obvious in the 2020 Kia Forte GT, an affordable turbocharged sport sedan that is terrific fun to drive. Driving enthusiasts who love small, fun, cheap cars need to give this one a chance.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 228 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

228 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

37
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$27,595MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Kia Forte
2020 Kia Forte
$17,890MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$27,595MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Kia Forte
$17,890MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Kia Forte scores 9.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Kia Forte is the better choice, offering a more comprehensive package with advanced safety features, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a comfortable, modern interior.

Overview
MSRP
$27,595
$17,890
Average price
$22,387
$15,339
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.5
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

9.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Great handling
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Excellent value for money
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary
Small, fun cars hold a special place in my heart. I’ve always been a fan of little yet mighty automobiles, and not just because they put performance within easier financial reach. You simply cannot help but smile when you drive one, and smiling is good for you. So, think of the 2019 Volkswagen GTI as a contributor to a healthier lifestyle, because you’ll be smiling plenty from behind its steering wheel.
Hyundai owns nearly 40% of Kia, and when both companies decided to get serious about building world-class cars, they went to Germany to find design and engineering talent. Today, a decade later, that German influence is blatantly obvious in the 2020 Kia Forte GT, an affordable turbocharged sport sedan that is terrific fun to drive. Driving enthusiasts who love small, fun, cheap cars need to give this one a chance.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 228 hp I4
2.0L 147 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
228 hp @ 4700 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
25
27
MPG Highway
31
37
Look and feel
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
10/10
2020 Kia Forte
9/10

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI had a stealthy, understated appearance that appealed to those who preferred not to draw attention. Despite its conservative styling, the GTI featured distinctive elements like a honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets, hinting at its performance capabilities. The Rabbit Edition trim added gloss black finishes and unique colors, though some found the gloss-black exterior trim and bunny badge a bit over the top. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design, quality materials, and whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery in the S and Rabbit Edition trims added a touch of character.

In contrast, the 2020 Kia Forte GT sported a more aggressive look with styling modifications that set it apart from other Fortes. Key details like revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets signaled its sporty potential. The interior featured a modern design with red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with metallic accents. The Forte GT's interior combined soft-touch materials and a solid transmission shifter, imparting a sense of quality. The GT2 Package added even more premium touches, enhancing the overall look and feel.

Performance
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10
2020 Kia Forte
9/10

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a thrill to drive, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 228 horsepower at 4,700 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. The VAQ limited-slip differential, standard on all GTI models, maximized traction and reduced understeer. The GTI's handling was impressive, with responsive steering and a sport suspension that provided a stiff ride. The car's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, were highly effective, though sensitive. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, but real-world driving yielded 25.1 mpg.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) was well-behaved, offering smooth gear changes. The Forte GT's sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, and larger brakes contributed to its engaging driving experience. The car's handling was precise, with a firm ride quality and responsive steering. The Forte GT's performance was further enhanced by the GT2 Package, which included Michelin Pilot Sport summer performance tires.

Form and function
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10
2020 Kia Forte
9/10

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a practical and versatile interior, with height-adjustable front seats, ample storage, and a spacious trunk. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while the backseat provided acceptable comfort despite limited legroom. The GTI's trunk had a capacity of 22.8 cubic feet, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The car's interior was well-designed, with clear gauges and sensibly arranged controls.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT's interior featured sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters. The GT2 Package added full Sofino leatherette seats, which were heated and ventilated. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The backseat offered good comfort and support, with air conditioning vents for added convenience. The Forte GT's trunk had a generous capacity of 15.3 cubic feet, and the Smart Trunk technology made it easy to access. Interior storage was plentiful, with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample storage compartments.

Technology
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
6/10
2020 Kia Forte
9/10

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. The SE trim offered an upgraded system with an 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The GTI Autobahn trim added a navigation system and a semi-autonomous parking assistant. The Rabbit Edition's infotainment system was basic but functional, with adequate sound quality.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia's UVO technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which provided better sound quality than the standard setup. The Forte GT's infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy-to-access controls and a well-placed display.

Safety
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
9/10
2020 Kia Forte
8/10

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot-monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The GTI SE added Car-Net Safety & Security services, while the Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had an Acceptable rating for front passenger protection in the small overlap frontal impact test.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT2 Package included all available safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. The Forte GT's safety systems worked well, though the automatic emergency braking was limited to lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop. The UVO eServices technology provided additional safety features, including speed, curfew, and boundary alerts.

Cost Effectiveness
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10
2020 Kia Forte
10/10
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By: CarGurus + AI

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