2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2019 Kia Forte
Overview | |
MSRP$18,745 | MSRP$17,790 |
Average price$15,957 | Average price$14,497 |
Listings1179 | Listings630 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews SummarySmall cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience. But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans. So Volkswagen had some work to do with the new seventh-generation 2019 Jetta. Will this new car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or will it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? | |
2019 Kia Forte Reviews SummaryHighways are increasingly full of crossovers and small SUVs, but not too long ago sedans ruled the road. The simple three-box design made for a vehicle that was, and still is, an effective daily driver. It has enough trunk space for several bags and room for 4 (or even 5) passengers. They are often more fuel-efficient than their heavier SUV counterparts and almost always less expensive. Maybe this explains why Kia’s best-selling vehicle last year wasn’t any of its SUVs or crossovers. It was the Forte, which has been completely redesigned for 2019. Even when limited to small cars, the Forte's competition is quite stiff. But the Honda Civic has been generally heralded as the gold standard. The Civic is just a bit larger and a bit more upscale than other cars in its segment, but its higher price tag reflects that status. The Forte previously operated only in the “value” end of this spectrum, with a dash of sporty styling thrown in (but generally lacking the performance to back it up). The new Forte is certainly sportier and more upscale, yet it still keeps value as one of its core principles. After a week driving it, we can say it is absolutely one of the standout small cars of this year, but does it have the goods to outgun the Civic? | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City30 | MPG City31 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway41 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City30 | MPG City31 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway41 |
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 Weight2959 lbs | Curb Weight2721 lbs |
Height57.4 in | Height56.5 in |
Length185.1 in | Length182.7 in |
Width70.8 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload970 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $18,745 | $17,790 |
Average price | $15,957 | $14,497 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 5.0 |
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 8.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
Summary | Small cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience. But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans. So Volkswagen had some work to do with the new seventh-generation 2019 Jetta. Will this new car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or will it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? | Highways are increasingly full of crossovers and small SUVs, but not too long ago sedans ruled the road. The simple three-box design made for a vehicle that was, and still is, an effective daily driver. It has enough trunk space for several bags and room for 4 (or even 5) passengers. They are often more fuel-efficient than their heavier SUV counterparts and almost always less expensive. Maybe this explains why Kia’s best-selling vehicle last year wasn’t any of its SUVs or crossovers. It was the Forte, which has been completely redesigned for 2019. Even when limited to small cars, the Forte's competition is quite stiff. But the Honda Civic has been generally heralded as the gold standard. The Civic is just a bit larger and a bit more upscale than other cars in its segment, but its higher price tag reflects that status. The Forte previously operated only in the “value” end of this spectrum, with a dash of sporty styling thrown in (but generally lacking the performance to back it up). The new Forte is certainly sportier and more upscale, yet it still keeps value as one of its core principles. After a week driving it, we can say it is absolutely one of the standout small cars of this year, but does it have the goods to outgun the Civic? |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 30 | 31 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 41 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 30 | 31 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 41 |
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 | 2959 lbs | 2721 lbs |
Height | 57.4 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 185.1 in | 182.7 in |
Width | 70.8 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.