2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2020 Kia Forte

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta was slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, giving it a more upscale presence. It featured a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, which added a dramatic flair compared to the previous generation's staid appearance. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, creating a spacious and attractive cabin with a premium feel, despite not all surfaces being soft-touch. The seats were impressively comfortable, suitable for long drives.

The Jetta came in several trims: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Even the base S trim was well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and taillights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like V-Tex leatherette seating, a panoramic moonroof, and driver-assistance features such as forward-collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL Premium trim included additional luxuries like a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a 400-watt BeatsAudio system.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for that year, included a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust. It featured larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels. Styling modifications like revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets gave it a sporty yet tasteful look. Inside, the Forte GT boasted red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with metallic accents, creating a modern and substantial feel.

The Forte GT was priced competitively, starting at $22,490, with the option to replace the DCT with a 6-speed manual transmission for an additional $600. The GT2 Package, priced at $2,200, added significant value with features like Michelin Pilot Sport summer performance tires. The Forte GT offered a firm yet connected ride quality, with a sport exhaust that added a subtle reminder of its sporty nature. The car handled well, especially on curvy roads, and provided a thrilling driving experience.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having 3 fewer horsepower than the previous model, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta handled both city and highway driving well, with smooth and sporty steering and minimal body roll. The ride quality was refined yet soft, and both the manual and automatic transmissions offered excellent fuel efficiency, with 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with 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 DCT provided smooth and responsive gear changes, and the car came with a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, and larger brakes. The Forte GT offered driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Smart, and handled well on both city streets and curvy roads. The car's firm ride quality and sport exhaust added to its sporty character, and the steering felt natural in Normal mode and more weighted in Sport mode.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta's front seats were comfortable for long trips, and both front and rear legroom were adequate despite being slightly reduced. Trunk space was 14.1 cubic feet, down from the previous 15.7 cubic feet but still average for the class. The cabin layout was practical, with the touchscreen moved above the climate vents and the shifter repositioned for easier access. The Jetta blended touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials, making it user-friendly and practical.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available in the GT2 Package. The 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats added to the comfort. The backseat offered good support and air conditioning vents, while the Smart Trunk technology provided hands-free access to the 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample storage compartments.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a full-color digital display that could be personalized to show various information, including navigation.

The 2020 Kia Forte had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The Forte EX and GT included SiriusXM satellite radio and Kia’s Your Voice (UVO) technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which provided better sound quality than the standard setup.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta included front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Driver-assist systems like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision avoidance were standard on higher trims and optional on the base S. The SEL and SEL Premium trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2020 Kia Forte, a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems. The GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and 911 Connect. The Forte also offered programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries, useful for parents of teen drivers.