2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Kia Forte

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$28,695

MSRP

$19,090

Average price

$26,131

Average price

$19,282

Listings

61

Listings

722
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Noisy
  • Unimpressive NHTSA crash-test rating

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews Summary

Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?

2022 Kia Forte Reviews Summary

With inflation and gas prices delivering a one-two punch to American budgets, could compact cars like the 2022 Kia Forte make a comeback? The segment is full of good choices, and you can easily get one with all of the modern infotainment technology and safety features for under $30,000. Plus, today’s compact cars are the size of midsize sedans from a decade or two ago.

Good thing Kia has updated the 2022 Forte with sharper styling and new infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems. Just in case consumers decide their next ride needs to be thriftier and more affordable.

No video found
No video found
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 @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

39
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$28,695
$19,090
Average price
$26,131
$19,282
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
5.0
4.7
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Noisy
  • Unimpressive NHTSA crash-test rating
Summary
Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?

With inflation and gas prices delivering a one-two punch to American budgets, could compact cars like the 2022 Kia Forte make a comeback? The segment is full of good choices, and you can easily get one with all of the modern infotainment technology and safety features for under $30,000. Plus, today’s compact cars are the size of midsize sedans from a decade or two ago.

Good thing Kia has updated the 2022 Forte with sharper styling and new infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems. Just in case consumers decide their next ride needs to be thriftier and more affordable.

Video
No video found
No video found
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 @ 5000 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
23
29
MPG Highway
30
39
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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.