Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Kia Forte
Overview | |
Years produced1985-1992 | Years produced2010-2024 |
MSRP$32,445 | MSRP$19,690 |
Listings3883 | Listings9483 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryRent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | |
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. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway39 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway39 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space19.9 cu ft | Cargo Space15.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3183 lbs | Curb Weight2769 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height56.5 in |
Length168.9 in | Length182.7 in |
Width81.6 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload1023 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1985-1992 | 2010-2024 |
MSRP | $32,445 | $19,690 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 6.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | 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 | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 39 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 39 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft | 15.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3183 lbs | 2769 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 168.9 in | 182.7 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 1023 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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