Volkswagen Jetta vs Kia K5

2023 Volkswagen Jetta
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,655MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia K5
2024 Kia K5
$25,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,655MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia K5
$25,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$20,655

MSRP

$25,590

Average price

$14,812

Average price

$24,127

Listings

9324

Listings

3286
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Great ride and handling
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive safety features
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Sluggish performance
  • All-wheel drive not available
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Concerning crash-test ratings

Reviews Summary

You’ve probably heard the average American can no longer afford a new car. That’s not true. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in the United States is nearly $75,000, putting a new 2023 Volkswagen Jetta within the reach of many people. Granted, big SUVs, giant pickup trucks, muscular performance cars, envy-inspiring luxury vehicles, or high-tech electric cars may not fit most budgets. But when you need a new set of wheels, the appealing 2023 Jetta is remarkably affordable and versatile.

Reviews Summary

If you can overlook the real-world fuel economy and unimpressive crash-test ratings, then a 2024 Kia K5 is a steal of an automobile. (Don’t worry, it has an engine immobilizer system to prevent theft.) It comes in LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels, and the only change for 2024 is standard heated seats for the GT-Line trim. Turbocharging is standard, and you can get all-wheel drive if you live where the sun often doesn’t shine.

Verdict: It’s a shame Kia doesn’t offer the K5 with a hybrid powertrain, and its performance in new, tougher-to-pass crash tests is worrisome. But there is no doubt the 2024 Kia K5 is a stylish, comfortable, enjoyable, and technologically advanced midsize car. And the price is undeniably nice.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.5L 158 hp I4

Engine

1.6L 180 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

180 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

31

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

41

MPG Highway

37
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,655MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia K5
2024 Kia K5
$25,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,655MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia K5
$25,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$20,655
$25,590
Average price
$14,812
$24,127
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.8
Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great ride and handling
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive safety features
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Sluggish performance
  • All-wheel drive not available
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Concerning crash-test ratings
Summary
You’ve probably heard the average American can no longer afford a new car. That’s not true. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in the United States is nearly $75,000, putting a new 2023 Volkswagen Jetta within the reach of many people. Granted, big SUVs, giant pickup trucks, muscular performance cars, envy-inspiring luxury vehicles, or high-tech electric cars may not fit most budgets. But when you need a new set of wheels, the appealing 2023 Jetta is remarkably affordable and versatile.

If you can overlook the real-world fuel economy and unimpressive crash-test ratings, then a 2024 Kia K5 is a steal of an automobile. (Don’t worry, it has an engine immobilizer system to prevent theft.) It comes in LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels, and the only change for 2024 is standard heated seats for the GT-Line trim. Turbocharging is standard, and you can get all-wheel drive if you live where the sun often doesn’t shine.

Verdict: It’s a shame Kia doesn’t offer the K5 with a hybrid powertrain, and its performance in new, tougher-to-pass crash tests is worrisome. But there is no doubt the 2024 Kia K5 is a stylish, comfortable, enjoyable, and technologically advanced midsize car. And the price is undeniably nice.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.5L 158 hp I4
1.6L 180 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
180 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
31
27
MPG Highway
41
37
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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.