2017 Kia Forte vs. 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
In comparing the 2017 Kia Forte's and the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Kia Forte has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and interior volume. The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2017 Kia Forte's and the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the 2017 Kia Forte.
2017 Kia Forte vs. 2017 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing
A used 2017 Kia Forte ranges from $8,925 to $17,988 while a used 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $9,994 to $19,989.
2017 Kia Forte vs. 2017 Volkswagen Jetta Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2017 Kia Forte loses 39.8 percent of its value and the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta loses 43.2 percent of its value. This means the 2017 Kia Forte retains 3.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta.
2017 Kia Forte vs. 2017 Volkswagen Jetta Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Forte is 7.9 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Kia Forte being ranked 15 out of 26 Best Compact Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 9 out of 26. Out of 43 Best Small Cars, the Kia Forte is ranked 23 and the Volkswagen Jetta is ranked 11.
2017 Kia Forte vs. 2017 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Forte is 7.6 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Forte.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2017 Kia Forte’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 150 horsepower. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 580 miles. This gives the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2017 Kia Forte. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are compact cars, the 2017 Kia Forte has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has higher safety ratings than the 2017 Kia Forte, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
8925 - 17988
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.397863
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
9994 - 19989
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.43236
Kia Forte Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.866667 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.584823 / 10
Reliability:
8.15447 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Forte Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 24Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 26Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
23 out of / 43Ranking
25 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Volkswagen Jetta Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 24Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
15 out of / 26Ranking
20 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 26Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
30 out of / 43Ranking
34 out of / 43Ranking
38 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2017 Kia Forte Trim Levels
EX, LX, S
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
1.4T S, 1.4T SE, 1.8T SEL, 1.8T SEL Premium, 1.8T Sport, 2.0T GLI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
330 / 449 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 40 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 580 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple Car Play:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple Car Play:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.9 inches
Cargo Space:
14.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
15.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2811 lbs
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
179.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2939 lbs
Width:
70 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
183.3 inches
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
205/55R16