2019 Kia Optima vs. 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Kia Optima and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Kia Optima and the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta.

When we compare the 2019 Kia Optima's and the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Kia Optima's and the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the 2019 Kia Optima.

Pricing: A used 2019 Kia Optima ranges from $11,848 to $21,235 while a used 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $12,866 to $22,099.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value and the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta retains 7.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 13 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.8 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 611 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles.This gives the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2019 Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2019 Kia Optima, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Kia Optima and the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.