Kia Optima vs. Volkswagen Jetta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Optima and 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 Kia Optima and the Volkswagen Jetta.

In comparing the Kia Optima's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the Kia Optima.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $13,949 to $22,944 while a used 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $15,299 to $23,186.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Jetta retains 7.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 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 Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the 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 592 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles.This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 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 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 Kia Optima and the Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.