Kia vs. Volkswagen

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Kia and Volkswagen contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Kia and Volkswagen cars.

When comparing the Kia brand to the Volkswagen brand, Kia has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, reliability, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered. Volkswagen has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, horsepower, towing capacity, overall quality, safety and retained value.

Kia versus Volkswagen: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Kia versus Volkswagen pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Kia in 6 out of 9 vehicle comparisons. Kia also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 6 out of 9 comparisons. Volkswagen models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 5 out of 9 comparisons.

Kia versus Volkswagen: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Volkswagen vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 5 out of 9 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 3 comparisons. Kia and Volkswagen vehicles have similar horsepower in 1 comparisons. Volkswagen offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 4 out of 7 comparisons. Kia offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Volkswagen offers a greater towing capacity in 3 out of 5 comparisons.

Kia versus Volkswagen: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Kia versus Volkswagen overall quality ratings shows Volkswagen with higher quality ratings in 2 out of 3 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Kia has the advantage in 2 out of 3 comparisons. Volkswagen has better safety ratings in 3 out of 8 comparisons while Kia has better safety ratings in 2 out of 8 comparisons. Kia and Volkswagen tie for safety in 3 comparisons. Volkswagen shows higher ratings for retained value in 5 out of 9 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 5 categories: Kia Sorento in Best 7-Seater SUVs, Kia Sorento in Best Crossover SUVs, Kia Optima in Best Midsize Cars, Kia Sorento in Best Midsize SUVs, and Kia Sorento in Best SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has better car rankings in 4 categories: Volkswagen Tiguan in Best 5-seater SUVs, Volkswagen Golf in Best Compact Cars, Volkswagen Golf in Best Small Cars, and Volkswagen Tiguan in Best Small SUVs.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 5 categories: Kia Sorento in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Kia Sorento in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs, Kia Rio 5-Door in Most Reliable Small Cars, Kia Sportage in Most Reliable Small SUVs, and Kia Sorento in Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has the better car ranking in 1 category: Passat in Most Reliable Midsize Cars.

Safest Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 5 categories: Kia Telluride in Safest Crossover SUVs, Kia Niro EV in Safest Electric SUVs, Kia Optima in Safest Midsize Cars, Kia Telluride in Safest Midsize SUVs, and Kia Telluride in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has the better car ranking in 1 category: Golf in Safest Small Cars.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 2 categories: Kia Sportage in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money and Kia Sportage in Best Small SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 4 sedans, 1 hatchback, and 1 minivan. In comparison, Volkswagen offers 5 SUVs, 3 sedans, and 2 hatchbacks.

Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 11 gasoline vehicles, 3 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Volkswagen offers 9 gasoline vehicles and 1 electric vehicle.

Kia offers 12 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 3 rear-wheel-drive models. Volkswagen offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 8 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.