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, depreciation, fuel efficiency, reliability, retained value, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered. Volkswagen has the advantage in the areas of horsepower, towing capacity, overall quality and safety.

Kia versus Volkswagen: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Kia versus Volkswagen pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Kia in 5 out of 8 vehicle comparisons. Kia and Volkswagen both also have lower used vehicle starting prices in 4 out of 8 comparisons. Kia models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 7 out of 8 comparisons. The lower overall prices for Kia, plus their lower depreciation rate, gives Kia the overall advantage over Volkswagen.

Kia versus Volkswagen: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Volkswagen vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 6 out of 8 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 2 comparisons. Kia offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 3 out of 5 comparisons. Kia offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Volkswagen offers a greater towing capacity in 2 out of 5 comparisons. Kia offers greater towing capacity in 2 out of 5 comparisons, and in 1 comparisons Kia and Volkswagen have the same towing capacity.

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 1 out of 2 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Kia has the advantage in 1 out of 2 comparisons. Volkswagen has higher reliability ratings in 0 out of 2 comparisons, and Kia and Volkswagen tie in 1 comparisons. Volkswagen has better safety ratings in 5 out of 8 comparisons. Kia shows higher ratings for retained value in 4 out of 8 comparisons. Volkswagen shows higher retained value ratings in 0 out of 8 comparisons, and Kia and Volkswagen tie over 4 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 4 categories: Kia Sportage in Best 5-seater SUVs, Kia Sportage in Best Crossover SUVs, Kia Rio 5-Door in Best Small Cars, and Kia Sportage in Best Small SUVs. Volkswagen has better car rankings in 2 categories: Volkswagen Golf in Best Compact Cars and Volkswagen Passat in Best Midsize Cars.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Kia and Volkswagen each have better car rankings in 2 categories. Kia ranks better with the Sportage in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs and the Sportage in Most Reliable Small SUVs.Volkswagen ranks better with the Passat in Most Reliable Midsize Cars and the Golf in Most Reliable Small Cars.

Safest Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 4 categories: Kia Telluride in Safest Crossover SUVs, Kia Optima in Safest Midsize Cars, Kia Telluride in Safest Midsize SUVs, and Kia Telluride in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has better car rankings in 2 categories: Volkswagen ID.4 in Safest Electric SUVs and Volkswagen Golf in Safest Small Cars.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Forte in Best Small Cars for the Money. Volkswagen has better car rankings in 2 categories: Volkswagen Tiguan in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money and Volkswagen Tiguan in Best Small SUVs for the Money.

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

Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 9 gasoline vehicles, 4 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Volkswagen offers 8 gasoline vehicles and 2 electric vehicles.

Kia offers 11 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models. Volkswagen offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 7 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models.