2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of six trim levels, with the GT Limited standing out for its sporty appeal and comprehensive features. This model was equipped with Steel Grey paint, carpeted floor mats, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,084, including a destination charge. The Forte GT Limited boasted a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with exclusive red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the Forte GT Limited featured a 4.2-inch driver information display, an electronic parking brake, and improved infotainment systems, with a sporty interior design that included simulated leather and polished metal accents.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, particularly in the Highline trim, presented a more conservative design, typical of Volkswagen's approach to styling. The Jetta Highline, priced at $31,295 with destination charges, featured a Platinum Grey Metallic exterior and a Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior. While the Jetta's design was considered bland by some, it offered a no-nonsense interior with ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large power sunroof. The Jetta Highline's interior was noted for its upscale feel, drawing inspiration from the VW Group’s Audi luxury brand, and provided a sense of emotional value at a competitive price point.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes. The GT Limited featured a sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, providing a blend of ride and handling characteristics. However, the brakes were not up to the task during demanding driving, and the engine noise at highway speeds was notable. The Forte GT Limited's fuel economy was also less than expected, averaging 9.1 L/100 km on a testing loop.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Highline trim came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a Sport mode and manual shifting mode. While the Jetta provided a nimble feel in urban environments, there was a noticeable delay in acceleration with the automatic transmission. The Jetta averaged 7.8 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop, slightly above the official rating. Despite these quirks, the Jetta Highline offered accurate steering, faithful brakes, and predictable handling, with impressive all-season tires.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The interior was comfortable for long trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents. The Forte offered ample rear seat headroom and legroom, with a large trunk providing 433 litres of cargo space, the largest in its segment.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline accommodated four adults comfortably, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The Jetta offered generous interior storage space and a cavernous trunk with 399 litres of cargo space. However, the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster, and rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Jetta's interior was noted for its expansive view and supportive seating.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting capability. The GT-Line and GT Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline featured a 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the infotainment interface required more inputs than expected. The Jetta offered Car-Net connected services, providing a Wi-Fi hotspot and several safety features. However, the Beats Audio premium audio system was not particularly satisfying.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety technologies, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims featured adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash protection rating.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta included standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Comfortline trim added blind spot monitoring and Travel Assist. The Jetta's driver-assistance suite was generally effective, though it occasionally issued inaccurate warnings. The NHTSA awarded the Jetta a five-star overall safety rating, but the IIHS rated its safety as Poor in a new crash test.