2024 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Kia Forte | Near Gary, IN

Smooth handling and glossy exteriors are how the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta and 2024 Kia Forte draw attention to themselves. Plus, they both offer fuel-efficient engines, optimized sound systems, and progressive driver assistance systems. To learn more about these sedans, read through this Volkswagen Jetta vs. Kia Forte guide put together by the specialists at Team Volkswagen in Merrillville, IN. If you’re looking for more information about the Jetta, be sure to also check out our review.

Interested in seeing the new Volkswagen Jetta in our inventory? Stop by our VW dealership near Gary, IN, to experience the Jetta firsthand. Before setting out, check our directions. Be sure to also explore our current offers if you’re interested in saving. If you have any questions for our team, give us a call at (219) 947-1581 or message us online.

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2024 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior Parking Lot

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

2024 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Kia Forte Exterior Design

Polished exteriors give a great first impression, and the 2024 VW Jetta and 2024 Kia Forte both deliver. On the Jetta, you’ll find standard LED headlights and daytime running lights, while the Forte adds these as available features. Both offer unique wheel options, which range in size from 16 to 17 inches on the Jetta or 15 to 18 inches on the Forte. Available VW Jetta exterior features include:

  • 16- or 17-in. wheels
  • LED projector headlights, daytime running lights, taillights, and signature lights
  • Panoramic glass tilt/slide sunroof
  • Heated, foldable, power-adjustable side mirrors with position memory
  • Rain-sensing front wipers
  • Heated washer nozzles
2024 Volkswagen Jetta Interior Front

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

2024 Volkswagen Jetta Interior Back Seating With Passenger

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

2024 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Kia Forte Interior Design & Technology

Enter the 2024 VW Jetta or 2024 Kia Forte and discover a cabin designed to calm. Both sedans offer heated front seats for those long winters. When summer hits, the Jetta also has ventilated front seats on its top trim, while this same feature is only optional on Forte models on select higher-level trims. Drivers of either sedan will appreciate the available leather-wrapped steering wheel. Available VW Jetta interior features include:

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Cloth, leatherette, or leather seat upholstery
  • Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory settings
  • Heated front and rear outboard seats
  • Ventilated front seats

Remain connected to the tools that matter most to your day with the infotainment systems included with either the 2024 VW Jetta or 2024 Kia Forte. To connect to said infotainment system, turn to the wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ standard on either model, or upgrade your connectivity with the wireless smartphone connectivity available on the Jetta. Make drives more enjoyable with your customized playlist piping through the available nine-speaker BeatsAudio® sound system on the Jetta or the eight-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system available on the Forte. Available VW Jetta technology features include:

  • Nine-speaker BeatsAudio sound system
  • 6.5- or 8-in. infotainment display
  • Wired or wireless App-Connect® (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
  • Bluetooth®
  • SiriusXM® with 360L capability
  • HD Radioâ„¢
  • Wireless charging

2024 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Kia Forte Engine Specs & Fuel Economy

Whether your choice is the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta or 2024 Kia Forte, you’ll find that your engine has excellent fuel economy, especially on the highway. The Jetta reaches up to 41 MPG on the highway, while the Forte can achieve up to 39 highway MPG. Take control of your drive with the drive modes included with either sedan — the Jetta has comfort, eco, sport, and custom modes, while the Forte has normal, sport, and smart modes. Available engine specs are shown in the following table for your reference.

2024 ModelVW JettaKia ForteKia Forte
Engine1.5L TSI® turbo four-cylinder2.0L I41.6L turbo I4
Horsepower158 HP147 HP201 HP
Torque184 lb.-ft.132 lb.-ft.195 lb.-ft.
Max. MPG (City/Hwy)30 / 4128 / 3927 / 35
DrivetrainFWDFWDFWD
TransmissionSix-speed manual or eight-speed automatic with Tiptronic®Intelligent variableSeven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual

2024 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Kia Forte Size & Cargo Space

The 2024 VW Jetta and 2024 Kia Forte both offer plenty of passenger volume in their cabins — 94.7 cubic feet in the Jetta and 96 cubic feet in the Forte, to be exact. Five passengers are seated comfortably throughout the cabin, with the Jetta boasting the better rear-seat legroom — 37.4 inches. Haul up to 14.1 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk of the Jetta, or slightly more in the Forte — 15.3 cubic feet. Need more cargo room? You can configure your seating and cargo space with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat in both sedans. Interior dimensions are shown in the accompanying table for your ease of reference.

2024 ModelVW JettaKia Forte
Passenger CapacityFiveFive
Passenger Volume94.7 cu.-ft.96 cu.-ft.
Trunk Volume14.1 cu.-ft.15.3 cu. ft.
Headroom (Front/Rear)38.5 / 37.2 in.38.8 / 37.5 in.
Legroom (Front/Rear)41.1 / 37.4 in.42.2 / 35.7 in.

2024 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Kia Forte Safety Options & Features

Both the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta and 2024 Kia Forte have advanced driver assistance and safety systems as part of their lineups. The VW Jetta offers a standard suite of IQ.DRIVE® features, while Kia Drive Wise technologies on the Kia Forte are largely available rather than standard. Keep a closer eye on your blind spots with help from the standard active blind spot monitor on the Jetta or the available blind spot collision warning on the Forte. Handle highway driving with confidence thanks to the adaptive cruise control standard on the Jetta or the available navigation-based smart cruise control on the Forte. Available VW Jetta driver assist features include:

  • Light assist
  • Rearview camera system
  • IQ.DRIVE
    • Travel assist
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Active blind spot monitor
    • Rear traffic alert
    • Front assist
    • Emergency assist
    • Lane assist

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