Compare the2025 Kia K4VS 2025 Volkswagen Jetta

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Kia K4 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Volkswagen Jetta doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the K4 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Jetta doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

With its standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, the Kia K4 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Volkswagen Jetta, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	K4	Jetta
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	-15 MPH	-12 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-18 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	1.9 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.5 sec	No Warning

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Kia K4 achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Volkswagen Jetta has not been tested.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The K4 GT-Line Turbo offers optional Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Jetta doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The K4 GT-Line Turbo offers an optional Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Jetta only offers a rear monitor.

The K4’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Jetta doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the K4 and the Jetta have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Kia K4 is safer than the Volkswagen Jetta:

	K4	Jetta
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	16.7%	29.8%
Neck Stress	129 lbs.	272 lbs.
Neck Compression	39 lbs.	57 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.7 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	30.2%	41.8%
Neck Stress	118 lbs.	133 lbs.
Neck Compression	70 lbs.	136 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	315/48 lbs.	430/149 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the K4 is much safer than the Jetta:

	K4	Jetta
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	POOR
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Kia K4 is safer than the Volkswagen Jetta:

	K4	Jetta
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	11 inches	13 inches
HIC	178	239

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Kia K4 is safer than the Jetta:

	K4	Jetta
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	-134 lbs.	22 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Torso Max Deflection	1.57 in	1.85 in
Torso Deflection Rate	9 MPH	12 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	982 lbs.	1182 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	187	274
Neck Compression	-134 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Shoulder Force	357 lbs.	379 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.34 in	1.69 in
Torso Deflection Rate	9 MPH	10 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	669 lbs.	1049 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the K4, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 3.1% less likely to roll over than the Jetta, which received a four-star rating.

The Kia K4 (Built after January 2025) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Jetta is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The K4 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Jetta’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the K4 6 years and 50,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Jetta. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Jetta ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 25 percent more Kia dealers than there are Volkswagen dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the K4’s warranty.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the K4’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Jetta’s camshafts. If the Jetta’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the K4 has a standard 150-amp alternator (160-amp - K4 GT-Line Turbo). The Jetta’s 140-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the K4’s reliability 22 points higher than the Jetta.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 78 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 30th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in long-term dependability. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volkswagen is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 9 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The K4 GT-Line Turbo’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder produces 32 more horsepower (190 vs. 158) and 11 lbs.-ft. more torque (195 vs. 184) than the Jetta’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the K4 GT-Line Turbo 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Volkswagen Jetta:

	K4	Jetta
Zero to 60 MPH	7.1 sec	8.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	16.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.8 MPH	87.2 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the K4 gets better mileage than the Jetta:

		MPG
K4
	LX 2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	30 city/40 hwy
Jetta
	Sport/SE/SEL 1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	29 city/40 hwy
	S 1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	29 city/39 hwy

Transmission

The K4 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Jetta doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the K4 GT-Line Turbo’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Jetta:

	K4 GT-Line Turbo	Jetta
Front Rotors	12 inches	11.3 inches
Rear Rotors	11.2 inches	10.7 inches

The K4 stops much shorter than the Jetta:

	K4	Jetta
70 to 0 MPH	173 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the K4 GT-Line’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Jetta (235/40R18 vs. 225/45R18).

The K4 LX/LXS’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Jetta S’ standard 60 series tires. The K4 GT-Line’s tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Jetta SEL’s 45 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the K4 GT-Line has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Volkswagen Jetta has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The K4 GT-Line has front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the K4 GT-Line flat and controlled during cornering. The Jetta’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the K4’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the Jetta (107.1 inches vs. 105.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the K4 is 1.4 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Jetta.

The K4 GT-Line Turbo handles at .83 G’s, while the Jetta pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The K4 GT-Line Turbo executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Jetta SEL (26.6 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.4 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the K4’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Jetta’s (35.2 feet vs. 35.8 feet).

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the K4 a Mid-size car, while the Jetta is rated a Compact.

The K4 has 4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Jetta (98.7 vs. 94.7).

The K4 has .5 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom, .3 inches more front hip room, .6 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom, .6 inches more rear legroom, .5 inches more rear hip room and .7 inches more rear shoulder room than the Jetta.

The front step up height for the K4 is 1.6 inches lower than the Jetta (14.2” vs. 15.8”). The K4’s rear step up height is 1.2 inches lower than the Jetta’s (14.8” vs. 16”).

Cargo Capacity

The K4 has a larger trunk than the Jetta (14.6 vs. 14.1 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the K4’s trunk can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Jetta doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Ergonomics

The K4 GT-Line’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Jetta doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

On a hot day the K4’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Jetta can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The K4 has a standard Smart Key that allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Jetta SE/SEL offers Keyless Access.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The K4’s headlights were rated “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Jetta’s headlights are rated “Marginal” to “Poor.”

When the K4 GT-Line with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Jetta’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the K4 and the Jetta offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the K4 GT-Line Turbo has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Jetta doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to the Volkswagen Jetta, the Kia K4 eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Compared to traditional radio, the Kia K4’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Jetta SE/SEL.

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