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2026 KIA K5
LXS Auto FWD
vs
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Autobahn DSG

From $27,490 vs From $33,745

KIA K5
KIA K5
LXS Auto FWD
From $27,490
★ Our Pick
View Full Specs →
VS
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta
Autobahn DSG
From $33,745
View Full Specs →
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 6100
228hp @ 6500
Torque
181lb-ft @ 4000
258lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
32 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci

Choosing between the KIA K5 and the Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA K5 delivers 191hp @ 6100 while the Volkswagen Jetta produces 228hp @ 6500. On fuel, the K5 returns 32 mpg est. while the Jetta uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $27,490 for the K5 and $33,745 for the Jetta. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.

Specification
KIA K5LXS Auto FWD 2026 - From $27,490
Volkswagen JettaAutobahn DSG 2026 - From $33,745
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 6100
228hp @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft)
181lb-ft @ 4000
258lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
32 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
37mpg
35mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.8gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
193.1in
186.9in
Width (in)
73.2in
70.8in
Height (in)
56.9in
57.3in
Wheelbase (in)
112.2in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3230lbs
3311lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard

Which Wins?

Overall Winner
KIA K5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Jetta
Fuel Economy
K5
Value
K5
Practicality
Tied
KIA K5
+Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
+Lower starting price ($27,490)
-Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Jetta
+Well-rounded specification
-Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
-Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the K5 or Jetta?
The K5 gets 32 mpg est. and the Jetta gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The K5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the K5 or Jetta?
The K5 produces 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Jetta delivers 228hp @ 6500 and 258lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Jetta is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the K5 and Jetta?
The K5 starts from $27,490 and the Jetta from $33,745. The K5 is cheaper by $6,255 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the K5 or the Jetta?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.

KIA K5 Variants

All K5 Specs →

Volkswagen Jetta Variants

All Jetta Specs →

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