Kia Soul vs Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is more fuel-efficient at 32 MPG combined, against 28 MPG for the Kia Soul. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Kia Soul | Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 878 | 47 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Fuel system |
| Crashes and fires | 32 and 65 | 1 and 1 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 99,000 miles | 82,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 28 MPG | 32 MPG |
| City and highway | 26 and 31 | 29 and 37 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,400 | $3,000 |
| NHTSA overall safety | Not rated |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 878 complaints for the Kia Soul and 47 for the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 3 for the Kia Soul, 1 for the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen.