2020 Kia Forte
Starting at
$17,890
2020 Hyundai Elantra
Starting at
$19, 300
| 201 | Horsepower (HP) | 201 |
| 15.3 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 14.4 |
| 8-inch | Standard Touchscreen Size | 5-inch |
What do you look for in a top-performing sedan? There are a lot of factors to look at and tons of models out there to consider. Between pricing, trims, features, and performance, there can be a lot of information to sift through. Fortunately, we are going to help with some of the sifting by creating a comparison between two of the most popular sedans on today's market: 2020 Kia Forte vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Both of these vehicles are popular and for a good reason. But how do you pick between the two? Well, in order to help you discern which might be the better purchase, we are going to take a look at the facts and details of each of these sedans.
On the one hand, you have the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, which starts at a sticker MSRP of $19,300. The trim options in the Hyundai Elantra are quite plentiful, with drivers getting to pick between the SE, SEL, Value Edition, Limited, Eco, and Sport. Meanwhile, you’ll also get the option to pick up a hatchback model in either the GT or N Line. By comparison, the 2020 Kia Forte is much cheaper, pricing in at $17,890 MSRP. You’ll also get a healthy spread of trims, which include the FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX, GT, and GT Manual. While price and trims play a considerable role in the quality of a vehicle, we are going to dig a little deeper and present the specs and features that each of these sedans brings to the table.
Performance
The performance of a vehicle is essential for many reasons. Not only does the performance directly impact what it feels like behind the wheel, but it can also define what your car can or cannot do. When it comes to sedans, performance plays a huge role in that many buyers are looking for a comfortable town car or a rather fuel-conscious commuter. So let's look at how the Forte and Elantra meet the consumer wants.
Forte Performance
The 2020 Kia Forte is a sedan that uses a simple yet effective approach. Base models seek their power from a 2.0-liter inline-4, which manages to pump out 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. When you invest in a base model, you’ll get the choice between a 6-speed manual or a CVT, both of which do a solid job at propelling the Kia Forte forward. And when you consider the EPA-rated fuel economy of base models, which clocks in at 31 MPG combined with the manual and 33 MPG combined with the CVT, this simple design begins to make perfect sense.
If you want more power, though, you can certainly get it. You can take things up a notch by opting for the 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine, which makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft worth of torque. Here there are also two options of transmissions, giving you either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. This powertrain manages to earn 28 MPG combined with the manual transmission and 30 MPG when you opt for the automatic.
The Kia Forte also sits on either 15- or 16- inch wheels, which offer some smooth riding through and through. And if you want to enjoy some serious performance, you can add-in a multi-link rear suspension and a dual-sport exhaust system, which makes for some pretty light handling on the road.
The Elantra's Performance
When it comes to performance, the Hyundai Elantra offers several different options. The base model is a rather modest 147 hp 2.0 inline-4 engine that uses a CVT and a front-wheel drivetrain to propel itself forward. Meanwhile, if that engine is too big for you, you can step down to a 128 hp 1.4-liter turbo-4, which can only be found in the Eco trim model. This Eco model is intended to boost fuel economy but manages to earn 36 MPG combined, which is only 1 MPG greater than the base model’s 35 MPG combined.
That said, if you want greater performance, you can certainly opt for it. Move up to the Sport trim, and you’ll find a 201 hp 1.6-liter turbo-4 that uses a 7-speed automatic transmission to propel the vehicle forward. This beefier engine may be more powerful, but it sucks up a bit more fuel than its standard competitor earning 32 MPG combined. It is also important to point out that this engine produces the same horsepower and torque of the upgraded Forte engine. And for this reason, the two vehicles sit side by side with similar performance specs - but the Forte comes in at a lower price.
Interior
A vehicle's cabin and its features matter just as much as the mechanics that propel it forward. There is a lot to consider when you’re examining the interior of a vehicle from the actual wiggle room available to you to the smart features that add to convenience and ease. Between the 2020 Kia Forte and the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, there are a lot of features to consider, as both sedans have things going for them.
Inside the Kia Forte
The Kia Forte may not be particularly large, but it does offer more than enough room for five adult passengers. On top of that, this sedan has a rather spacious trunk, measuring in at 15.3 cubic feet. Interior materials are a range, which is to be expected. Base models get soft-touch plastics and cloth upholstery, although if you want a more premium feel, you can upgrade to synthetic leather.
Technology in the Kia Forte is what deserves a particular highlight. While other models may come with a rather basic infotainment system, the Kia Forte gets an infotainment touchscreen that measures in at 8 inches and comes packed with Bluetooth connectivity as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You can even upgrade what’s being offered here, as you can pay more to add-in heated and cooled front seats and keyless ignition. In the LXS model, you can also find a drive mode selector that allows you to adjust the performance of the Kia Forte based on the road conditions.
The Elantra's Interior
Interior comforts in the Hyundai Elantra are well-dished, with rear passengers getting 35.7 inches of legroom to stretch out in. A standard 6-way power-adjustable seat is a standard feature, as is the well-designed cloth upholstery. Trunk space is a little tighter than its competitor, with only a little over 14 cu.ft. of space.
The Hyundai Elantra starts rather small when it comes to interior technology. While base models do get a Bluetooth connective infotainment screen, it only measures at 5 inches. On top of that, you’ll have to pay extra to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That said, when you add-in this extra level of convenience, you’ll get a bigger screen that’s roughly 7 inches, and you can pay a little more to get an 8 inch infotainment touchscreen. This same size screen, along with a few other features come standard in the Forte, so it is safe to say it comes out on top.
Safety
What’s expected in the realm of safety features has changed a lot over the years, transforming from basics to features that can proactively protect drivers. Between these two sedans, there are plenty of safety bells and whistles to take advantage of, but we’ll lay both, side by side, to see which has the superior package.
The Forte: Full of Safety
In an outstanding offer, the Kia Forte comes standard with a myriad of advanced safety features. No matter which trim you decide to buy, you’ll get features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, and active lane control at no extra cost. This is a big deal, especially considering that competitors often request a premium price for features that the Kia Forte is essentially offering for free. Of course, you can upgrade these offerings with other packages and higher trims.
Staying Safe in the Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is also a generous provider. All models of the Hyundai Elantra get automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and a driver-attention warning at no extra cost. And, like the Forte, if you want to expand what the Hyundai Elantra offers, you certainly can. Both of these sedans offer a great selection of safety features - neither disappoint. The Forte and Elantra are undoubtedly on even ground when it comes to this area.
