Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Forte | Which is Better?

The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte, two of the most popular compact sedans in the market today, present an excellent choice for buyers living on a tight budget. These cars have impressive performance stats, fuel efficiency, and features that are sure to meet your needs.

Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Forte Chart

CarHyundai ElantraKia Forte
Starting Price$20,500
$19,490
Horsepower RPM62006200
Torque RPM45004500
Gear NumberCVT w/OD
CVT w/OD
Blind Spot SystemStandardStandard
Forward Collision WarningActiveActive
Rust Warranty Length5 year5 year

If you look at the stats both the cars are quite similar. The mileage is the same, the powertrain is the same and the performance is the same as both car’s engines have the same amount of torque and horsepower. The only advantage Elantra has over Forte is its bigger rear end, due to this the backseat passengers will have more comfort.

People buy luxury sedans for just one purpose and that is comfort so it is clear that the hyundai elantra is better than the Kia Forte.

Engine Comparison Chart

CarHyundai ElantraKia Forte
Horsepower RPM62006200
Torque RPM45004500
EPA Highway Fuel Economy33MPG28 MPG
Start/Stop SystemYesYes

An automatic transmission is paired with this powerful engine, while front-wheel drive comes standard in both models. The Elantra and Forte both have impressive performance capabilities that are evenly matched. They can both go from 0 to 60 mph in around 8 seconds and attain a top speed of approximately 120 mph, making them worthy contenders in any race.

The Elantra has a slightly better fuel economy compared to the Forte. It has an EPA-estimated rating of 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the Forte gets 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Size & Dimensions:

VehicleHyundai ElantraKia Forte
Headroom (front/rear)40.6
40.6
Legroom (front/rear)42.3
42.2
Shoulder Room (front/rear)56.5
56.1

Interior and Features:

The Elantra and Forte share similar interiors, providing comfortable seating for up to five passengers. However, the Elantra edges out with slightly more rear legroom – a decisive factor for taller riders. Both cars have a set of standard features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. However, the Elantra outshines the Forte with an additional feature – a sunroof.

Pricing:

The Elantra and Forte are two available car models that meet the needs of different budgets. The Elantra’s starting price is $21,150, while the Forte’s starting price is $20,000. With various trim levels offered for both vehicles, customers have options to personalize their purchases according to their desires and financial needs.

The starting price of a car can differ based on various factors like the trim level, options, and incentives. So, it is always best to compare the final price of the two cars before making a decision.

These are some of the factors that affect the price of a car:

  • Trim level: The features included in a car are determined by its trim level, which often correlates with its price. Generally, higher trim levels offer additional features at a higher cost.
  • Options: Adding options to a car can enhance its features, such as adding a sunroof or heated seats, which will naturally increase the price of the car. This provides consumers with various choices while keeping in mind their budget requirements.
  • Car Buyers Beware of Incentives: As one considers purchasing a new car, it is important to note the availability of incentives such as rebates or low-interest financing. These incentives can be used in lowering the overall price, but cautiousness is required when evaluating which option is correct.

The Kia Forte is a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious car shoppers. However, it’s important to compare the final pricing of both options before settling on one.

Which One is More Luxurious?

The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are highly equipped vehicles, offering a good level of comfort and luxury. Despite their similarities, there are notable distinctions between the two cars in terms of luxurious features. The Hyundai Elantra’s interior exudes sophistication and elegance, with its top-notch finishes and high-quality materials.

The comfortable seats and refined driving experience make every ride blissful. Additionally, this luxurious vehicle comes standard with exclusive features like a sunroof, cozy heated seats, and a premium sound system that is sure to enhance your driving pleasure.

The Kia Forte costs less than the Elantra and doesn’t have as many luxuries. Nevertheless, it still delivers comfort and elegance as it provides supportive seating and a tranquil driving experience. Ultimately, choosing between a Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte comes down to personal preference and needs.

If luxury is paramount, the Hyundai offers the highest level of opulence. For those budget-conscious shoppers, however, the Kia provides an affordable option that delivers impressive value for its price tag.

Maintenance Cost Comparison

The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are two budget-friendly cars with similar maintenance costs. However, there are some notable variations in the upkeep expenses that potential buyers should be aware of. The Hyundai Elantra has a lower cost of ownership compared to the Kia Forte. According to RepairPal, on average, the annual maintenance for the Elantra amounts to $520 while that of Forte is approximately $550 per year.

The Elantra distinguishes itself from the Forte with its lower maintenance costs. This disparity is primarily attributable to the difference in their recommended oil change intervals. While the Forte necessitates an oil change every 5,000 miles, Hyundai advises that you change your Elantra’s oil every 7,500 miles.

One reason for Elantra’s lower maintenance costs is its use of a timing belt, compared to Forte’s utilization of a timing chain. The Hyundai Elantra also comes with a longer basic warranty than the Kia Forte. The Elantra’s basic warranty is 5 years/60,000 miles, while the Forte’s basic warranty is 5 years/60,000 miles.

The Elantra’s extended warranty ensures that any unexpected repair costs are minimized during the initial 5 years of ownership. The Hyundai Elantra is ultimately the more affordable option in terms of maintenance. That being said, the Kia Forte doesn’t come far behind and has certain features that the Elantra lacks – like a panoramic sunroof and a heated steering wheel.

Which is more Safer?

The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are two car models that perfectly encapsulate passenger safety. Following rigorous assessments, both vehicles received top ratings from both organizations. Specifically, while the NHTSA gave them a rare five-star overall rating, the IIHS awarded the Elantra a Top Safety Pick+ rating and granted the Forte a Top Safety Pick rating.

The two cars differ in their safety features. The Elantra provides more basic safety features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist compared to the Forte.

Although the Forte does provide these options, they are not standard in the car model. In terms of car safety, various factors such as design, installed safety features, and driving behavior play a major role. However, assessing the safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS reveals that both Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are exceptionally safe cars.

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Conclusion

Both the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are excellent options, but which one is the right fit depends on personal preferences. If rear legroom and fuel economy are top priorities, then the Elantra edges out as a better choice.

Ultimately, choosing the ideal car depends on your unique requirements and preferences. If you’re unsure which vehicle to go for, taking test drives of both the Elantra and Forte is recommended to see which one suits you better.

What Kia compares to the Hyundai Elantra?

The 2023 Kia K5 and Hyundai Elantra differ in engine capacity. The Kia has a 1.6-liter Turbo Inline-4 that generates up to 180 hp, while the Hyundai has a 2.0-liter Inline-4 engine with only 147 hp output capacity. If you crave an exciting driving experience, the 2023 Kia K5 might be more exciting.

Is Kia higher quality than Hyundai?

The verdict is clear – between Kia and Hyundai, it’s Kia that offers superior quality and value. Kia models have striking designs and provide a more exciting driving experience than their Hyundai counterparts. All things considered, it’s hard to argue against the fact that Kia built better vehicles overall, regardless of your priorities when looking for a car.

Are the Forte and Elantra the same car?

The Kia Forte and the Hyundai Elantra are two compact four-doors that have striking similarities. Both models have reliable performance. Both cars are produced by divisions of Hyundai-Kia, Korea’s largest auto manufacturer. They each feature front-wheel drive and have identical standard and optional engines.

What about the Kia and Hyundai engines? Do they have the same engines?

Many of the engines used in Hyundai models are also present in Kia vehicles. The Kappa G3LA/G3LC engine, which includes models such as Hyundai Kona, i20, and Kia Stonic, is a notable example. Additionally, the Kappa G4LD engine is shared by several cars including the Hyundai i30, Elantra, and Kia Ceed.

Magnus Sellen
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