How Good Is the Kia Forte? Yes, the Kia Forte is an excellent small car. Its rear seats and trunk are surprisingly spacious. Both the cabin and the entertainment system are well-built and simple to use.
In This Article...
Which issues might a Kia Forte have?
What Issues Are Related to Owning a 2020 Kia Forte? Owners complain of broken door locks, failing airbags on the driver’s side, and gearbox issues like shift slippage and difficulty accelerating. The anti-theft system in the Kia Forte has received a lot of flak for its shortcomings.
Are Kia Forte automobiles dependable?
With a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, the Kia Forte is ranked sixth among 36 compact automobiles. Its great ownership costs are reflected in the $451 average yearly repair cost. The Forte is one of the more dependable automobiles on the road since repair needs are both more severe and less frequent than with other vehicles.
Cost
Compared to an average of $526 for compact vehicles and $652 for all vehicle types, the total yearly cost of repairs and maintenance for a Kia Forte is $451.
the typical annual sum for unplanned maintenance and repairs for all model years of a car. A vehicle’s greater average cost alone does not imply that it is less dependable. For instance, your car’s parts and labor may be pricey, especially if it’s a European luxury model, but if there are few serious problems and frequent service visits on average each year, that’s a sign of a dependable vehicle.
The typical annual frequency at which a vehicle is taken in for unplanned maintenance and repairs. This metric is produced by monitoring millions of distinctive automobiles over a number of years to ascertain the typical yearly visits for each make and model. Controls were included to prevent small, routine shop visits, such those for oil changes.
The severity element of dependability calculates the likelihood that a repair will cause a significant problem. The cost of a repair is assessed to be excessively expensive given the unscheduled nature of the repair if it is three times the average annual repair cost for all models. Due to their more expensive labor and component expenses, premium and luxury brands have a higher barrier.
Frequency
Compared to the average of 0.3 for compact cars and 0.4 for all vehicle models, Kia Forte owners bring their cars in for unplanned repairs 0.2 times less frequently each year.
A Kia Forte is larger than an Elantra, right?
Being able to get in and out of the Hyundai Elantra in a busy parking lot may be a little more difficult due to its somewhat broader body than the Kia Forte. The Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra occupy almost the same amount of space in your garage when comparing overall lengths.
Better: Elantra or Forte?
Even though the Hyundai Elantra outperforms the Kia Forte in many respects, Kia still has an advantage over Hyundai’s sedan in one particular area. The Forte clearly outperforms the competition in terms of pricing, especially for the base model. The base model starts at $18,885, which is over $2,000 less expensive than the Elantra. Hyundai initially prices its vehicle at $20,655.
This is advantageous for individuals who enjoy manual transmissions because it comes standard on the Forte’s base model. The base Elantra model has an automatic continuously variable gearbox. The Forte GT, which costs roughly $1,500 less than the Elantra’s N-Line, which costs $25,105, is the next model up.
The dual-clutch automatic is standard on the Forte GT. You will have to fork over an additional $600 if you want a manual with this sporty variant. You get an automatic transmission with the Elantra N-Line, but if you want a six-speed manual, you can purchase one for $1,100 less than the automatic model.
In comparison to the Forte, the Hyundai Elantra boasts higher fuel efficiency ratings and more playable technological features. However, Kia’s sedan is still in the running. You can bet that the Forte will be the most affordable option.
Kia Forte vs. Volkswagen Jetta
- The Forte’s expected lifespan is fewer than the 200,000 miles that the typical VW Jetta can travel.
- The Kia Forte receives a dependability rating from RepairPal of 4.5 out of 5, which is greater than the Jetta’s score of 4.
- The Forte’s annual maintenance expenditures are $451 compared to the Jetta’s $609 per year.
Choose the Kia Forte if you want a vehicle with more miles on the odometer and reduced maintenance expenditures.
Kia Forte vs. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a solid choice if you want a vehicle that is both inexpensive and dependable.
Honda has a lot of experience with the platform because it has already undergone more than ten iterations.
When compared to the Kia Forte,
- The anticipated lifespan of the Honda Civic and Kia Forte is 250,00-300,000 kilometers.
- The Forte and the Civic both received 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal for dependability.
- The average annual maintenance cost for the Honda Civic is $368.
When it comes to dependability, the venerable Honda Civic and the Kia Forte are almost neck and neck. But over time, it’s possible that the Civic will cost a bit less to maintain.
Kia Forte vs. Mazda 3
- Less than the Fords’ 250k300k miles, the Mazda 3 can endure between 200k250k miles.
- The Mazda 3 only received 4 ratings from RepairPal, whereas the Forte received 4.5 stars.
- The Forte costs $451 per year to maintain, compared to $433 for the Mazda 3.
When it comes to dependability and yearly maintenance, the Forte edges out the Mazda just a little.
How durable is the Kia Forte?
The Kia Forte may survive for many years and miles with routine oil changes and manufacturer maintenance. Currently, there are Forte models with more than 100,000 and even over 200,000 miles on them on the road! Take good care of your Kia vehicle to reap the benefits.
Drivers in Cleveland, Lorain, and Sheffield Lake, Ohio, may learn more about the Forte’s dependability by visiting Montrose Kia. Let’s get into the specifics now! Set up a test drive right away.
Honda Civic versus Kia Forte: Which vehicle is superior?
Both the Honda Civic and the Kia Forte are small automobiles. All of them have front-wheel drive. The Civic is offered as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, and a five-door hatchback, whilst the Forte is only offered as a four-door sedan.
The Forte’s standard 147-horsepower engine is less powerful than the Civic’s standard 158-horsepower engine. However, the Civic’s top 180-horsepower choice is outclassed by the 201-horsepower engine that is an option on the Forte.
In terms of interior space, the Kia Forte and Honda Civic rank extremely closely. The interior volume of the Forte sedan is 96.2 cubic feet, however the Civic sedan has 97.8 cubic feet more. The Civic’s trunk offers 15.1 cubic feet of room, narrowly beating out the Forte’s 14.9 cubic feet. Not much of a difference. Consider the Civic hatchback if you require the most load carrying ability; when the rear seats are folded, there is 46.2 cubic feet of room available.
The Civic provides universal availability of the most recent driver assistance systems, which the Forte does not. On every Civic with an automatic transmission, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation are available as options. Top trims also come standard with these features.
Kia or Honda, which is better?
In terms of performance, Honda outperforms Kia, and the brand also has an edge in terms of expected reliability. On Consumer Reports’ list of the most dependable car manufactures, Honda is presently ranked #5. The reliability ratings for Honda’s HR-V, Insight, Clarity, CR-V, and Ridgeline are all above average.
Kia, on the other hand, had a considerable decline in this year’s reliability ratings. With six less points than the previous year, CR ranks Kia as the 15th most trustworthy brand. For the 2021 model year, Kia’s Soul, Forte, and Niro EV were the company’s downfall. Consider this while you shop: CR’s data indicates that Kia’s SUVs are more dependable than its cars.
Civic or Elantra, which is preferable?
We chance to drive through a mid-1970s Honda Civic CVCC shortly after finishing evaluations for this comparative test between the 2022 Honda Civic Touring and 2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited. This first-generation Civic, a marvel in its day, demonstrated to Americans the allure of small vehicles as a mode of regular mobility. What follows is history. Even though it was absurdly little by today’s standards, the vintage Civic had a significant influence on the sector.
It occurred to us how far things had gone since that tiny yellow hatchback’s heyday as we pondered its awesomeness. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited and 2022 Honda Civic Touring’s performance, features, and technology would have been completely science fiction in that age. In fact, these vehicles’ equipment goes much beyond the bare minimum. As a result, there are two impressive compact automobiles that each disprove the myth that budget vehicles can’t be fantastic. There is fierce rivalry.
The Contenders: Specs, Features, Prices
These are cutting-edge compact sedans, with the Elantra getting a complete makeover for 2021 and the Civic making its debut in its 11th generation for 2022. The Touring and Limited trims are the top-of-the-line versions of the Civic and Elantra, respectively, excluding performance options.
The Civic’s engine is more powerful while being smaller. It produces 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is supplied to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission, and is almost identical to the prior 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4. The EPA rates fuel efficiency at 31/38 mpg on the city/highway. Exclusive features available only on the Touring model include a Bose premium music system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10.2-inch digital gauge display, and a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Our test vehicle only had one option, a stunning $395 coat of Morning Mist blue paint, which brought the overall cost to $29,710.
The engine of the Elantra is bigger but also more effective. It has a 2.0 liter displacement and uses a CVT to send 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Fuel efficiency in the city is 31 mpg, but on the highway it manages an amazing 41 mpg. Leather on the seats and steering wheel, 10.3-inch infotainment and gauge cluster screens, ambient lighting, and a sunroof are just a few of the limited trim’s comforts. Our Elantra tester cost about $26,610 after adding $155 in carpeted floormats.
With a five-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty, a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, five years of mileage-unrestricted roadside assistance, and five years of roadside assistance overall, Hyundai increases the value of the Elantra. Honda is less generous, offering a basic warranty and roadside assistance for three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles.
Interior Design and Packaging
Our staff can’t agree on which car’s external design. Some people believe the 2022 Honda Civic is more attractive than its predecessor, while others believe it is just a smaller version of the Accord. The Elantra’s crazy style is unavoidable and, depending on who you ask, either excessive or exhilarating. However, inside, everyone has a favorite.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra appears to be a cheap car that has been gussied up with decent features in Limited grade. The intricate seat stitching, large digital displays, and silver speaker grates all look pricey for the equipment’s price range. But the prevalence of hard plastic surfaces detracts from the atmosphere. The grab bar that cuts the front row in half seems unneeded and contributes to the feeling that the area is a little congested. The only second-row facilities are windows and door bins.
The inside of the 2017 Honda Civic strikes a delicate balance between form and function. Simply put, it feels and looks amazing. The textured trim on the center console and door panels provides a subtle touch of detail, and we’ll probably gush about the honeycomb-mesh air vent cover until the next-generation Civic makes its appearance. High-touch areas have attentive soft finishing, and plastics appear more robust and well-matched. Our drivers raved about the feel actuation of the buttons and dials. Surfaces are typically flat and pushed away from occupants, giving the impression of being open and spacious. Rear passengers now get USB ports thanks to the Touring trim.
Aside from styling and materials, the Honda’s ergonomics are accomplished better. Our primary complaint with the Civic is how difficult it is to view or tap the infotainment screen because it is parallel to the dashboard. The Elantra’s touchscreen is angled toward the driver, yet reaching is hard because to way the buttons underneath are recessed. The Civic’s touch points seem natural, and the basic steering wheel stands out in comparison to the Elantra’s four-spoke unit with large thumb detents. The Civic’s seats are better, too. The Elantra’s sloping roofline limits rear headroom, and its well-bolstered front seats make you feel like you’re sitting on the car rather than in it. The Civic’s windows situated there improve rear view, whereas the Elantra’s large C-pillars diminish it.
On the Road
At a standstill, we favored the 2022 Honda Civic, but what about once we notch the shifter into D? Instrumented performance is often comparable despite the difference in power and torque between the two automobiles. Only 0.4 seconds separate the Civic’s 8.0-second 0-60 mph time from the Elantra’s, but the Honda’s 124-foot 60 mph stopping distance lags far below the Hyundai’s 116-foot figure. In terms of grip, the Civic managed an average of 0.82 g on the skidpad while the Elantra managed 0.85 g.
Driving in the actual world results in sharper contrasts. The Civic’s engine responds and runs more smoothly, and its turbocharger gives it an advantage by boosting passing and highway acceleration confidence. The CVT is covert, pretending to shift gears, but otherwise unobtrusive. When you urge the Elantra to accelerate quickly, the engine’s power delivery is noticeably eased, but the CVT then hurls the tachometer to redline and holds it there while emitting a cacophonous groan. The Civic’s progressive and solid brakes seem better than the Elantra’s very squishy pedal, despite the Civic having a greater stopping distance.
The 2022 Honda Civic stands out because to its exceptional handling and chassis. The Honda is simply so fantastic, but the Hyundai Elantra of 2021 behaves poorly more often than not. Its precise, responsive steering offers fun agility and control. It moves in the intended direction while being calm and balanced. Although we are hesitant to describe the Civic as truly sporty, the Civic Si model succeeds on its base, and the next Type R is expected to be fantastic. Some drivers might enjoy the Elantra’s ride since it is plusher and, dare we say it, somewhat opulent. It does a good job of protecting against road texture at the sacrifice of handling poise.
The Civic’s cabin noise is the only drawback to its poor driving manners. Around the A-pillars, there is a lot of wind noise, and at motorway speeds, there is tire drone all around. The cabin vibrates with the sound of coarse pavement. This time, the test vehicle we used also produced numerous noises from various trim connecting places that were distinctly un-Honda.
Driver Aids and Safety
A remarkable number of active safety and driver assistance features are offered by each car. Adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are features that are included in both the Civic Touring and Elantra Limited, and they both work as intended and require little assistance. However, it’s important to remember that those features are exclusive to the Elantra Limited while they are standard on every Civic, regardless of trim. On the other hand, Elantras all come with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, which are only available on high-end Civics. One unique feature of the Civic Touring is how it displays the shape of the road and the location of the car in front on its gauge display.
Both vehicles perform well in crash tests, although the Civic does it a little better. The IIHS names the Elantra Limited as a Top Safety Pick for 2021, while the Civic receives the coveted “Plus,” which denotes the Institute’s top honor. Each receives the highest “Good” rating across all six crashworthiness tests. The Civic has 10 airbags in comparison to the Elantra’s six.
Verdict: Doing the CVCC Proud
As we drove past the Civic CVCC, we thought about how well-off the market for compact sedans is right now. They are no longer bare-bones equipment bought out of necessity or boredom. Instead, they operate and are outfitted to a level that makes them not just useful but also appealing. Although the Elantra Limited and Civic Touring both show it, one does it better.
nd Place: 2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited
We acknowledge that not all drivers are as enthusiastic as we are. The Elantra Limited is a wise option for them. It is a pleasant, effective, comfortable commuter vehicle supplemented by a wealth of amenities and technology. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited’s value is hard to match because it comes for a seriously low price and has one of the greatest warranties in the business. Drivers won’t enjoy the experience before they exhaust the warranty, even if they can get used to the strange ergonomics and style. However, it has developed far beyond the point of simple conveyance.
- enormous digital displays
- amazing worth
- outstanding fuel efficiency
- An unpleasant driving experience
- skeletal second row
- Strange exterior and interior architecture
st Place: 2022 Honda Civic Touring
Yes, the more expensive option wins this comparison. Excellence permeates the entire model line, which is one of the reasons it succeeds, not just the Touring trim. The 2022 Honda Civic triumphs because it continues to offer essential features for drivers who only need to get around, but it now offers much more. Driving this car is enjoyable and engaging at the same time. Despite the noise, its luxurious interior is a pleasant location to pass the time. Every Civic raises the bar for vehicles across the board with its safety and driving assistance features. The Civic feels complete and tuned in like the best cars now for sale on any road. It is one of the best cars now for sale, which explains why.