Compare the Kia Forte to the Competition - Madison Heights, MI

Kia Forte vs. Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Honda Civic: Compare Compact Sedans in Madison Heights

With its comfortable cabin, easy driving dynamics, high-tech features, and striking style, the Kia Forte represents a refreshing take on the compact car formula. The Forte offers roomy seating, excellent efficiency, and ample practicality courtesy of its large trunk. It's also generously equipped with a wealth of appealing amenities and an accessible price tag. While there are plenty of options in the segment to choose from, the Kia Forte boasts well-roundedness and value that are tough to beat. Here's a look at how it measures up to three prominent class competitors, the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Honda Civic.

Kia Forte vs. Honda Civic

  • The Kia Forte and Honda Civic have pretty even passenger measurements. However, the Forte has the edge in practicality thanks to one of the segment's roomiest trunks (15.3 cubic feet). The Civic isn't far behind (14.8 cubic feet), but the extra 864 cubic inches could make the difference as to whether or not your cargo fits.
  • The sporty Kia Forte GT boasts performance features like a peppy 201-horsepower turbo-four, sport suspension, sport-tuned exhaust, performance tires, and either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, all for about the same price as a base-model Civic Sport.
  • The Kia Forte offers more features for your money. With the GT-Line trim level, you'll get amenities and tech like a 10.25-inch Navigation touchscreen, Smart Key proximity entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more for ~$3,000 less than an entry-level Civic. You can even add the optional Premium Package (Nav-based Smart Cruise Control, a Sunroof, wireless charging, Harmon Kardon premium audio, and more) and still come in ~$1,300 below a base-model Civic.

Kia Forte vs. Toyota Corolla

  • Your passengers will appreciate the impressive personal space offered by the Kia Forte. Compared to the Toyota Corolla, the Forte provides more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for occupants in both rows.
  • Both models come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. However, upgrade to the Forte GT-Line or Forte GT, and you'll get a large 10.25-inch display with an advanced integrated navigation system. The Toyota Corolla doesn't offer an upgraded infotainment system.
  • The Kia Forte makes many desirable features more accessible than the Corolla, including Blind-Spot and Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a sunroof, and leatherette upholstery. It also offers many options that aren't available anywhere in the Corolla's lineup. Notable examples include Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon audio, and rear USB charge ports.

Kia Forte vs. Nissan Sentra

  • The Kia Forte and Nissan Sentra similarly spec'd 2.0-liter four-cylinder standard engines. However, if you're looking for something more potent to enliven your daily drives, check out the turbocharged Forte GT with 201 horsepower, sport-tuned suspension, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Or you can option a six-speed manual. The Sentra doesn't offer a performance upgrade.
  • The Kia Forte offers better practicality with more trunk space (15.3 cubic feet) and flat-folding rear seats for even more carrying capacity. The Sentra falls behind with 14.3 cubic feet and rear seats that don't fold flat.
  • The Kia Forte comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while higher tiers trade wireless smartphone integration for a larger 10.25-inch display and integrated navigation. The Forte also makes several amenities more accessible, including dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and ventilated front seats-of which the last two are unavailable in the Sentra lineup.

Test-Drive a New Kia Forte in Madison Heights

Reach out to Golling Kia to learn more about the latest Kia models and their available features, financing offers, and reservation opportunities. If you'd like to experience firsthand what elevates the Kia Forte over its compact car rivals, we welcome you to visit our Madison Heights Kia dealership for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.

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  1. Golling Kia of Madison Heights

    700 E. 14 Mile Road
    Madison Heights, MI 48071

    • Sales: 248-951-1900
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  • Contact our Sales Department at: 248-951-1900
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