2020 Honda Civic vs. 2020 Kia Forte
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Honda Civic and 2020 Kia Forte contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Honda Civic and the 2020 Kia Forte.
When comparing the 2020 Honda Civic's and the 2020 Kia Forte's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2020 Kia Forte has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Honda Civic's and the 2020 Kia Forte's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Honda Civic is a better car than the 2020 Kia Forte.
Pricing: A used 2020 Honda Civic ranges from $15,396 to $25,866 while a used 2020 Kia Forte is priced between $10,667 to $19,990.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Honda Civic loses 27.9 percent of its value and the 2020 Kia Forte loses 39.3 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Honda Civic retains 11.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Kia Forte.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Civic is 8.8 out of 10 while the Kia Forte's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Honda Civic being ranked 2 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Kia Forte being ranked 25 out of 37.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Civic is 8.1 out of 10. For the Kia Forte the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Forte.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Honda Civic’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the 2020 Kia Forte base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Civic is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. This gives the 2020 Kia Forte the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Honda Civic. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2020 Honda Civic has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear leg room. The 2020 Kia Forte has the advantage in the areas of rear head room, rear shoulder room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2020 Honda Civic has higher safety ratings than the 2020 Kia Forte, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
20000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
20870
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
14995 - 28595
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
17890
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
20870
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
14995 - 28595
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
20308
Price Range:
15396 - 25866
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
18391
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
11443 - 26559
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1507
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
65874
# Good or Great Deals:
692
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
15134
Price Range:
10667 - 19990
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
18391
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
11443 - 26559
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
408
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
73127
# Good or Great Deals:
191
Honda Civic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
9.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Forte Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Honda Civic
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
3.8 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.334
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Kia Forte
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
3.8 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.115
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
13.531148095856105
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.0 - 13.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.5147263482960407
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.0 - 13.5
Honda Civic Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 37Kia Forte Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
10 out of / 37Ranking
11 out of / 37Ranking
11 out of / 37Ranking
11 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 37Ranking
13 out of / 17Ranking
15 out of / 37Ranking
19 out of / 37Ranking
21 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Honda Civic Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX, Si, Si w/Summer Tires, Sport, Sport Touring, Touring, Type R Touring
2020 Kia Forte Trim Levels
EX, FE, GT, GT Line, LXS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
138 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 36 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
310 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 37 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
378 / 518 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
15.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2762 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2721 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Gray
Gravity Gray
Silver
Not available
White
Clear White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
