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BMW 2 Series vs. Kia Forte

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 2 Series and 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 BMW 2 Series and the Kia Forte.

When comparing the BMW 2 Series's and the Kia Forte's specifications and ratings, the BMW 2 Series has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Kia Forte has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The BMW 2 Series and Kia Forte have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 2 Series's and the Kia Forte's specifications and ratings, the Kia Forte is a better car than the BMW 2 Series.

Pricing: A used 2026 BMW 2 Series ranges from $37,417 to $47,675 while a used 2024 Kia Forte is priced between $16,601 to $23,988. For a new model, the BMW 2 Series's price is between $41,725 and $56,375, with the Kia Forte priced between $20,016 and $26,625.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 2 Series loses 53.2 percent of its value and the Kia Forte loses 39.3 percent of its value. This means the Kia Forte retains 13.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 2 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 2 Series and Kia Forte is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW 2 Series being ranked 10 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Kia Forte being ranked 25 out of 37 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 2 Series is 7.8 out of 10. For the Kia Forte the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the BMW 2 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Forte.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 2 Series’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Kia Forte base engine makes 147 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Kia Forte has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 2 Series has the advantage in the area of front head room.

Safety Ratings: The Kia Forte has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.

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Model & Pricing
BMW 2 Series
Kia Forte

2026 BMW 2 Series Sedan
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BMW 2 Series for Sale

2024 Kia Forte
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Kia Forte for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

41725 - 56375

Starting MSRP:

39600

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

48679

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

33400 - 78400

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

20016 - 26625

Starting MSRP:

19990

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

26555

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

17795 - 45665

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

44192

Price Range:

37417 - 47675

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

53319

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

44192 - 62446

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

19356

Price Range:

16601 - 23988

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

26717

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

15053 - 44102

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

921

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

21797

# Good or Great Deals:

221

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

21085

Depreciation %:

0.53243817

Resale Value $:

18515

Residual Value %:

0.46756182999999996

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

0.51152734

Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

0.43209812 - 0.57076625

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

7921

Depreciation %:

0.3962452

Resale Value $:

12069

Residual Value %:

0.6037547999999999

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

0.40004783

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

0.3962452 - 0.45118908

BMW 2 Series Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.7 / 10

Reliability:

7.8 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

Not available

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 BMW 2 Series

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

10.7

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

9.5 - 11.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Forte

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.0

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

11.1

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

7.8 - 15.2

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.115



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.421398104720195

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

3.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

1.6 - 22.6

BMW 2 Series Rankings

Best Luxury Small Cars Under $40k

1 / 4

Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars Under $40k

1 / 4

Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars

4 / 32

Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars

7 / 36

Best Luxury Small Cars

10 / 36

Most Comfortable Luxury Small Cars

13 / 36

Luxury Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

20 / 36

Luxury Small Cars with the Most Legroom

21 / 36

Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value

29 / 36

Kia Forte Rankings

Most Affordable Small Cars

4 / 22

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $20k

4 / 15

Best Small Cars for the Money

5 / 22

Most Comfortable Small Cars

10 / 37

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

11 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

11 / 37

Best Small Cars Under $20k

11 / 15

Most Reliable Small Cars

13 / 37

Best Manual Transmission Small Cars

13 / 17

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

15 / 37

Best Small Cars for Tall People

19 / 37

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

21 / 37

Best Small Cars

25 / 37

Safest Small Cars

25 / 37

Available Body Styles

Coupe, Sedan

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

BMW 2 Series Trim Levels

Not yet available

Kia Forte Trim Levels

GT, GT-Line, LX, LXS

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

4 years

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):

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

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:

241 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque:

295 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.071 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.053 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


28 / 39 / 32

Range (city/hwy):

392 / 546 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Available

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

36.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

34.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.1 inches

Cargo Space:

15.2 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

91.0 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:

3395 lbs

Width:

81.5 inches

Height:

56.9 inches

Length:

179.2 inches

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.7 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2769 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:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

225/45R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

195/60R15

Exterior Colors

Black

Black Sapphire Metallic

Blue

Frozen Portimao Blue II Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic

Gray

Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic / Storm Bay Metallic

Purple

Thundernight Metallic

Red

Vegas Red Metallic

White

Alpine White

Exterior Colors

Black

Aurora Black Pearl

Blue

Not available

Gray

Gravity Gray

Purple

Not available

Red

Not available

White

Clear White

Interior Colors

Black

Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Sititching

Brown

Mocha

Gray

Oyster

Red

Red/Black

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Brown

Not available

Gray

Not available

Red

Not available

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