Honda Fit vs. Kia Forte

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Fit 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 Honda Fit and the Kia Forte.

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Honda Fit ranges from $15,966 to $22,996 while a used 2020 Kia Forte is priced between $13,399 to $20,271.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Fit loses 19.9 percent of its value and the Kia Forte loses 33 percent of its value. This means the Honda Fit retains 13.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Forte.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Fit is 9.2 out of 10 while the Kia Forte's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Honda Fit being ranked 2 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Forte being ranked 27 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Fit is 8.4 out of 10. For the Kia Forte the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Honda Fit a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Forte.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Fit’s base engine makes 130 horsepower, and the Kia Forte base engine makes 147 horsepower. Both the Fit and the Forte are rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 382 and 518 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Honda Fit, a subcompact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Kia Forte, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The Honda Fit and Kia Forte are comparable in regards to rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Honda Fit has higher safety ratings than the Kia Forte, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.