Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte

When we compare the Hyundai Elantra to the Kia Forte, the Hyundai Elantra has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Kia Forte has the advantage in the area of new vehicle base pricing The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte have the same overall quality score base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai Elantra versus the Kia Forte, the Hyundai Elantra is a better car than the Kia Forte.

Hyundai Elantra versus Kia Forte Pricing

A one- to five-year-old used Hyundai Elantra ranges from $15,000 to $23,168 while a used Kia Forte from the same model year range is priced between $16,388 to $23,108. For a new model, the Hyundai Elantra's price is between $22,047 and $28,648, with the Kia Forte priced between $20,870 and $28,175.

Hyundai Elantra versus Kia Forte Quality Rating

The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte is 7.9 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. Hyundai Elantra is ranked 9 out of 12 Best Small Cars for the Money and Kia Forte is ranked 11 out of 12, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order. Out of 51 Best Small Cars, the Hyundai Elantra is ranked 51 and the Kia Forte is ranked 18.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

For engine performance, the base engine of both the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte makes 147 horsepower. The Elantra is rated to deliver an average of 37 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison

While both models are compact cars, the Hyundai Elantra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Kia Forte has the advantage in the areas of rear head room trunk space.

Safety Ratings Comparison

When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Forte has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai Elantra, with an average rating of 4.14 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.04 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, both the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte have the same Top Safety Pick award.