Hyundai ELANTRA GT vs. Kia Forte

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA GT 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 Hyundai ELANTRA GT and the Kia Forte.

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA GT ranges from $14,999 to $21,998 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 Hyundai ELANTRA GT loses 35.1 percent of its value and the Kia Forte loses 33 percent of its value. This means the Kia Forte retains 2.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai ELANTRA GT.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA GT is 8.0 out of 10 while the Kia Forte's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA GT being ranked 28 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Forte being ranked 27 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA GT is 7.1 out of 10. For the Kia Forte the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Kia Forte a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA GT.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai ELANTRA GT’s base engine makes 161 horsepower, and the Kia Forte base engine makes 147 horsepower. The ELANTRA GT is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 448 miles. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. This gives the Kia Forte the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Hyundai ELANTRA GT. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Hyundai ELANTRA GT has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Kia Forte has the advantage in the area of rear leg room. The Hyundai ELANTRA GT and Kia Forte are comparable in regards to front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai ELANTRA GT has higher safety ratings than the Kia Forte, with an average rating of 4.29 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.