Hyundai SONATA vs. Kia Forte

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

In comparing the Hyundai SONATA's and the Kia Forte's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SONATA has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score 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, and fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SONATA's and the Kia Forte's specifications and ratings, the Kia Forte is a better car than the Hyundai SONATA.

Pricing: A used 2024 Hyundai SONATA ranges from $21,799 to $30,354 while a used 2024 Kia Forte is priced between $16,601 to $23,988. For a new model, the Hyundai SONATA's price is between $24,500 and $34,241, 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 Hyundai SONATA loses 46.2 percent of its value and the Kia Forte loses 39.3 percent of its value. This means the Kia Forte retains 6.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SONATA.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SONATA is 8.1 out of 10 while the Kia Forte's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SONATA being ranked 2 out of 11 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Forte being ranked 20 out of 31 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SONATA 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 SONATA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SONATA’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the Kia Forte base engine makes 147 horsepower. The SONATA is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 572 miles. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles.This gives the Kia Forte the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Hyundai SONATA the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai SONATA, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Kia Forte, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai SONATA 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. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Hyundai SONATA has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.