Kia Forte vs. Ford Fusion

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Forte and Ford Fusion 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 Kia Forte and the Ford Fusion.

When we compare the Kia Forte's and the Ford Fusion's specifications and ratings, 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 and resale value. The Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Forte's and the Ford Fusion's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion is a better car than the Kia Forte.

Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Forte ranges from $13,399 to $20,271 while a used 2020 Ford Fusion is priced between $14,994 to $23,000.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Forte loses 33 percent of its value and the Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value. This means the Kia Forte retains 9.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Fusion.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Forte is 8.0 out of 10 while the Ford Fusion's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Kia Forte being ranked 27 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Forte is 7.6 out of 10. For the Ford Fusion the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fusion a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Forte.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Forte’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Ford Fusion base engine makes 175 horsepower. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. This gives the Kia Forte the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Fusion. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Fusion, 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, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Fusion 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.