Kia Forte vs. Kia Optima

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

When we compare the Kia Forte's and the Kia Optima'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 Kia Optima 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 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima 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 Kia Optima is priced between $13,949 to $22,944.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Forte loses 33 percent of its value and the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Forte retains 10.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Forte is 8.0 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Kia Forte being ranked 27 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Forte is 7.6 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Kia Optima 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 Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Forte is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles.This gives the Kia Forte the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Optima, 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 Kia Optima 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.