2013 Kia Forte vs. Its Competition
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Head to head with its newer, tougher competitors, the Kia Forte lags a bit in driving fun and safety.
But on other fronts it competes well against cars like the Chevy Cruze, a near-mid-size four-door that has an excellent turbocharged 1.4-liter four, top safety scores, and a richly finished interior.
The Ford Focus is more sporty on all fronts, and one version earns a 40-mpg highway fuel economy ratings, not to mention more technology and luxury options.
The Mazda3 earns kudos for its great steering and gas mileage, and its jazzy looks don't suffer the weird grin of older versions.
The Hyundai Elantra's an exceptional value, with 40-mpg highway ratings on all sedan models, and with truly distinctive styling and great packaging.
At the bottom of the dogpile are the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, one old, one new--and neither the class benchmarks they once were.
 2013 Kia ForteGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Hyundai ElantraGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Chevrolet CruzeGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Ford FocusGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Mazda MAZDA3Get FREE Price Quote |  2012 Toyota CorollaGet FREE Price Quote |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
It's a family affair: the Kia Forte lineup is more comfortable, more eager, and better finished than ever, and a step up from what its sticker price might suggest. | Civic who? Corolla what? The Hyundai Elantra's one of the new standard bearers in the compact class, with 38-mpg fuel economy, better safety, and class-leading standard features. | The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a practical, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and a strong value, but it does lack the nimble, tossable feel that some small-car fans appreciate. | With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows that small cars don't have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better-equipped. | With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one. | For those who want frugal, trouble-free transportation but have no want of excitement, the 2012 Toyota Corolla fits the bill. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $15,400 | $16,695 | $16,800 | $16,500 | $15,200 | $16,130 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Midsize cars | Midsize Car | Compact | Compact | Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4dr Sedan Man LX | 4dr Sedan Man GLS (Ulsan Plant) *Ltd Avail* | 4dr Sedan LS | 4dr Sedan S | 4dr Sedan Man i SV | 4dr Sedan Man L (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
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