2017 Hyundai Elantra vs 2017 Kia Forte

Compare 2017 Hyundai Elantra vs 2017 Kia Forte

2017 Hyundai Elantra

2017 Kia Forte

Select style

ECO 1.4T DCT

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
Elantra ECO 1.4T DCT	32	40	$19,928	$20,650
Elantra Limited 2.0L Automatic	29	38	$21,311	$22,350
Elantra Limited 2.0L Automatic PZEV	29	38	$21,311	$22,350
Elantra SE 2.0L Automatic	29	38	$17,566	$18,150
Elantra SE 2.0L Automatic PZEV	29	38	$17,566	$18,150
Elantra SE 2.0L Manual	26	36	$16,621	$17,150
Elantra Sport 1.6T Automatic	26	33	$21,799	$22,750
Elantra Sport 1.6T Manual	22	30	$20,765	$21,650
Elantra Value Edition 2.0L Automatic	28	37	$19,550	$20,250
Elantra GT Automatic	24	32	$19,071	$19,800
Elantra GT Manual	24	32	$18,121	$18,800

Select style

EX Automatic

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
Forte EX Automatic	25	33	$20,130	$21,300
Forte LX Automatic	29	38	$16,932	$17,600
Forte LX Manual	25	34	$16,271	$16,600
Forte S Automatic	29	38	$18,318	$19,300
Forte5 EX Automatic	25	34	$20,966	$22,100
Forte5 LX Automatic	25	34	$17,463	$18,200
Forte5 SX DCT	25	30	$22,422	$23,800
Forte5 SX Manual	23	29	$24,426	$26,000

Show Only Differences

Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte: Compare Cars

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are two compact sedans with common roots, but some very striking differences in styling and interior comfort.

One of them is the better choice, at least for now. But which one is better for you?

Read full comparison »

Pricing

Invoice Price

$19,928

$20,130

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price

$20,650

$21,300

Monthly Payment Estimate

$344 / month

$355 / month

The Car Connection's Take

TCC Rating

6.8

Read Our Full Review

6.5

Read Our Full Review

TCC’s Bottom Line

We miss the brash, buzzy looks, for sure—but the 2017 Hyundai Elantra is now one of the most refined economy cars on the road.

The Kia Forte looks more handsome and finely detailed for 2017, as well as even better-equipped for the money, although its tight packaging and lackluster safety scores will likely remain concerns.

TCC Likes

Tames down styling excesses
Much quieter, smoother ride
More space in an already spacious car

Dramatic roofline, sharp detailing
Smart, well-laid-out dash
Available active-safety features

TCC Dislikes

Milder styling isn't as distinctive
No gains in power
Lots of black plastic trim inside

Design less striking these days
Tall drivers will find front seats short
Rearview camera should be standard

Fuel Economy

City

32 mpg

25 mpg

Highway

40 mpg

33 mpg

Vehicle

EPA Classification

Midsize Cars

Interior Dimensions

Passenger Volume (ft³)

95.8

96.2

Second Hip Room (in)

51.9

53.1

Front Shoulder Room (in)

56.2

56.1

Second Head Room (in)

37.3

Passenger Capacity

Second Shoulder Room (in)

55.3

54.9

Front Leg Room (in)

42.2

Front Hip Room (in)

53.4

53.8

Second Leg Room (in)

35.7

35.9

Front Head Room (in)

38.8

39.1

Exterior Dimensions

Track Width, Front (in)

61.5

61.2

Min Ground Clearance (in)

5.3

Length, Overall (in)

179.9

179.5

Height, Overall (in)

56.5

56.3

Track Width, Rear (in)

61.9

61.7

Wheelbase (in)

106.3

Width, Max w/o mirrors (in)

70.9

70.1

Cargo Area Dimensions

Trunk Volume (ft³)

14.4

14.9

Brakes

Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

Drum - Rear (Yes or )

Yes

Brake Type

Front Disc/Rear Drum

4-Wheel Disc

Disc - Front (Yes or )

Yes

Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

10.3

Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)

Brake ABS System

4-Wheel

Disc - Rear (Yes or )

Yes

Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal)

13.2

Steering

Steering Type

Rack-Pinion

Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft)

17.4

34.8

Tires

Spare Tire Order Code

Rear Tire Size

P195/65TR15

P215/45HR17

Rear Tire Order Code

Front Tire Size

P195/65TR15

P215/45HR17

Spare Tire Size

Front Tire Order Code

Weight Information

Base Curb Weight (lbs)

2857

2844

Wheels

Rear Wheel Size (in)

15 X 6

17 X 7

Front Wheel Material

Aluminum

Spare Wheel Material

Front Wheel Size (in)

15 X 6

17 X 7

Spare Wheel Size (in)

Rear Wheel Material

Aluminum

Electrical

Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

550

600

Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

130

Engine

SAE Net Torque @ RPM

156 @ 1400

151 @ 4000

Engine Order Code

Displacement

1.4 L/83

2.0 L/122

SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM

128 @ 5500

164 @ 6200

Engine Type

Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4

Regular Unleaded I-4

Fuel System

Gasoline Direct Injection

Mileage

Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG)

EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG)

EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG)

Transmission

First Gear Ratio (:1)

3.81

4.40

Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)

4.12

3.06

Third Gear Ratio (:1)

1.96

1.83

Trans Type

Drivetrain

Front Wheel Drive

Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)

0.84

1.00

Trans Description Cont. Again

Seventh Gear Ratio (:1)

0.72

Reverse Ratio (:1)

5.10

3.44

Second Gear Ratio (:1)

2.26

2.73

Trans Order Code

Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)

1.07

1.39

Trans Description Cont.

Auto-Shift Manual w/OD

Automatic w/OD

Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)

0.88

0.77

Summary

Vehicle Name

Hyundai Elantra

Kia Forte

Body Style

Sedan

Suspension

Suspension Type - Rear

Torsion Beam

Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

Torsion Beam

Suspension Type - Front

Strut

Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)

Strut

Emissions

Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year

5.0

6.3

Crash Test Ratings

Overall Rating

Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger

Overall Side Crash Rating

Side Barrier Rating

Side Barrier Rating Driver

Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat

Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Rear Seat

Rollover Rating

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