2015 Kia Forte vs. Its Competition

2015 Kia Forte EX
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

In part because of the standard rearview camera and standard smartphone-based UVO connectivity (with subscription-free Google maps), we'd go with the Forte EX.

2015 Kia Forte EX2015 Kia Forte
Browse Used Listings		2015 Ford Focus ST2015 Ford Focus
Browse Used Listings		2015 Honda Civic LX Sedan2015 Honda Civic
Browse Used Listings		2015 Hyundai Elantra2015 Hyundai Elantra
Browse Used Listings		2015 Subaru Impreza2015 Subaru Impreza
Browse Used Listings		2015 Toyota Corolla L2015 Toyota Corolla
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.6
Reasonably well-rounded performance and attractive looks inside and out give the Forte lots of curb appeal, but disappointing safety scores and a lack of comfort mean that it isn't quite the high achiever that the larger Optima has been.
8.6
The 2015 Ford Focus lineup gets a clean new look for 2015, as well as a high-mileage three-cylinder engine option and revamped cabin comforts. From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, it remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market.
7.8
The 2015 Honda Civic is refined, comfortable, and offers top-notch safety ratings and features.
8.2
Snappy sheetmetal and smart packaging puts the 2015 Hyundai Elantra on most must-drive lists, though it's not as engaging to drive as some compact sedans.
8.0
The 2015 Subaru Impreza is tough, practical, and relatively attractive, offering a small all-wheel-drive package for those who need it without the big fuel-economy penalty it used to bring.
7.6
The 2015 Toyota Corolla maintains its reputation for low running costs and frugality, but there's not a lot more beyond that, to make this a very appealing lineup.
MSRP From     
$15,890$17,170$18,290$17,250$18,195$16,950
Gas Mileage     
21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 47 MPG Hwy24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy27 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Mid-Size CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsMid-Size CarsCompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name     
4-Door Sedan Manual LX4-Door Sedan S2-Door Manual LX4-Door Sedan Manual SE (Alabama Plant)4-Door Manual 2.0i4-Door Sedan Manual L (Natl)
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
SedanSedanCoupeSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
Manual w/ODManual w/ODManual w/ODManual w/ODManual w/ODManual w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2015 Kia Forte vs. 2015 Ford Focus2015 Kia Forte vs. 2015 Honda Civic2015 Kia Forte vs. 2015 Hyundai Elantra2015 Kia Forte vs. 2015 Subaru Impreza2015 Kia Forte vs. 2015 Toyota Corolla