Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Forte
f you’re considering a new vehicle, both the 2023 Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte offer many exciting features and specifications. By comparing these vehicles, you can make a more informed purchasing decision once you’re ready to visit Hyundai of Auburn.
Popular Features

Image courtesy of Hyundai.com
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra has many of the most popular modern features currently available on the market, including proximity keyless entry, a blind spot system, Bluetooth streaming audio, and a cruise control system. Compared with the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, the Kia Forte offers many of the same features, but it does not include proximity keyless entry or a blind spot system. The Elantra gets an average of 33 miles per gallon in the city and 42 on the highway. The Forte gets an average of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 39 miles per gallon on the highway.
Engine Details
Inside the 2023 Hyundai Elantra is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that offers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a double overhead valvetrain and comes standard with Eco and Sport modes. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offers very quick acceleration, and the engine provides a sporty feeling even at low speeds. The Kia Forte comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that also offers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine also includes a double overhead valvetrain and comes standard with Eco and Sport modes.
Transmission
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra comes standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission. However, this transmission does not have manual shifting capabilities. The 2023 Kia Forte is also available with a continuously variable automatic transmission but comes standard with manual shifting capabilities.
Exterior
There are some key differences between the exteriors of the two models. The 2023 Elantra has 15-inch alloy wheels, while the Forte features 15-inch steel wheels as standard equipment. The Elantra is in a variety of exterior colors, including:
- Calypso Red.
- Ceramic White.
- Electric Shadow.
- Fluid Metal.
- Intense Blue.
- Phantom Black.
- Portofino Gray.
- Quartz White.
The colors available for 2023 Kia Forte include Gravity Gray, Snow White Pearl, Deep Sea Blue, Fire Orange, Steel Gray, Aurora Black, and Currant Red.
Interior
Inside the passenger section of the 2023 Elantra, there are standard cloth seats. The Elantra also features an optional keyless ignition and garage door opener. It offers air conditioning and a 12-volt DC power outlet. Inside the Kia Forte are similar standard amenities including cloth seats, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, a premium audio system with satellite radio, exterior temperature display and cruise control.
Infotainment
Both vehicles come standard with an 8-inch front screen, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth streaming audio, and other smartphone applications. With both vehicles’ optional navigation systems, you have access to state-of-the-art systems even when you don’t have cell service. One key difference between the infotainment systems of these vehicles is that the Elantra has an optional add-on available for wireless phone charging.
Safety
The safety features of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. This means that both vehicles can help drivers steer around or brake to avoid obstacles ahead of time. The rear cross-traffic alert comes standard on the Elantra, but is optional on the Forte. When your tire pressure is low, the Elantra notifies you with a light, while the Forte shows you exact tires pressures.
Overall, both vehicles come standard with all of the most important safety features to keep you and your passengers safe, no matter where the roads take you.
Mechanical
Both vehicles come standard with ventilated disc front brakes and disk rear brakes. A limited slip differential is not standard on either vehicle, but is available as an option on the Elantra. Both vehicles come with a front stabilizer bar and hill start assist control (HSAC).
Measurements
The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte have many similar measurements but have some key differences in passenger room, weight, and vehicle dimensions. Here are the exact measurements of each vehicle in a side-by-side comparison table:
| Vehicle measurement | Hyundai Elantra | Kia Forte |
| Front brake diameter | 11 inches | 11 inches |
| Rear brake diameter | 10.3 inches | 10.3 inches |
| Front head room | 40.6 inches | 38.8 inches |
| Front leg room | 42.3 inches | 42.2 inches |
| Front hip room | 53.4 inches | 53.0 inches |
| Front shoulder room | 56.5 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Rear head room | 37.3 inches | 37.5 inches |
| Rear leg room | 38.0 inches | 35.7 inches |
| Rear hip room | 50.5 inches | 51.1 inches |
| Rear shoulder room | 55.6 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Length | 184.1 inches | 182.7 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 55.7 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Ground clearance minimum | 5.3 inches | 5.3 inches |
| Turning diameter | 35.4 inches | 34.8 inches |
| Curb weight | 2868 pounds | 2908 pounds |
| Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) | 3858 pounds | 3792 pounds |
Overall, the Elantra is slightly longer and wider than the Forte, but the Forte is one inch taller.
Capacity
Both vehicles have the same seating capabilities, with two seats in the front row and three seats in the back row. Each vehicle also has a 14-gallon tank capacity. One main difference is in trunk size: The Elantra offers 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the Forte offers 15.3 cubic feet.
As you begin your search for a new vehicle, take a moment to review our website for full details about the vehicles made by Hyundai. We also have used Elantras for sale. If you have questions about each model or need additional assistance, contact us and we’ll be happy to help. At Hyundai of Auburn, we’re dedicated to making sure that you receive the best customer service experience when purchasing a new or used car from our dealership. Our team is always ready to guide you through our online inventory of new vehicles and provide information on financing options and our extensive selection of warranties. Call us at 334-321-0777 or visit us today to schedule a test drive.
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