Two popular sedans currently on the market are the 2023 Hyundai Elantra and the 2023 Kia Forte. These two vehicles are so popular because they’re quite similar in the features they provide. Below, we’ll highlight the key similarities and differences between the two to help you decide which is best for you.
2023 Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte: Driving Performance
One of the most significant factors to consider when exploring a new vehicle is the performance specs. Inside the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, the standard engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. On the sportier N-Line models, you’ll instead get 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there’s the hybrid version, which delivers 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. By offering several engine options, choosing an engine that fits your preferences and budget is easier.
The 2023 Kia Forte offers very similar performance specs. The base engine delivers the same horsepower as the turbocharged option. The biggest difference between the two sedans is that the 2023 Kia Forte does not offer a hybrid version. However, it does offer a manual transmission if that’s what you prefer.
2023 Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte: Fuel Efficiency
Which engine you select with the 2023 Hyundai Elantra will determine the fuel efficiency you can expect. With the standard engine, the EPA estimates you’ll get around 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. These estimates drop slightly with the turbocharged engine, coming in at 28 and 36 mpg, respectively. Finally, the hybrid option delivers 53 mpg in the city and 56 on the highway. Going by these numbers, regardless of which engine you choose, you can expect to drive one of the more fuel-efficient sedans on the market.
As the powertrains are similar on the two models, it’s no surprise that the Kia Forte has similar fuel efficiency ratings. With the base model, you can expect to get around 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, which is slightly less than the Elantra. The manual transmission significantly lowers these estimates to 22 and 31 mpg, respectively.
2023 Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte: Interior Space and Comfort
Moving inside, both the 2023 Hyundai Elantra and the 2023 Kia Forte offer spacious and comfortable cabins. With the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, you’ll get a futuristic appearance thanks to elements like an LED light strip and a wrap-around dashboard. Everything in the front seems streamlined, with a minimalistic approach that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for and keeps the cabin simple yet elegant. To make driving more comfortable, features such as heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are available.
As for the 2023 Kia Forte, you’ll find a spacious cabin that offers plenty of room for those in the back seat. You can also get similar features to the Elantra, such as heated seats and dual-zone climate control, if you upgrade to a more premium trim. Finally, the 2023 Kia Forte allows you to fold down the rear seats to give yourself extra cargo space if you need it.
2023 Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte: Entertainment and Tech
In the center of both vehicles’ dashboards is an infotainment system. This touch-screen system makes it easy to control your favorite media and load up your navigation apps. With the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, the infotainment system comes with an 8-inch screen, or you can upgrade to a 10.3-inch option. There are also features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi capabilities for improved connectivity. Finally, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra comes with a voice-recognition feature that allows you to adjust the climate or heated seats with your voice.
The 2023 Kia Forte also comes with an 8-inch infotainment screen that you can upgrade to a 10.3-inch display. Other similar features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth capabilities. And while the Kia Forte lacks the voice recognition feature, it does offer SiriusXM satellite radio.
2023 Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte: Safety Features
Safety features are an important consideration in any new vehicle purchase. Luckily, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra and the 2023 Kia Forte can come with the latest safety technology. Some of the standard safety features included with both vehicles are:
- Forward collision warning.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Lane departure warning.
- Lane-keep assist.
Another safety feature you can add to both vehicles is adaptive cruise control, which adjusts your speed and brakes while driving in cruise control based on the vehicle in front of you. These tech inclusions, and other safety features, are why the 2023 Hyundai Elantra received an overall five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (the Kia Forte only received four stars).
2023 Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte: Trims and Price
Finally, there’s the price for both vehicles. Each vehicle has several trims that you can choose from, which determines the features you get and the final MSRP. The available options for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra include the following:
- The 2023 Hyundai Elantra SE: $21,595.
- The 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL: $22,845.
- The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Blue Hybrid: $25,445.
- The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited: $27,445.
- The 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Line: $28,145.
- The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited Hybrid: $30,045.
As for the 2023 Kia Forte, the trim options are:
- The 2023 Kia Forte FE: $20,585.
- The 2023 Kia Forte LXS: $21,085.
- The 2023 Kia Forte GT-Line: $22,785.
- The 2023 Kia Forte GT: $25,285.
As you can see from these numbers, the two vehicles are very similar in price. While the 2023 Kia Forte has the more affordable base model, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra offers more trim options, meaning it may be easier to select a version with all the features you’re looking for.
Learn More About the 2023 Hyundai Elantra at Huffines Hyundai in McKinney
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offers a wide range of features at many affordable pricing options. This is also the vehicle to get if you’re interested in getting a hybrid or want the safer of the two vehicles. If you’re interested in the 2023 Elantra and you live in the McKinney area, please browse through our current inventory or check out our latest specials. Then contact us to schedule a visit to our dealership to learn more.