Compare the2019 Chevrolet SonicVS 2019 Kia Forte Sedan

Compared to metal, the Sonic’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Kia Forte Sedan has a metal gas tank.

The Sonic has standard OnStar®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Forte Sedan doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Sonic and the Forte Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems and rear parking sensors.

The Sonic’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Forte Sedan’s (6/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

Chevrolet pays for the first scheduled maintenance on the Sonic. Chevrolet will pay for the first oil change, lubrication and any other required maintenance in the first year. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Forte Sedan.

There are almost 4 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Kia dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Sonic’s warranty.

The Chevrolet Sonic’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Forte Sedan’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The Sonic’s 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. produces 16 lbs.-ft. more torque (148 vs. 132) than the Forte Sedan’s 2.0 DOHC 4 cyl.

On the EPA test cycle the Sonic Manual gets better highway fuel mileage than the Forte Sedan Manual (27 city/38 hwy vs. 27 city/37 hwy).

The Sonic stops shorter than the Forte Sedan:

The Sonic Sedan is 8.8 inches shorter than the Forte Sedan, making the Sonic easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Sonic Sedan has .3 inches more rear headroom and .5 inches more rear hip room than the Forte Sedan.

The Sonic Hatchback has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the Forte Sedan (19 vs. 15.3 cubic feet).

The Sonic’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The Forte Sedan FE’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

The Sonic (except LS/Manual) offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The Forte Sedan doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Sonic LT/Premier’s front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches and its front windows also automatically close, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Forte Sedan’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

On extremely cold winter days, the Sonic’s optional (except LS/RS) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Forte Sedan doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Insurance will cost less for the Sonic owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Sonic with a number “1” insurance rate while the Forte Sedan is rated higher at a number “3” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Sonic is less expensive to operate than the Forte Sedan because it costs $45 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Sonic than the Forte Sedan, including $81 less for fuel injection, $15 less for front struts and $91 less for a timing belt/chain.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Chevrolet Sonic and the Kia Forte Sedan, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sonic second among small cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Forte Sedan isn’t in the top three in its category.