Compare the2023 Kia ForteVS 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The Forte has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Elantra Hybrid doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Forte and the Elantra Hybrid 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Kia Forte is safer than the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Forte first among compact cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Elantra Hybrid isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 29 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 17th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked third.

The Forte’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 8 more horsepower (147 vs. 139) than the Elantra Hybrid’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Forte GT’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder produces 62 more horsepower (201 vs. 139) than the Elantra Hybrid’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Kia Forte 4 cyl. is faster than the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (automatics tested):

The Forte has 3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Elantra Hybrid (14 vs. 11 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is optional on the Kia Forte GT, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Elantra Hybrid.

The Forte has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Forte GT Auto’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Elantra Hybrid:

The Forte GT’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Elantra Hybrid Limited Sedan’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Forte GT has standard 18-inch wheels. The Elantra Hybrid’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

The Forte handles at .86 G’s, while the Elantra Hybrid Limited Sedan pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Forte’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Elantra Hybrid’s (34.8 feet vs. 35.4 feet).

The Forte has .2 inches more rear headroom and .6 inches more rear hip room than the Elantra Hybrid.

The Forte has a much larger trunk than the Elantra Hybrid Sedan (15.3 vs. 14.2 cubic feet).

The Forte GT Line/GT has a standard 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 climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Elantra Hybrid doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Forte’s power window, power lock and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Elantra Hybrid’s passenger power window switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Consumer Reports rated the Forte’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Elantra Hybrid’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Both the Forte and the Elantra Hybrid offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Forte offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Elantra Hybrid doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The Forte will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Forte will retain 47.73% to 47.79% of its original price after five years, while the Elantra Hybrid only retains 45.1% to 45.12%.