The Kia Forte is packed with value with a list of standard features to envy and a long drivetrain warranty. But is that enough to handle the Honda Civic’s legendary refinement, capability and space? Both are impressive offerings in the compact car segment. This comparison should help you decide which one is right for you.
2023 Kia Forte
Packed with features, affordable, stylish and spacious, the Kia Forte’s compact sedan can hold its own against rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. The Forte isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, let alone the highly competitive compact car segment. Rather than being excellent in one area, the 2023 Forte aims to be very good in most areas.
Kia Forte Highlights 2023
Sharp Style: First impressions are good for the Forte, with a cleverly designed exterior that is sure to appeal to many. Inside, it is more of the same with a fresh, modern interior look complemented by luxurious materials for this class and price range.
Many configurations: The Kia Forte 2023 is available in four main trim levels: LX, LXS, GT Line and GT. The GT variant is also available as the GT MT, which swaps the standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a six-speed manual transmission. The LX, LXS and GT Line all share the same 147 hp 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine and CVT automatic transmission. The GT and GT MT use a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an output of 201 hp in combination with a fast-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or the aforementioned six-speed manual transmission. Both GT models also get an upgraded multi-link rear suspension in place of the standard torsion axle.
Great upgrades: Available upgrades for the 2023 Forte GT Line and GT include a power sunroof, LED interior lighting, 10-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a 320-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system and more.
Check out this week’s Fair Purchase Price or check out the Forte models for sale near you
2022 Honda Civic
Completely redesigned for 2022, the Honda Civic remains a spacious, fun, efficient, reliable compact sedan or hatchback — and a bestseller. Its legendary name gives weight to the strong value presented on the Civic’s spec sheet.
Highlights of the 2022 Honda Civic
Efficient engines: Four core Civic variants are available in both sedan and hatchback form: LX, Sport, EX (EX-L as hatchback) and Touring (Sport Touring as hatchback). The LX and Sport use the same 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, rated at 158 horsepower and up to 35 mpg combined. The Civic EX/EX-L and Touring/Sport Touring use a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and up to 36 mpg combined. The Sport and Sport Touring hatchbacks are available with a six-speed manual transmission instead of the standard CVT; sedans are only available with the CVT.
high-tech: All variants of the latest Civic include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a 7-inch color touchscreen. Opt for premium Touring or Sport Touring finishes for a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Qi-compatible wireless device charging and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, a first for the Civic. A Bose audio system with 12 speakers is also available.
Sporty variants: The Honda Civic isn’t just a fun commuter. In Civic Si or even more aggressive Civic Type R form, the Civic is quite sporty. The Civic Si uses a more powerful version of the fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The beastly Civic Type R packs 315 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as well as a wider track, upgraded suspension and a healthy dose of Honda performance tuning to the setup.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or check out the Civic models for sale near you
agreements
passenger compartment and cargo area; fuel economy; basic engines; transmission options; high-quality cabin materials and design; standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Conclusion
It’s almost impossible to go wrong with the Kia Forte or the Honda Civic, as both are impressive, capable compact cars with better-than-average cabins, solid standard features and attractive design. It really comes down to priorities, and they are as individual as you are. The Forte’s lower starting price and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty will appeal to the more frugal shopper, while the Civic’s proven Honda reliability, driving pleasure and strong resale value may lead others to choose the Civic.
| 2023 Kia Forte | 2022 Honda Civic | |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder |
| horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Couple | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
| Transfer | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel economy | 34 mpg (30 city/41 highway) | 35 mpg (31 city/40 highway) |
| Also available | 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder; 6-speed manual transmission; 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission | 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder; 6-speed manual transmission |
| Specifications: | ||
| Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/30,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Safety | 4 stars | N/A |
| Maximum seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 107.7 inches |
| Total length | 182.7 in | 184.0 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 56.5 inches | 55.7 inches |
| turning diameter: | 34.8 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, front | 38.8 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom, rear | 37.5 inches | 37.1 inches |
| Legroom, front | 42.2 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Legroom, rear | 35.7 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Shoulder room, front | 56.1 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder room, rear | 55.3 inches | 56.0 inches |
| EPA passenger volume | 96.0 cubic feet | 99.0 cubic feet |
| EPA freight volume | 15.3 cubic feet | 14.8 cubic feet |
