2020 Kia Forte vs. 2020 Kia Optima

2020 Forte vs. Optima: Overview

Here’s what you should keep in mind when you pit the 2020 Kia Forte against the 2020 Kia Optima:

• The Kia Optima is a midsize car with six trim levels. It starts at $23,190 MSRP, and offers available Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid options. The Kia Forte starts at $17,790 MSRP, and is offered in six 2020 configurations.
• Without considering hybrid models, the Optima offers three different powertrains. The 2020 Forte offers two different engines. The Forte is generally more efficient, but the Optima still offers plenty of value for Harvey commuters.
• The Optima cabin is generally more spacious, but the Forte isn’t far behind. Although they offer many of the same standard features, the Optima includes a few additional components that cost extra in the Forte.

Want to see what’s new? Compare the 2019 Forte vs. Optima today.

2020 Forte vs. Optima: Performance

Power and Engine Options

• The Kia Optima starts with a 185-hp I4, but offers a 178-hp 1.6-liter turbo I4 and a 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo I4.
• The Kia Forte comes standard with a 147-hp 2.0-liter I4, and offers a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo I4.

Fuel Economy

• The Kia Forte starts with 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, and that’s with a manual transmission. Upgrade with the automatic to get up to 41 mpg on your commutes from New Orleans to Gretna.
• The Kia Optima includes a standard automatic transmission, and gets 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway. However, the available 1.6-liter I4 delivers up to 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway.

If you’re searching for hybrid performance, you’ll have to go with the Optima. The Optima Hybrid starts at $29,310 MSRP, while the Optima Plug-In Hybrid starts at $36,090 MSRP.

2020 Kia Forte vs. Optima: Seating Space, Cargo, and Features

Everyone wants a car that is going to make them feel comfortable! Neither the Kia Optima nor the Kia Forte will disappoint:

Kia Forte: Key Dimensions

• Total Passenger Volume: Seats 5 in 96 cubic feet
• Trunk Space: 15.3 cubic feet
• Legroom (Front/Rear): 42.2 inches / 35.7 inches

Kia Optima: Key Dimensions

• Total Passenger Volume: Seats 5 in 121 cubic feet
• Trunk Space: 15.9 cubic feet
• Legroom (Front/Rear): 45.5 inches / 35.6 inches

So, while the Optima is certainly more spacious, the Kia Forte offers plenty of room where it counts! Your passengers will be comfortable either way.

Interior Features

Which Kia sedan has everything you’ll need for your Marrero adventures? While both models offer plenty of standard features, including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto® there are a few key differences to keep in mind:

• The Kia Optima is unique, in that it comes standard with Blind Spot Detection technology. The Optima also offers standard lumbar support, which costs extra in the Forte.
• While both offer a compelling set of upgrades, the pricier Kia Optima offers a little more as you move down the line. Where the Kia Forte range tops out at $22,890 MSRP, the Kia Optima range includes models available for up to $31,990 MSRP.