2020 Kia Forte vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 BMW 3 Series showcased an evolutionary design, maintaining the brand's signature look without major transformations. It was a compact car, slightly longer and wider than its predecessors, but still easy to park and maneuver. The most noticeable change was the rear doors' Hoffmeister kink, now a piece of black trim. The front retained the recognizable BMW kidney grilles, now wider and stretched onto the hood. The tail featured simplified LED lights, giving it a clean, modern look. Inside, the 3 Series kept its driver-focused layout with a digital instrument panel and optional wireless charging pad. However, some interior materials felt coarse compared to previous models.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for the year, included a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and larger brakes. Its exterior featured revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, giving it a subtle yet sporty appearance. Inside, the Forte GT boasted red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with metallic accents. The transmission shifter felt solid, enhancing the driving experience. The Forte GT also offered a low base price and an industry-standard warranty, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series, particularly the 330i xDrive, was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was praised for its smoothness and torque, although it had more turbo lag at low speeds. The M340i variant offered a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, nearing M3 performance levels. The 330i featured an 8-speed automatic transmission with perfect shifts and intuitive programming. The M Sport package added a firmer suspension, staggered summer tires, and variable-ratio steering. Fuel economy for the 330i xDrive was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) that was well-behaved and responsive. The Forte GT also offered a 6-speed manual gearbox option. It included a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, and larger brakes. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart. The Forte GT provided a firm, connected ride quality and impressive handling, especially on curvy roads. However, it had a nose-heavy weight bias and some brake fade during aggressive driving.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered a spacious backseat with improved legroom and a 17 cubic-foot trunk. Visibility was good, and the seats were firm yet supportive. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a touchscreen that supported various gestures. The climate controls were easy to use, and USB-C ports were available.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters. The GT2 Package or manual transmission models had full Sofino leatherette seats, which were heated and ventilated. The backseat was comfortable with proper support and air conditioning vents. The Forte GT's Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free access, revealing a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample storage compartments.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series came with extensive technology, but many features required subscription fees. The iDrive system was customizable and updated over the air. It included a credit-card-size key and the option for a digital key using an NFC-equipped smartphone. Gesture control and a personal assistant were also available, though not always reliable. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered advanced features like automatic steering and infrared cameras to monitor driver attention.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s UVO technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though it struggled with ambient noise.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series was a Top Safety Pick+ according to the IIHS, with top ratings in all crash tests and advanced safety features like forward emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features. However, the automatic emergency braking system worked only at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop. The lane-keeping and lane-centering assist systems were effective but required hands-on steering.