2019 Hyundai Elantra vs 2019 Kia Forte

The 2019 Kia Forte, despite its familiar appearance, was an all-new generation that maintained its recognizable jellybean-like shape and aggressive front-end design. It featured additional small rear quarter windows and flatter, lower windowsills, drawing inspiration from the sporty Kia Stinger with its powerful grille and futuristic headlights. Inside, the Forte's cabin was contemporary and high-tech, with a sport steering wheel and floating touchscreen reminiscent of the Audi A3, thanks to the influence of Peter Schreyer, a former Audi designer. The Forte offered trims like FE, LXS, S, and EX, with the base FE trim providing impressive standard features such as forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. The range-topping EX trim included luxurious features like leatherette upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and an optional EX Launch Package with a Harman Kardon stereo and smart cruise control.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, redesigned two years prior, received new styling for 2019, including changes to the front and rear. While the design was more geometric, it didn't appeal to everyone. Inside, subtle improvements enhanced the cabin, with new air vents, carbon-texture finishes, and revised controls. The interior quality was high, with a robust shifter and tightly assembled parts. The Elantra was available in SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, and Limited trims, with prices starting at $17,100. The Limited trim, with the Ultimate Package, added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a navigation system. The Elantra's interior was comfortable, with heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but the backseat lacked air conditioning vents and USB ports. The trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space, and the Smart Trunk feature provided hands-free access.

The 2019 Kia Forte was equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT, known as iVT, managed power well, providing quick acceleration and impressive handling with minimal body roll. The Forte's steering had a performance-like weight, and it offered a Drive Mode Selector with Normal, Sport, and Smart modes. Fuel economy was commendable, with the CVT-equipped Forte achieving 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined. The FE trim with the CVT was the most efficient, returning 31/41/35 combined.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, used a 6-speed automatic transmission. While acceleration was acceptable, the driving dynamics didn't inspire excitement. The Elantra offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, but Smart mode was not very perceptive. Sport mode added weight to the steering, so Normal mode was preferred. The Elantra achieved 32 mpg in combined driving, with a test loop returning 29.3 mpg. Handling was decent, but the ride quality was affected by the torsion-beam rear-axle suspension.

The 2019 Kia Forte's interior dimensions grew, offering more space for occupants. The front seat provided ample legroom, though headroom was tight for taller individuals. The backseat had adequate headroom, and the trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of space, one of the largest in its class. The EX trim featured a smart trunk system for hands-free access.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra's front seats were comfortable, with height adjustment for both driver and passenger. Most trims included heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The backseat, while supportive, lacked air conditioning vents and USB ports. The trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, and the Smart Trunk feature allowed hands-free access.

The 2019 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch UVO touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface with vivid visuals and physical buttons for convenience. The UVO e-services provided enhanced roadside assistance and vehicle diagnostics.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, except for the base SE, featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Limited trim offered an Infinity premium sound system, and the Ultimate Package added an 8-inch display, navigation, and SiriusXM Data Services. The infotainment system was easy to use, with quality switchgear and impressive sound quality.

The 2019 Kia Forte offered standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist was notably active, providing confidence on the road.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot-monitoring system as standard from the SEL trim. The Limited trim added adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. The Elantra received top marks from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for LATCH anchors, while the NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating.