2019 Kia Forte vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 Kia Forte might have appeared to be a mere facelift, but it was actually an all-new generation. It retained its jellybean-like shape and plucky front-end design, with a subtle swoop along the side. The taillight band connecting each side above the license plate was a less favored design element, but overall, the Forte had a more mature look. The new model also featured additional small rear quarter windows and flatter, lower windowsills. Styling cues from the sporty Kia Stinger were evident in the grille's powerful shape, futuristic headlights, and aggressive lower-grille design.

Inside, the Forte’s cabin was contemporary and high-tech, with a simple layout influenced by the Stinger. It featured a sport steering wheel, floating touchscreen, and big circular HVAC vents pushed to the corners. The instrument panel's crisp look and general layout had hints of Audi’s small car, thanks to Peter Schreyer, the head of design at Hyundai and Kia, who previously worked at Audi. The Forte came in FE, LXS, S, and EX trims, with the base FE trim offering impressive standard features like electric power side mirrors, remote keyless entry, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The range-topping EX trim included power heated side mirrors, leatherette upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima shared a design language with other Nissan models, featuring the signature V-Motion grille, jewel-like LED headlights, and a floating-roof design with a dual-pane panoramic moonroof. The Maxima SR models had a sporty rear spoiler, and the car rode on 18-inch machined-finish aluminum-alloy wheels, with 19-inch gloss black wheels standard on the SR and Platinum trims. The cabin of the Maxima was filled with high-quality materials, with the Platinum trim veering into premium territory. The SR trim featured unique styling with a patterned seat insert and charcoal headliner, while the Platinum Reserve Package added semi-aniline leather appointments and a Rakuda Tan steering wheel insert.

The Maxima’s thick center console created a segmented front row experience, but the cabin was spacious. Standard features on all Maxima models (except the base model) included an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, a 7.0-inch driver’s information display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, rearview camera, keyless entry, push-button start, and remote engine start with climate control functionality. Navigation, Nissan Connect Services, rear USB ports, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, LED accent lighting, and the Around View Monitor camera system were also available.

The 2019 Kia Forte was powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The FE trim came standard with the manual but was available with the CVT, while all other trims came standard with the CVT. Kia’s CVT, called the iVT, managed power well and provided an immediate response when stepping on the throttle. The Forte was quick off the line and had enough power for highway passing, with handling that was impressive, taking corners with confidence and minimal body roll. The steering wheel had a performance-like weight, and turn-in was precise.

The Forte’s handling was refined without being too harsh over bumps, and it featured a Drive Mode Selector with Normal, Sport, and Smart modes. The CVT-equipped Forte returned fuel economy of 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined, with the FE trim achieving 31/41/35 combined. In a week of combined city and highway driving in the EX trim, observed fuel economy was 29.7 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a CVT, generating 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more comfortable as a cruiser. The Sport drive mode made the drive experience more engaging, but the Maxima excelled at soaking up road imperfections and keeping noise at bay with active noise cancellation technology. Front-wheel drive and an 18-gallon fuel tank were standard, and the Maxima felt planted in most driving situations.

The EPA estimated the Maxima’s fuel economy at 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined, comparable to other vehicles in its class. The Maxima was not offered as a hybrid, unlike the Toyota Avalon, which had a successful hybrid variant.

The 2019 Kia Forte’s exterior length grew by 3.2 inches, and it was just under an inch wider, resulting in a noticeably larger interior. The front seat had plenty of legroom, though headroom was tight for occupants over 6 feet tall. The backseat had adequate headroom, and taller occupants would be comfortable for longer drives. The Forte had 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space, one of the largest in its class, with the EX trim featuring a smart trunk system that automatically deployed when standing near the rear of the car.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, but the cabin was spacious. The front seats were comfortable for long road trips, though the Maxima had less legroom compared to rivals like the Kia Cadenza, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, and Toyota Avalon. The Maxima had 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, less than its competitors, and up to 98.5 cubic feet of passenger space. Despite these numbers, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing.

The 2019 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch UVO touchscreen, featuring a user-friendly layout with vivid colors and fonts. The physical buttons and conventional tuning and volume dials made the system easy to use. Kia’s UVO e-services provided enhanced roadside assistance, in-depth vehicle diagnostics, and a smartphone app to remind you where you parked.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, with NissanConnect Services available on the top Platinum grade. Buyers could upgrade to a Bose Premium Audio system with 11 speakers. The Maxima also offered the Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, keyless entry, and USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear.

The 2019 Kia Forte offered standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. It also included a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist system was highly active, making it easy to keep the car centered in the lane.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were standard on all trims except the base model. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, with top ratings for front crash prevention.