2020 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Kia Forte

The 2019 Kia Forte might have appeared to be a mere facelift at first glance, but it was actually an all-new generation. It retained its familiar 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 design element that some found cheap-looking. However, the overall design was more mature compared to previous generations. The Forte also featured additional small rear quarter windows and flatter, lower windowsills, taking styling cues from the sporty Kia Stinger, including a powerful grille shape, futuristic headlights, and an 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 had a crisp look reminiscent of the Audi A3, a nod to Kia's head of design, Peter Schreyer, 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. Higher trims added more luxury and tech features, with the range-topping EX offering power heated side mirrors, leatherette upholstery, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, became its own model in 2015. By 2020, it had received infotainment updates and maintained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and large functional air intake. The STI version added a large rear wing and aerodynamic components, making it the most aggressively-styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its racy touches, the non-STI WRX could be a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered pedestrian by some, especially for a new car in 2021.

The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The Base trim included 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, halogen fog lights, heated front seats, and a power moonroof, with an optional Performance Package that included Brembo brakes and Recaro front bucket seats. The Limited trim offered leather upholstery, push-button start, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and Limited trims, featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2019 Kia Forte was powered by 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 FE trim came standard with the manual, while all other trims featured the CVT. Kia's CVT, branded as iVT, managed power well, providing immediate throttle response and making the Forte quick off the line with sufficient power for highway passing. The Forte's handling was impressive, with minimal body roll and precise steering, offering a refined ride even over rough roads. The Drive Mode Selector allowed drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, optimizing comfort, acceleration, and driving behavior. Fuel economy was commendable, with the CVT-equipped Forte returning 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The CVT included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters with simulated gears. The AWD systems varied by transmission, with the manual offering a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution and the CVT providing a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio. The manual transmission was praised for its precise feedback and smooth clutch pedal, making the WRX enjoyable to drive. The WRX STI, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, featured Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension, enhancing its cornering abilities but resulting in a rougher ride.

The 2019 Kia Forte's increased exterior dimensions translated into a noticeably larger interior. The front seat offered ample legroom, though headroom was tight for occupants over 6 feet tall. The backseat provided adequate headroom and legroom for taller passengers on longer drives. The Forte's trunk space was impressive at 15.3 cubic feet, one of the largest in its class. The EX trim featured Kia’s smart trunk system, which automatically deployed the trunk when you stood near the rear of the car, a convenient feature for those with their hands full.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's simple sedan layout provided excellent sightlines, with good rear and side visibility. The large windshield, slanted hood, and front quarter windows ensured terrific forward visibility. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage compartments. The WRX offered ample head- and legroom in the first row, and adequate rear-seat space for full-size adults on most trips. However, its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was low compared to other compact sedans, though similar to other performance cars.

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 provided a tactile interaction for the driver. The UVO e-services offered enhanced roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and a smartphone app for locating your parked car.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a standard 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was easy to use and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also had a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

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 safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist system was particularly effective, providing minor steering inputs to keep the car centered in the lane.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional optional safety features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.