2020 Kia Forte vs 2019 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new to the lineup, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust, along with larger brakes and 18-inch wheels. Its styling set it apart from other Fortes, with subtle yet sporty modifications like revised bumpers and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the Forte GT boasted a modern look with red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metallic accents, creating a sense of quality and sophistication. Despite its sporty enhancements, the Forte GT maintained a low profile, making it an appealing choice for those seeking performance without drawing too much attention.

In contrast, the 2019 Toyota Prius was not known for its looks, but its distinctive design had always made a statement. The fourth-generation Prius, introduced in 2016, continued this trend with an even more extroverted appearance. While the design might have been polarizing, the Prius offered practicality and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for daily driving. The 2019 model introduced new trim levels and an optional all-wheel-drive system, expanding its appeal. Despite its unconventional design, the Prius remained a practical and efficient option for those seeking a dependable hybrid vehicle.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This was a significant upgrade from the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine found in other Forte models. The power was transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which was well-calibrated and responsive. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, and larger brakes, enhancing its performance capabilities. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, allowing for a tailored driving experience. The Forte GT excelled in handling, offering a firm and connected ride, and was particularly impressive on winding roads.

The 2019 Toyota Prius combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor, providing extra traction at low speeds. The Prius AWD-e achieved 50 mpg, slightly lower than the standard front-drive model's 52 mpg. The Prius featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered a smooth and efficient driving experience. It was built on Toyota's new global architecture, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The Prius also offered an EV driving mode for short distances, enhancing its efficiency.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT offered a well-appointed interior with front sport seats featuring cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters. The GT2 Package upgraded the seats to full Sofino leatherette, with heating and ventilation. The driver's seat was 10-way power adjustable, and the front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster. The Forte GT provided good backseat comfort and air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free access to the 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area, which was spacious for its class. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample storage compartments.

The 2019 Toyota Prius provided comfortable seating for four adults, with manual height adjustment for the driver's seat. The rear seats offered good thigh support and legroom, though air conditioning vents were absent. The Prius XLE and Limited trims featured SofTex leatherette upholstery, which could become uncomfortable in hot weather. As a hatchback, the Prius offered up to 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made it comparable to small crossover SUVs in terms of cargo capacity.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The Forte EX and GT added SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia's UVO technology. The GT2 Package included an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though it struggled with ambient noise. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2019 Toyota Prius, particularly in the Limited trim, featured an advanced infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium JBL sound system. However, the XLE AWD-e test car had a basic 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and a CD player. The Prius lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but offered wireless smartphone charging. The instrumentation was located in a strip below the windshield, with a mix of modern and outdated displays. The Advanced Technology Package added a head-up display and adaptive headlights.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems. The GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features, though the automatic emergency braking system worked only at lower speeds. The adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop, but the lane-keeping and lane-centering assist systems were effective. The Forte GT also featured 911 Connect and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered standard Toyota Safety Sense, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The Prius received a 5-star rating in federal crash tests and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though front passenger protection in a frontal-impact crash was rated 4 stars.