2020 Kia Forte vs 2020 Acura TLX

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for the year, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels. Styling modifications set it apart from other Fortes, and the interior boasted enhancements to solidify its sport-sedan credentials. Despite its potent capabilities, the Forte GT maintained a subtle appearance with revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the car combined complimentary surface tones and textures with soft-touch materials, red seat piping, and gloss black trim, creating a modern look. The transmission shifter felt solid, imparting a sense of quality.

The 2020 Acura TLX, after a design refresh, presented a handsome but somewhat anonymous appearance. The A-Spec option package added visual upgrades like 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and oversized exhaust outlets. The limited-edition TLX PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, featured a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents. Priced at $50,945, the PMC Edition topped the TLX lineup, while non-PMC models started at $33,995. The Technology and A-Spec Packages added comfort, convenience, and a racy appearance, but the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and SH-AWD were exclusive to higher trims.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 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 in other Fortes. The 7-speed DCT delivered power to the front wheels, and the transmission was well-behaved, exhibiting minimal hesitation. The Forte GT also offered a 6-speed manual gearbox, which included many GT2 package features. The car came with a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels, with Michelin Pilot Sport tires as an upgrade. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, adjusting based on driving behavior. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, and the DCT's gear selection was precise. The Forte GT offered a firm ride quality, with a sport exhaust that burbled during upshifts. The car handled well on curvy roads, maintaining stability and providing critical feedback to the driver. However, the nose-heavy weight bias and brake fade were noticeable during aggressive driving.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition featured the top-performing powertrain, including a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. The V6 provided 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, delivering a steady build-up of power. In Sport or Sport+ mode, the TLX offered an exhilarating driving experience. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The 9-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, and the paddle shifters were satisfying to use. The TLX's amplitude reactive dampers contributed to a solid road feel, and the car's weight distribution favored the front wheels. For daily driving, the TLX was comfortable and quiet, with a firm but not overly stiff ride. The car returned 23 mpg on the testing loop, matching EPA estimates.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available in the GT2 Package or manual transmission models. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, and the heated front seats were useful on cold mornings. The front passenger seat also had a height adjuster. The interior offered comfort with proper thigh support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and soft armrest pads. However, the hard plastic door panel creaked under pressure. The backseat was comfortable, with air conditioning vents and a tall cushion. The Smart Trunk technology allowed hands-free access to the 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area, and interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample storage compartments.

The 2020 Acura TLX provided a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and comfortable seating. The front seats were heated and ventilated, offering excellent support and positioning. Rear passengers enjoyed air-conditioning vents and available heated seats. Storage space was adequate, though the trunk measured only 14.3 cubic feet, which was small for a midsize car.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and Kia's UVO technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, which performed well despite the car's interior noise.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a major drawback. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom display was, leading to confusion and frustration. The system included climate control buttons, but some functions were on the touchscreen. The navigation graphics were outdated, and the voice-recognition system was subpar. Despite these issues, the Acura/ELS premium audio system sounded good, and the car had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, 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 the steering wheel. The UVO eServices technology included 911 Connect and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2020 Acura TLX, designed in the early 2010s, did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test. However, it earned 5-star ratings in all NHTSA tests. The TLX included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was available on higher trims. While effective, these systems lacked the refinement of more modern vehicles, with noticeable braking and acceleration adjustments and exaggerated steering wheel movements.