2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Kia Forte

The 2020 Kia Forte GT presented a subtle yet sporty demeanor, distinguishing itself from other models in the Forte lineup. It featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, and sport-tuned suspension, complemented by larger brakes and 18-inch wheels. The exterior styling, with revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, hinted at its performance potential without being overtly aggressive. Inside, the Forte GT offered a modern and substantial feel, with red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and gloss black trim. The transmission shifter provided a solid, quality feel, enhancing the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was praised for its elegant and sleek design, which garnered admiration from onlookers. The Sonata's fastback profile and tailored body were striking for a family sedan, reflecting Hyundai's design evolution under Peter Schreyer's leadership. The Sonata Hybrid featured unique elements like turbine-style wheels and a solar roof option, enhancing its aerodynamic appeal. Inside, the Sonata boasted a well-crafted interior with luxury-grade materials, big screens, and ambient lighting, offering a sophisticated and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant upgrade from the standard Forte's 147-hp engine. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery to the front wheels, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Smart. The Forte GT's sport-tuned suspension and active exhaust system enhanced its performance, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite its nose-heavy weight bias, the Forte GT remained composed and responsive, thanks to its well-calibrated suspension and braking system.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine with a 51-hp electric motor, producing a total of 192 hp. The six-speed automatic transmission offered a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVT found in most hybrids. While the Sonata Hybrid's powertrain was not as powerful as the Forte GT, it provided a smooth and quiet ride, with the ability to run on battery power at lower speeds. The Sonata Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with the Blue trim achieving up to 51 mpg on the highway and a range of 686 miles on a single tank.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured a well-designed interior with comfortable seating and ample storage space. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, available in full Sofino leatherette with the GT2 Package, provided excellent support during spirited driving. The rear seats offered good comfort with air conditioning vents and a tall cushion. The Forte GT also included Smart Trunk technology, allowing for hands-free access to the 16-cubic-foot trunk, which was spacious for a compact car. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with rear-seat legroom that was particularly generous. The rear cabin featured vents, manual side-window shades, and heated seats, making it a comfortable space for passengers. The Sonata Hybrid's cargo space was impressive, with 16 cubic feet available, and the trunk could be easily accessed with a button hidden in the "H" logo. The interior was well-appointed, with a high-resolution digital dash, a 10-inch touchscreen, and a wide range of intuitive features, including a digital key and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2020 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The Forte EX and GT trims included additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Kia's Your Voice (UVO) connected services. Although an embedded navigation system was not available, the smartphone projection feature compensated for this. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which provided excellent audio quality despite the car's relatively high interior noise levels.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's Limited trim featured a new infotainment system with a soothing color scheme and attractive typefaces, offering a more sophisticated experience than the standard setup. The system was quick and easy to use, with features like a digital key, live camera feeds for blind spots, and a head-up display. The Sonata Hybrid also included Highway Driving Assist, which provided detailed information on the digital dash and head-up display. The car's technology package was comprehensive and intuitive, making it feel like a more expensive vehicle.

The 2020 Kia Forte came equipped with a range of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. However, the automatic emergency braking system was only effective at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop. The Forte GT with the GT2 Package included all available ADAS features, as well as an automatic collision notification system and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top ratings in six crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Sonata Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention monitor, rear emergency braking, and automatic high beams. The Limited trim also offered parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2020 Kia Forte was one of the most cost-effective options in its segment, with a low base price of $17,890. However, to enjoy the benefits of this price, buyers needed to be comfortable driving a manual transmission, as the continuously variable transmission (CVT) came at an additional cost of $900. The Forte LXS, with a standard CVT and additional features, was priced at $19,290, while the EX trim cost $22,090. The Forte GT, offering a sporty look and performance, started at $22,490, with the option to replace the DCT with a 6-speed manual transmission for an additional $600. The test car, equipped with the GT2 Package and other extras, was priced at $26,085, including the destination charge.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was priced in the mid-20s, offering excellent value for a mainstream family car with its elegant design and advanced features. The Blue trim level provided the best fuel efficiency, achieving up to 51 mpg on the highway and a range of 686 miles on a single tank. The Limited trim, with more convenience and luxury features, offered a slightly lower fuel efficiency of 45/51/47 mpg. Despite its higher price point, the Sonata Hybrid's advanced technology and luxury-grade interior made it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a more upscale driving experience.