2020 Kia Forte vs 2020 Lexus ES

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. Its styling modifications, including revised bumpers, black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, gave it a subtle yet sporty appearance. Inside, the Forte GT boasted red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with metallic accents, creating a modern and substantial look. The transmission shifter felt solid, enhancing the driving experience. Despite its sporty upgrades, the Forte GT maintained a low base price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES underwent significant updates to shed its "boring" label. The large spindle grille, introduced in 2016, grew even larger in the 2020 model, complementing the car's larger proportions. The rear featured thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, adding to its sleek design. Inside, the ES blended modern technology with soft-touch materials, creating an elegant and organic aesthetic. The center of the dash housed a large infotainment screen, seamlessly integrated into the design. The ES offered various trims, including the sporty F Sport, which featured unique exterior and interior accents, enhancing its overall appeal.

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 Forte models. The power was delivered to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which was well-behaved and responsive. The Forte GT also offered a 6-speed manual gearbox option, which included additional GT2 package features. The car's sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, and larger front brakes contributed to its engaging driving experience. The Forte GT excelled in handling, providing a firm and connected ride quality, especially on curvy roads.

The 2020 Lexus ES, on the other hand, came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES prioritized comfort and refinement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps without feeling wallowy. The steering was light but precise, and the Dynamic Control Shocks contributed to a hushed ride. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers, enhancing the driving experience with additional drive modes, including Sport+. While not a high-performance machine, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable ride.

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 comfort and support, while the heated front seats were a welcome addition on chilly mornings. The backseat offered good comfort with proper support and air conditioning vents. The Forte GT's Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free access, revealing a spacious 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2020 Lexus ES boasted a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly without compromising rear-seat legroom. Despite its sleek exterior, the ES offered expanded rear-seat headroom, accommodating taller passengers. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console featured multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES provided 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was competitive for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to transport larger items.

The 2020 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, positioned for easy reference. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims added SiriusXM satellite radio and Kia's Your Voice (UVO) technology. The GT2 Package included an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which, while better than the standard setup, struggled with ambient noise.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either the standard 8-inch display or the available 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with CarPlay utilizing the entire screen for easy navigation. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display for enhanced driving information.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and lane-centering assist. The GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features. The Forte also featured 911 Connect, an automatic collision notification system, and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for limited semi-autonomous driving. The ES was equipped with a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.