2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Kia Forte

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 tweaks set it apart from other Fortes, and the interior boasted modifications to enhance 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 a flat-bottom steering wheel, creating a modern look. The transmission shifter felt solid, imparting a sense of quality.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, stood out with its curvaceous design, especially the hatchback. The sedan, aimed at competing with upmarket models, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a blacked-out mesh front grille. The side profile was sculpted without being angular, unlike many competitors. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a cockpit-style feel. The materials were soft and padded, although not quite up to luxury sedan standards. The car's design was premium, but the sheet metal felt less sturdy, with a light and hollow sound when closing the trunk or doors.

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 power was delivered to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which was well-behaved and responsive. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, larger front brakes, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart. The car offered a firm, connected ride quality, with a sport exhaust that burbled with each upshift. The steering felt natural in Normal mode and weighted in Sport mode. The Forte GT excelled in handling, remaining glued to the pavement and conveying critical data to the driver. However, its nose-heavy weight bias and brake fade during hard driving were noted.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, redesigned for 2019, featured a torsion beam rear suspension instead of a multi-link setup, which affected its handling. The car employed a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine. The engine was predictable but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. A manual transmission was available only in the front-wheel-drive hatchback model with the preferred or premium package. The test vehicle had a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3's steering was precise, with little roll through corners, but the torsion beam setup resulted in some jostling over road imperfections.

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, with heated and ventilated options. The front passenger seat also had a height adjuster. Backseat comfort was good, with proper support and air conditioning vents. The Forte GT's Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free operation, revealing a roomy 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 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length on a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was 175.6 inches long. Despite compact dimensions, the interior offered plenty of room for the driver, with supportive front seats and good materials. The back seat was tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated discomfort. The trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the sedan and 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback, both on the smaller side for the segment. The Honda Civic, for example, offered more cargo space in both sedan and hatchback forms.

The 2020 Kia Forte featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s Your Voice (UVO) technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which performed well but struggled with ambient noise.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's 8.8-inch infotainment display was positioned high on the dashboard, blending seamlessly into the design. However, it was not a touchscreen; instead, it was controlled via a rotary dial between the front seats. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The new software was faster, with sharp graphics and a minimalist design. The head-up display (HUD) reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

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 UVO eServices technology included 911 Connect, automatic collision notification, and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It offered a wealth of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. These features were standard, reinforcing the car's safety credentials.