2020 Kia Forte vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for the year, featured a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust. It also had larger front brakes and 18-inch machined-finish 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 exterior, 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 Nissan Altima Platinum, equipped with a turbocharged engine, extra-cost paint, and various accessories, had a price tag of $37,825. The car's 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and last year's redesign improved its styling, though some details like the door handles' placement and the body-color lower diffuser panel were questionable. The interior design was clean and contemporary, with an ergonomic layout. The touchscreen infotainment system was high on the dashboard, and the climate controls were clearly legible. Materials quality was on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was powered by 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 dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) delivered power to the front wheels and was well-behaved, exhibiting minimal hesitation. The Forte GT also offered a 6-speed manual gearbox option, which included many GT2 package features. The car came with a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, larger front brakes, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, and the DCT was well-calibrated. The Forte GT offered a firm, connected ride quality, with immediate brake response and natural steering effort in Normal mode. The car excelled on curvy roads, maintaining stability and conveying critical data to the driver. However, the nose-heavy weight bias and brake fade were noticeable during aggressive driving.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive was an option with this engine. The test car had the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the VC-Turbo, which provided 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, but the test car averaged 26.2 mpg. The Altima's suspension, steering, and brakes contributed to its impressive ride and handling. The car featured Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, enhancing ride quality and handling. The Altima VC-Turbo was quick, sharp, and responsive, with the CVT programmed to mimic a traditional automatic. However, the transmission could produce sudden surges in power.

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 with the manual transmission. The 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided excellent comfort and support, and the front passenger's seat had a manual height adjuster. The car offered good backseat comfort, with air conditioning vents and a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. The Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free trunk access, and interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's front and back seats were designed for superior comfort, inspired by NASA. However, the front passenger's seat lacked a height adjuster, and ventilated front seats were not available. The car offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter with climate control operation. Rear air conditioning vents were included, but heated rear seats were not available. The Altima provided substantial in-cabin storage space, though it lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The Forte EX and GT 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 Nissan Altima offered a nearly perfect infotainment system with an 8-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included satellite radio, a navigation system with door-to-door directions, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system, and Nissan Connect Services. The connected services technology was free for the first six months, with various plans available afterward. The door-to-door navigation function was particularly helpful, though the voice recognition technology could be improved.

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, and 911 Connect. 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 2020 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. Additional safety systems included a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance, though it was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.