2020 Kia Forte vs 2020 Nissan Versa

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 soft-touch materials, red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim, creating a modern and quality feel.

The 2020 Nissan Versa, shedding its previous "big car" styling, adopted a more handsome design inspired by its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. The cabin, similar to the Nissan Kicks, offered plenty of interior space for a subcompact sedan. The test model featured a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream seats and dash, adding a touch of stylistic flair. The Versa came in three trims: S, SV, and SR, each offering various upgrades in wheels, mirrors, and interior fabrics. The SV trim, in particular, provided a good blend of price and content, though the cabin included some harsh plastics and lacked power-adjustable seats.

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 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 provided a gratifying driving experience. 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, with the latter adjusting based on driving behavior. The car offered a firm yet connected ride quality, with immediate brake response and natural steering effort in Normal mode. The Forte GT excelled in handling, remaining glued to the pavement and conveying critical data to the driver, though it exhibited some nose-heavy weight bias and brake fade during aggressive driving.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, now producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation's 109 hp and 107 lb-ft. The engine powered the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The S trim came standard with the manual transmission, while the CVT was standard on the SV and SR trims. The Versa's acceleration improved, making it more capable of reaching highway speeds. The CVT managed power well and offered a Sport mode for livelier performance. The Versa's steering was responsive, and the car handled well, though it leaned at higher speeds. Fuel economy was decent, with the manual transmission returning 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined, while the CVT achieved 32/40/35. In real-world driving, the Versa averaged 34.7 mpg.

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 seat also had a height adjuster. 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 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 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's 15 cubic-foot trunk, one of the largest in its class, with a large opening for easy loading. However, the new Versa lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less suitable for long trips. The front seats offered ample legroom, even for taller drivers. The Versa's interior was straightforward but featured a two-tone theme and unique seat designs, adding a touch of flair.

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

The 2020 Nissan Versa stepped up its game with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SV trim featured the upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an upgraded instrument panel with a digital screen displaying safety alerts, Bluetooth audio, and fuel-economy stats. The Versa also included three USB ports for charging devices.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features, though 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 worked well but required hands on the steering wheel. The Forte GT also included 911 Connect, an automatic collision notification system, and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2020 Nissan Versa added a host of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other standard safety features included a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert, which honked the horn when the tire was properly inflated. While these features were commendable, they also raised insurance rates due to the increased cost of repairs.