2020 Kia Forte vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

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 wheels with a machined finish. Styling modifications, such as revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, distinguished it from other Fortes. Inside, the Forte GT boasted red seat piping, interior stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with polished metallic accents, creating a modern and sporty look.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat resembled its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the redesigned VW Jetta. The exterior styling was familiar, but the interior featured a revamped dashboard with a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The Passat's interior was characterized by cheap, glossy plastic, but it was easy to clean. The car was designed to be user-friendly, with easy access, simple controls, and a comfortable driving experience. The Passat was available in four trims: S, SE, R-Line, and SEL, with the R-Line offering a sporty appearance.

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 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 and connected ride, with excellent handling and braking performance, especially on curvy roads.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, had a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It used a 6-speed automatic transmission, which was simple and effective. The Passat's engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, and the transmission's Sport mode improved performance. The car averaged 26 mpg in combined driving. The Passat's steering was light and precise, and the brakes were effective. However, the suspension tuning was a mixed bag, with a stiff ride over sharp bumps and a floaty feel over undulations. Despite these issues, the Passat offered good roll control and grip, especially with the R-Line's 19-inch wheels and tires.

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 driver's seat was 10-way power adjustable, and the front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster. The interior offered excellent comfort, with proper thigh support, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and soft armrest pads. The backseat was comfortable, with air conditioning vents and a tall cushion. The Forte GT also had a hands-free Smart Trunk system, providing 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide seats, large door openings, and ample room for five passengers. The Passat S had cloth upholstery, while the SE and R-Line featured V-Tex leatherette seats, and the SEL trim had genuine leather sport seats. The car also had available seat heaters and rear air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a flat load floor and the ability to fit full-size suitcases and compact folding strollers. The trunk lid could be opened with the key fob and had grips for easy closing. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical choice, with only all-wheel drive, big-box cargo capability, or a third-row seat as reasons to opt for an SUV.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, positioned for easy reference. Standard features 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 performed well despite the car's interior noise.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest VW infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, but it offered a 6.3-inch touchscreen display with App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim included navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat's infotainment system was simple and user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy operation. The car also had an optional remote engine start system and a parking steering-assist system exclusive to the SEL trim.

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. The automatic emergency braking system worked 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 were effective but required the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning as standard features. It also had an automatic post-collision braking system. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat earned the top rating of Good in crash-test assessments conducted by the IIHS.