2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for that 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. 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 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design" from its 2014 facelift, giving it a timeless and straightforward profile. The grille and headlights had evolved, with bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and LED driving lamps on lower trims, and adaptive HID lamps on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. The interior quality rivaled more expensive cars, with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard on the top trims, with heated rear seats available.

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 yet connected ride quality, with a sport exhaust that added a subtle reminder of its performance capabilities. The steering felt natural in Normal mode and more weighted in Sport mode, enhancing the driving experience on curvy roads.

The 2021 Chrysler 300, while not designed for stoplight drags, offered solid performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the 300S. The 300 provided a quiet, comfortable ride, with the V8 offering a fun driving experience. The AWD option added to the traditional luxury feel, especially in the Touring L trim.

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 and heated front seats added to the comfort. The backseat offered good comfort with a tall cushion and proper support. The Forte GT also had air conditioning vents for the rear seats and a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. The Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free access, and interior storage was generous with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample storage compartments.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous front and rear legroom, with 41.8 inches in the front and 40.1 inches in the back, surpassing many entry-luxury sedans. The overall passenger volume was 106.3 cubic feet, making it spacious compared to competitors. The trunk volume was 16.3 cubic feet, sufficient for about four large suitcases. The interior quality was high, with cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard on the top trims, with heated rear seats available.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring 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 UVO technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which performed well despite the car's interior noise.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, known for its intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Popular Equipment Group added a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, surround sound, a trunk-mounted subwoofer, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the car's tech offerings.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS and came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features, although 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 were effective but required hands-on steering. The UVO eServices technology included 911 Connect and various alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but had a "Marginal" score in small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash test rating. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available in higher trims and packages, such as the SafetyTec Plus Group, which added forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.