2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new to the lineup, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust, along with larger brakes and 18-inch wheels. Its styling set it apart from other Fortes, with subtle yet sporty modifications like revised bumpers and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the Forte GT offered a modern look with red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and gloss black trim, creating a sense of quality and sportiness. Despite its performance enhancements, the Forte GT maintained a sleeper appearance, blending in with its surroundings, especially in less vibrant colors.

The Forte GT's interior combined soft-touch materials with complimentary tones and textures, providing a substantial feel. The transmission shifter felt solid, enhancing the driving experience. The Forte GT was an attractive option for those seeking a small car with a sporty edge, offering a competitive base price and an industry-standard warranty. The GT model, with its performance-oriented features, started at $22,490, with options like the GT2 Package adding significant value. The test car, equipped with all extras, was priced at $26,085, including destination charges.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation, continued to captivate buyers with its variety of models, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Dodge's strategy of subtle differentiation between models appealed to its "brotherhood of muscle" customers. The Charger was available in regular and widebody formats, with the latter offering a more athletic stance. The 2021 SRT Hellcat Redeye featured a functional performance hood, enhancing its aggressive look.

The Charger's exterior options included various tire, wheel, brake, and color choices, allowing for customization. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a consistent appearance, making it difficult to determine its age. Inside, the Charger's technology had evolved, but comfort and convenience features remained limited. The fit and finish improved over time, though hard plastics and rubberized surfaces were prevalent. Higher trims offered Nappa leather seats, but the base models featured cloth upholstery. The Charger was a practical family car with a spacious interior, though some models lacked premium accommodations expected at higher price points.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 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 standard 147-hp 2.0-liter engine in other Forte models. The GT's 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) provided smooth power delivery to the front wheels, with minimal hesitation. The Forte GT also offered a 6-speed manual option, bundled with the GT2 package features.

The Forte GT's sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, and larger brakes contributed to its engaging driving experience. It featured driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Smart, adapting to driving behavior. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, and the DCT's precise gear selection enhanced the driving experience. The Forte GT excelled in handling, offering a firm ride and responsive steering, especially in Sport mode. It handled curves with confidence, maintaining grip and stability.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, delivering 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

The SRT Hellcat models, including the Redeye, were equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The Hellcat produced 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the Redeye delivered an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. The Charger offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on select models. The SRT models featured Performance Pages for in-depth vehicle settings adjustments. The Charger provided a connected driving experience, with smooth transmission shifts and responsive handling, though braking performance varied between track and street conditions.

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 support, and the heated front seats were a welcome addition on cold mornings. The front passenger seat also had a height adjuster, enhancing comfort.

The Forte GT's interior offered comfort with proper thigh support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and soft armrest pads. However, hard plastic on the door panel creaked under pressure. The backseat provided good comfort with a tall cushion and air conditioning vents. The Smart Trunk technology allowed hands-free access to the 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area, though it could open unintentionally. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless charging pad and ample storage compartments.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door sedan, balanced performance with family-friendly features. The interior technology was dated but functional, with instrument clusters varying by model. The steering wheel offered easy access to controls, and paddle shifters were available on most models. The rear seat featured a 60/40 split-folding design, expanding the trunk's storage capacity. The Charger provided average cargo space compared to other large cars.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, positioned for easy reference. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims added SiriusXM and UVO connected services. The GT2 Package included an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though it struggled with ambient noise.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered standard features like push-button start, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Available upgrades included a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and premium audio systems. The Uconnect system was user-friendly, though some functions were buried in menus. The Charger lacked a head-up display, affecting navigation usability.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, equipped with advanced driving assistance systems. The GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features. The automatic emergency braking system worked at lower speeds, and adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop. Lane-keeping and lane-centering assist systems were effective, though they required hands on the wheel. The Forte GT also featured 911 Connect and programmable alerts for speed and boundaries.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available on select models. The 2020 model, structurally similar to the 2021 version, received mostly "Good" crashworthiness ratings from the IIHS but "Poor" marks for headlights.