2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for that year, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels. Its styling modifications, including revised bumpers, black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, gave it a subtle yet sporty appearance. 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 substantial look. The transmission shifter felt solid, enhancing the sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing, featuring sharp creases and dramatic angles. The Z-shaped dent in the doors added a unique character, breaking conventional design rules. The Elantra came in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with a hybrid powertrain option for the SEL and Limited. Inside, the Elantra had a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering a more upscale and high-tech cabin. The Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray provided a modern and upscale look, with light gray seats and trim contrasting against the black cabin.

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 7-speed DCT delivered power to the front wheels, offering a well-behaved and responsive driving experience. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter adjusting based on driving behavior. The Forte GT provided a firm, connected ride quality, with a sport exhaust that burbled with each upshift. It handled well on curvy roads, remaining glued to the pavement and conveying critical data to the driver.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered various powertrain combinations, including the high-performance Elantra N. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid used a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, electric motor, and 1.32-kWh battery, producing 139 horsepower and using a 6-speed DCT. The Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT. The high-performance Elantra N had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed wet DCT. The Elantra N offered impressive handling, with an electronically controlled suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available with the GT2 Package or manual transmission. The 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent comfort and support, with heated and ventilated front seats. The backseat offered good comfort, with a tall cushion and comfortable backrest angle. The Forte GT also had air conditioning vents for the rear seats. The Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free trunk 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 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a spacious interior. The driver’s seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, making it easy to get comfortable. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats available in the Limited Hybrid. The rear seat offered best-in-class legroom, with plenty of leg clearance and foot space for adults. However, the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support, and there were no air conditioning vents or USB charging ports for rear-seat passengers. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release.

The 2020 Kia Forte featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 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 provided better sound quality than the standard 6-speaker setup, though it struggled with ambient noise.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in SE, SEL, and N Line trims, featuring volume and tuning knobs, menu shortcut buttons, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Satellite radio and Blue Link connected services were standard in SEL and N Line trims, with wireless smartphone charging in the N Line. The Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen. This setup included dynamic natural voice recognition, a Sounds of Nature function, and a 64-color ambient cabin lighting system. The Limited Hybrid’s voice recognition system performed inconsistently, but an active Blue Link subscription improved results. A new Bose premium sound system was available, offering impressive audio quality. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for smartphone-based access and control of the vehicle.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, equipped 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 the driver to keep their 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 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Every Elantra was equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai’s collection of ADAS, including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention warning system. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, rear automatic braking, and Hyundai’s Level 2 ADAS, called Highway Drive Assist.