2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

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, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with metallic accents, creating a modern and quality feel. The transmission shifter felt solid, enhancing the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, redesigned for 2020, offered a distinctive look with a broad grille and tapered tail. The N Line treatment included larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, bold 19-inch wheels, and a four-outlet exhaust system, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, making the interior both stylish and comfortable.

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, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels with optional Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, enhancing the car's versatility.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 rpm to 4,000 rpm. It featured an eight-speed wet DCT with paddle shifters, rev-matching, and launch control. The Sonata N Line offered Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an Active Sound Design engine note enhancement system. The car's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires provided a thrilling driving experience, especially on winding roads.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT's interior featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available in the GT2 Package. The 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats added to the comfort. The backseat offered good support and air conditioning vents, while the Smart Trunk technology provided hands-free access to the 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample space in the door panels and center console.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line's interior included heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, offering a balance of comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, and the rear seats featured air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata's trunk volume measured 16 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle meant getting hands dirty when closing the trunk.

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

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. It included HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services. However, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues were drawbacks. The Sonata also offered Sounds of Nature for stress relief and Hyundai Digital Key for Android users.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT with the GT2 Package included all available ADAS, though the automatic emergency braking 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 the steering wheel.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata had high safety ratings, though the N Line had not been separately rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.