2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 Kia K5

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, creating a modern and quality feel. The transmission shifter felt solid, enhancing the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, showcased a fastback sedan design reminiscent of the Kia Stinger. Styled with flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, the K5 resembled an Audi A5 Sportback. It featured a long rear window, polished black trim, and unique taillights with dashed LEDs. The K5's proportions made it sportier, with a lower and longer stance than the outgoing Optima. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, red seats, and quality materials throughout, exuding sportiness and quality.

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, and larger front brakes, enhancing its performance. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter adjusting based on driving behavior. The Forte GT provided a firm yet connected ride, with immediate brake response and natural steering effort in Normal mode.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not match its aggressive styling in terms of performance. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the K5 offered good fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD models, its handling fell short. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was only available in FWD, which could be problematic for handling such power.

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 provided excellent comfort. The backseat offered good comfort with a tall cushion and proper support. The Forte GT also included Smart Trunk technology, providing a hands-free system to open the trunk, revealing a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample storage in the door panels and center console.

The 2021 Kia K5 accommodated two adults comfortably in the back, with enough headroom and legroom for six-footers. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The infotainment system and central display were user-friendly, with an optional 10-inch display. Trunk space was 16 cubic feet, providing ample cargo room. The K5 also featured a handy wireless charging pad and easy-to-use hard buttons for climate controls and stereo.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 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 UVO technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though it struggled with ambient noise.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with LED headlights, auto high beams, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. The GT-Line trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, rear USB ports, a power driver’s seat, and auto up/down controls for the front passenger window. The EX trim included ventilated seats, rear air vents, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment system with SiriusXM and UVO link. The GT trim featured paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, and additional performance hardware.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, 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 hands on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores due to its stronger chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist, cyclist detection, and Junction Turning.