2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Kia Forte

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for the 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. The Forte GT had a subtle yet potent look 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 and quality feel.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a statement with its athletic proportions and great stance. It looked like it was moving even when standing still, thanks to its design. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty appearance. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and a modern aesthetic, although the analog clock felt outdated.

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 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) delivered power to the front wheels and was well-behaved, offering a firm and connected ride quality. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, and larger front brakes. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart. The car handled well, especially on curvy roads, and the turbocharged engine provided ample power.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of engines. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, had the same V6 engine but with 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The car felt crisp, precise, and balanced, thanks to its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear independent suspension and electrically powered steering.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters. The GT2 Package or manual transmission models had full Sofino leatherette seats, which were heated and ventilated. The 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent comfort and support. The backseat was comfortable with proper support and air conditioning vents. The Forte GT also had a hands-free Smart Trunk system and 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 Lexus IS had a driver-centered focus with a comfortable and supportive seat. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models and included heating and ventilation. The IS came with perforated NuLuxe fabric, which was eco-friendly and easier to clean than leather. The car had ample storage space, including an open cubby, twin cupholders, big door pockets, and a decent glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three. The trunk space was 10.8 cubic feet and surprisingly deep, with a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

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 sounded better than the standard setup but struggled with ambient noise.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The car included various connected services with free trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option, providing superb sound quality.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS. It came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. The automatic emergency braking system worked 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 Lexus IS had not yet been rated for crashworthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, enhanced lane-tracing assist, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. The car also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED headlamps, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.