2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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 quality feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, had a more fluid and curvier design compared to its predecessor. The E-Class featured new bumpers, bigger air intakes, new exhaust tips, and new wheels, maintaining its elegant and handsome look. The interior was a blend of rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber, with metal speaker grilles, elaborate stitching, and incredible ambient lighting. The cabin was luxurious and inviting, with a focus on comfort and style.

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. It featured a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) that delivered power to the front wheels. The Forte GT also had a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, bigger front brakes, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter adjusting based on driving behavior. The Forte GT offered a firm, connected ride quality and impressive handling, especially on curvy roads.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saw a significant change with the switch from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for the E450 model, making it a hybrid. The E450's 3.0-liter I6 engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from the electric starter-generator. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, resulting in 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG E63 S featured a 4.0-liter V8 engine with 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The E-Class offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, with advanced suspension and handling capabilities.

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 driver's seat was 10-way power adjustable, and the front passenger's seat had a manual height adjuster. The backseat provided good comfort 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class had a spacious cabin for four adults, with ample headroom and legroom. The seats were supportive, and the rear seats had knee cutouts and a scalloped roof for taller passengers. The E-Class sedan offered 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the coupe and convertible had 10 cubic feet or less with the roof down. The wagon variant provided 35 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. The E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen, separate climate controls, and seat controls on the doors for user convenience.

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 models 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, though it struggled with ambient noise.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, natural voice processing, and online searches. The system included a live feed from the front camera with overlay arrows and street names, massaging seats, and seat kinetics function. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G WiFi, and connected services. Optional driving assists allowed for semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS and came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT model with the GT2 Package included all available safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and lane-centering assist. The Forte GT also had 911 Connect and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional safety features included Pre-Safe Sound, side collision protection, and advanced driver-assist systems.