2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for that 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 with a machined finish. Styling modifications, such as revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, set it apart from other Fortes. 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 sporty look.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, showcased bold styling with a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille, giving it an Art Deco locomotive appearance. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, a black roof, 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and black exterior trim. Inside, it had red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white speedometer and tachometer faces, and heated rear seats, adding a touch of luxury and a retro vibe.

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, larger front brakes, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter adjusting based on driving behavior. The car offered a firm, connected ride quality and impressive handling, especially on curvy roads.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, on the other hand, came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While the Maxima was quick and the V6 engine sounded great, the CVT was one of the better examples, responding quickly and efficiently. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision and feel, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these issues, the Maxima provided a comfortable and quiet ride during highway cruising.

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 had a hands-free Smart Trunk system and a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area, along with generous interior storage options.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort with its "Zero Gravity" front seats, offering eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way power adjustment for the passenger. However, rear-seat passengers had limited headroom and legroom. The Maxima's interior felt cramped due to the close proximity of the center console. Cargo space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, the smallest in its class. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima provided an expansive view of the road and excellent side visibility.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia's UVO technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, although it struggled with ambient noise.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age. It had an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. An 11-speaker Bose audio system was available. However, the touchscreen's graphics were dated, and small icons made navigation difficult. The notification sounds were also confusing. Despite these issues, the Maxima had plenty of analog controls, including shortcut buttons and knobs for climate control and audio.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GT2 Package added more safety features, and the UVO eServices technology included 911 Connect and other helpful alerts.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system.