Audi A6 vs Kia Forte

The 2019 Audi A6, with its refined design, drew inspiration from the Prologue Concept, yet retained the unmistakable Audi identity. It featured a wider single-frame grille, subtle fender swells reminiscent of the original Audi Quattro, and innovative LED lighting with animated sequences, enhancing its visual appeal, especially at night. The car's design was further accentuated by a short front overhang, a rakish roofline, and horizontal themes for the taillights and exhaust outlets, maintaining a connection to its predecessors. The A6's S-line styling details added a sporty touch, with prices ranging from $58,900 to $85,245, excluding destination charges. The Prestige trim, with its Daytona Gray Pearl paint and various packages, was priced at $75,140, including destination.

In contrast, the 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for that year, topped the Forte lineup with a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust. It featured larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels, with styling modifications that set it apart from other Fortes. The Forte GT's design was subtle yet sporty, with revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, it boasted red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim, creating a modern look. The Forte GT was priced competitively, starting at $17,890, with the GT model beginning at $22,490. The test car, equipped with the DCT and GT2 Package, was priced at $26,085, including destination.

The 2019 Audi A6 delivered a sublime driving experience, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the A6 to accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The engine was paired with a 7-speed S tronic automated manual transmission and a Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system, which operated as a front-wheel-drive vehicle until conditions required AWD. The A6 also featured a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, enhancing fuel efficiency. Despite the EPA's 25 mpg estimate, the test loop yielded 22.9 mpg. The A6's steering, brakes, and adaptive damping suspension contributed to its dynamic performance, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivered 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided power to the front wheels, offering a well-behaved driving experience. The Forte GT featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, and larger front brakes, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Smart. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, and the DCT's gear selection was impressive. The Forte GT offered a firm ride quality, with a sport exhaust that added character. The steering and suspension provided excellent handling, making it a fun car to drive on curvy roads, despite its nose-heavy weight bias.

The 2019 Audi A6 offered a comfortable interior, especially with the 18-way multi-contour front seats featuring massage programs. However, the cabin felt snug, with limited room for spreading out. The test car's standard front seats, upgraded with ventilation, lacked adjustable side bolsters. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort with 4-zone automatic climate control and heated seats. Interior storage was limited, and the trunk, housing the 48-volt electrical system's battery, measured just 13.7 cubic feet.

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. The 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, and the heated front seats were a welcome feature. The backseat offered good comfort, with air conditioning vents and a tall cushion. The Forte GT's Smart Trunk technology provided hands-free access to a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad and ample storage compartments.

The 2019 Audi A6 excelled in technology, featuring the latest Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with two touchscreen displays. The system offered quick loading, haptic feedback, and lush graphics. Highlights included a navigation system with Google Earth imagery, handwriting recognition, a surround-view camera, and a natural-voice-recognition system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation was a standout feature, and the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system provided excellent audio quality.

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 UVO technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which performed well despite the car's interior noise. The Forte lacked an embedded navigation system, but smartphone projection compensated for this.

The 2019 Audi A6 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, with advanced features available on Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Pre Sense systems were standard, with additional features like adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and intersection assistant available in the Driver Assistance Package. Prestige trim added HD Matrix LED headlights, enhancing visibility.

The 2020 Kia Forte, a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems. The GT with the GT2 Package included all available features, though the automatic emergency braking system worked only at lower speeds. The lane-keeping and lane-centering assist systems performed well, and the UVO eServices technology included 911 Connect and programmable alerts for parents of teen drivers.