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BMW 3 Series vs Kia Forte

2023 BMW 3 Series
2023 BMW 3 Series
$43,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Kia Forte
2023 Kia Forte
$19,690MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 BMW 3 Series
$43,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Kia Forte
$19,690MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$43,800

MSRP

$19,690

Listings

1031

Listings

462

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great ride quality

  • Quiet cabin

Cons

  • Manual transmission not available

  • Interior materials feel cheap

Pros

  • Excellent value for money

  • Comfortable

  • Manual transmission available

Cons

  • Lower-than-average crash test scores

  • Underwhelming base engine

Reviews Summary

BMW’s best-selling car enjoys a mid-cycle refresh for 2023. Sleeker styling, an updated driver-oriented cockpit, and loads of new technology make the new BMW 3 Series sports sedan as competitive as ever.

Reviews Summary

The 2023 Kia Forte makes its mark among rival compact sedans with value. You get more for the money than with its rivals, but at the same time, you won't feel as though you have to sacrifice quality or performance. It's an all-around solid choice in a very competitive class.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

34

MPG Highway

39
2023 BMW 3 Series
2023 BMW 3 Series
$43,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Kia Forte
2023 Kia Forte
$19,690MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 BMW 3 Series
$43,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Kia Forte
$19,690MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$43,800
$19,690
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

4.5

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Read full review

6.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great ride quality

  • Quiet cabin

Cons

  • Manual transmission not available

  • Interior materials feel cheap

Pros

  • Excellent value for money

  • Comfortable

  • Manual transmission available

Cons

  • Lower-than-average crash test scores

  • Underwhelming base engine

Summary
BMW’s best-selling car enjoys a mid-cycle refresh for 2023. Sleeker styling, an updated driver-oriented cockpit, and loads of new technology make the new BMW 3 Series sports sedan as competitive as ever.
The 2023 Kia Forte makes its mark among rival compact sedans with value. You get more for the money than with its rivals, but at the same time, you won't feel as though you have to sacrifice quality or performance. It's an all-around solid choice in a very competitive class.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
2.0L 147 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
25
28
MPG Highway
34
39
Look and feel

2023 BMW 3 Series

9/10

2023 Kia Forte

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 BMW 3 Series as 9 out of 10 and the 2023 Kia Forte as 6 out of 10. The BMW 3 Series, a compact sports sedan, boasts a refreshed exterior design with subtle yet sporty modifications, standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, and a driver-centric interior featuring the new BMW Curved Display. On the other hand, the Kia Forte, a compact sedan, retains a graceful design with a double-tab grille and a modern interior with user-friendly controls and high-quality materials.
Picture of 2023 BMW 3 Series
Performance

2023 BMW 3 Series

9/10

2023 Kia Forte

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 BMW 3 Series 9 out of 10 and the 2023 Kia Forte 7 out of 10. The BMW 3 Series offers a range of powerful engines, including a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. The 3 Series delivers impressive acceleration, precise handling, and a comfortable ride. Conversely, the Kia Forte offers a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a more potent 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the GT trim, providing adequate performance and a comfortable driving experience.
Form and function

2023 BMW 3 Series

8/10

2023 Kia Forte

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 BMW 3 Series 8 out of 10 and the 2023 Kia Forte 7 out of 10. The BMW 3 Series offers a compact yet comfortable interior with ample headroom and legroom, supportive front sport seats, and a spacious 17-cubic-foot cargo capacity. In comparison, the Kia Forte provides comfortable front seats, a user-friendly layout, and a spacious trunk with 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
Technology

2023 BMW 3 Series

9/10

2023 Kia Forte

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 BMW 3 Series 9 out of 10 and the 2023 Kia Forte 6 out of 10. The BMW 3 Series features the advanced BMW iDrive 8 with a curved 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen, offering intuitive controls, voice activation, and a range of standard and available tech features. Meanwhile, the Kia Forte comes with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available wireless charging and premium audio options.
Safety

2023 BMW 3 Series

9/10

2023 Kia Forte

5/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 BMW 3 Series 9 out of 10 and the 2023 Kia Forte 5 out of 10. The BMW 3 Series boasts a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, a Top Safety Pick nod from the IIHS, and a range of standard and available safety features, including advanced driver assistance systems. Conversely, the Kia Forte received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, "Good" ratings from the IIHS, and standard driver assistance features across all trims.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2023 BMW 3 Series is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Kia Forte scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 BMW 3 Series emerges as the top choice for consumers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, advanced technology, and top-notch safety features in a compact sedan.

Choose the 2023 BMW 3 Series if:

8.7of 10overall
  • You prioritize performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a compact sports sedan.
  • You seek a comfortable and spacious interior with ample cargo capacity.
  • You value top-notch safety ratings and a wide range of standard and available safety features.
1031 results
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Choose the 2023 Kia Forte if:

6.3of 10overall
  • You are looking for an affordable compact sedan with a user-friendly infotainment system and modern features.
  • You prioritize fuel efficiency and a generous warranty.
  • You want a comfortable and well-built sedan with ample interior space and a spacious trunk.
462 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2023 BMW 3 Series is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Kia Forte scores 6.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 BMW 3 Series emerges as the top choice for consumers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, advanced technology, and top-notch safety features in a compact sedan.

Choose the 2023 BMW 3 Series if:

Shop Now
8.7of 10overall
  • You prioritize performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a compact sports sedan.
  • You seek a comfortable and spacious interior with ample cargo capacity.
  • You value top-notch safety ratings and a wide range of standard and available safety features.
1031 results

Choose the 2023 Kia Forte if:

Shop Now
6.3of 10overall
  • You are looking for an affordable compact sedan with a user-friendly infotainment system and modern features.
  • You prioritize fuel efficiency and a generous warranty.
  • You want a comfortable and well-built sedan with ample interior space and a spacious trunk.
462 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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