Upgrades to the Compact Car Class Compared

Two models that are part of the compact car class that has recently been upgraded are the Honda Civic and the Kia Forte.

The Forte is the one that’s more recently been improved and the Civic has been winning awards for the past few years because of the improved qualities offered. It’s time to see if the Kia Forte has what it takes to be on the same level as the Honda Civic. Let’s take a look at what these two impressive small cars have to offer when it’s time for us to have the drive we’re looking for.

Start with Style with Compact Car Models

If you don’t like the large number of angles and plastic vents of the Honda Civic, the sedan model offers you a comparatively conservative build to give you the look that you can easily admire. If you do like the angles and vents, the hatchback model might be exactly what you’re looking for. The Kia Forte takes its design cues from the Stinger to give you an aggressive look that’s been dialed back for the impressive style and features you want to enjoy in the Forte that you’ll love to drive.

Cabin and Cargo Space

The cabin area of both of these compact car models is the same size overall but the Honda Civic has a bit more room in the back while the Kia Forte brings you more headroom upfront. The trunk of the Honda Civic measures 15.1cubic feet while the Kia Forte brings you a trunk that is 15.3 cubic feet in size. The Honda does have a larger turning circle, which makes the Forte easier for you to turn when you’re completing a U-turn on the road. Because these two areas are so similar, it’s hard to find a clear winner.

Powering the Drive

The powertrain you’ll find for the Honda Civic is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 174 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. This power is routed through a CVT automatic transmission that gives you 36 mpg combined. Look to the powertrain of the Kia Forte and you’ll have a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that brings you 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. This power is also routed to the wheels using a CVT automatic and you’ll have 34 mpg combined. If you’re looking strictly at the powertrains offered, the Honda Civic is the clear leader in this category.

Items You’ll Find in the Cabin in each Compact Car

You’ll admire the look and the function of the electronics in the Honda Civic which may seem a bit busy, but you’ll have the benefits of handy knobs and physical buttons to help you find the controls you want to enjoy. The cabin of the Kia Forte offers you a more straightforward layout that gives you a simpler look and the electronics that you’ll want when you’re driving. If design matters more than function, the Forte will be the right choice for you when looking at the cabin, but if you need function and want more choices, the Civic is the right model to drive.

The Ride Quality is Excellent

You can choose either the Honda Civic or Kia Forte and know that you’re going to have a drive that’s exciting, fun, and active on the road. The Civic has been admired as one of the most fun cars on the road and the Forte feels like a car that’s much more expensive than it actually is. You won’t mind the CVT shifting in either car because they both perform smoothly and make the drive easier for you on the road.

Which Car Should You Drive?

As the benchmark for the compact car class, the Honda Civic is an excellent all-around car that does everything well. The Kia Forte is a formidable choice and certainly a car that can give you the fun you’re looking for. If you want a clean style with lines that you admire, the Kia Forte will be the car you want to take home for the drive. If you’re looking for more power and choices when you get ready to take a drive, the Honda Civic will be the car that you choose. Figure out which one of these two is right for you and start to enjoy the ride today.