Kia Forte vs. Honda Civic

 

When you see the Kia Forte and the Honda Civic together, there are many similarities. They are close to the same size and weight, they both feature clean lines. and their engine sizes are comparable. However, the Kia's base trim comes in almost $2,000 lower in price, and the vehicle gives rear passengers more seating space. It is hard to beat Honda's proven record of dependability, but Kia is giving them a run for their money with the Forte. Both the Kia Forte and the Honda Civic can be purchased as a sedan or coupe, with Kia adding a hatchback into the mix.

Kia Forte

  

The Kia Forte has been revamped for 2014. It has grown in length and width, which makes for more interior space, as well as more trunk space. This is the fifth edition of Kia's compact car, and it features the same great looks as its predecessors. This model is stiffer, for better handling, but a few pounds have been trimmed from its weight, which equates to better overall gas mileage.

Mechanicals

The base Kia Forte EX comes with a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or you can choose the optional six-speed automatic. The LX comes with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower and comes standard with the 6-speed automatic. The Kia Forte Koup and Forte hatchback can be purchased with either the 2.0-liter engine or a turbocharged 1.6-liter that produces an impressive 201 horsepower, which adds a new level of fun to drive economy, as well as better handling, making it level with Honda's Civic Si.

Features

The base Kia Forte EX has many standard features. It is equipped with an AM/FM stereo with four speakers and auxiliary audio input, as well as satellite radio and a USB connection. The LX adds two speakers, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote keyless entry, and Kia's UVO infotainment center. A sunroof is available on the LX model only, as are heated front and rear seats and a ventilated driver's seat.

Honda Civic

 

The Honda civic has a reputation, in this market niche, of reliability along with good resale value. It has been through several makeovers over time. The biggest complaint is the tight passenger space in the rear seats, which could be problematic on long trips. The build quality is good for this market sector and interior surfaces are of high quality. The Civic sedan also comes in two trim levels: the EX and LX.

Mechanicals

The only available engine is a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder that produces 143 horsepower and is connected to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual. The optional CVT is available for those who prefer an automatic transmission. The Honda Civic Si is powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder that produces 205 horsepower and handles that power through a 6-speed manual transmission; it is available with the CVT transmission.

Features

The Honda Civic comes with all of the electronic gadgetry that is standard on the Kia Forte but adds remote door locks as a standard feature, as well as cruise control and a CD player with MP3 playback. Audio and stereo controls are also mounted on the steering wheel, and Bluetooth hands-free phone is standard.

 

Both the Kia Forte, MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) $15,900 and the Honda Civic, MSRP $17,132, get comparable gas mileage: 25 city/36 highway miles per gallon for the Kia and 28 city/36 highway for the Honda. The Kia's lower entry price and the usable backseat are definite positives big plus. Come to Jack Daniels Kiain Fair Lawn, NJ for a test drive today!