2021 Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Forte

Many sedans are moving toward a futuristic appearance, and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Kia Forte are leading the way. Sharp looks and contemporary contours make a statement at every angle you view these sedans from. With designs that were obviously made to be aerodynamic, the entire appearance of the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte appear to be swooping backward. This creates a sleek appearance that is easy on the eyes and creates a cohesiveness throughout. Aside from the flowing exterior appearance of these two models, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Kia Forte are known for their smaller size and affordability.

In recent years, the Hyundai Elantra has been the recipient of a new design and improved technology. Culminating in 2021, these enhancements have evolved into a modern sedan that is also available in a hybrid version. From the addition of a performance trim to additional advanced technology inclusions, the Hyundai Elantra has certainly improved for its 2021 model. In contrast, the 2021 Kia Forte enters this model year with the same look and feel as the prior year. With no changes to its powertrain or style, the 2021 Kia Forte decided to take a chance and roll with what it had.

Despite the Kia Forte's confidence in its current features and the Hyundai Elantra's desire to change it up, both sedan models are extremely popular among consumers in search of a reliable car. A great balance of affordable pricing and convenient features, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Kia Forte are strong competitors.

The Powertrain

The offerings under the hood of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Kia Forte are quite different. To start things off, the 2021 Kia Forte offers two different engine options including one that is turbocharged and one that is not. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine of the Forte produces 147 horsepower, which suffices well for those who do not demand as much power from their sedan. Yet, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is characteristically turbocharged and raises its maximum horsepower production to 201hp. Paired with a continuously variable transmission, the 2.0-liter seems to lag a bit, so most buyers prefer the turbocharged 1.6-liter in the 2021 Kia Forte.

Similarly, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with two different engines. Yet, the difference between these two motors is that one is a standard gasoline model and the other is a hybrid setup. A four-cylinder engine that is paired with standard front-wheel drive adorns the base model, which can produce 147 horsepower. Based on this along, the base engine of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra matches the power production of the base 2021 Kia Forte. Completely unique, the Hyundai Elantra also boasts a hybrid option that consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with an electric motor. Even this configuration can produce an impressive 139 horsepower.

If you are looking for comfort and stability in a quality sedan, the 2021 Kia Forte is the way to go. It is not overly exciting or punchy, but it certainly hustles hard to impress drivers. It is worth taking note that most drivers must work harder to keep up with the competition in a 2021 Kia Forte, though. Peppy enough for highway and city driving, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra shows off its versatility with a choice between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual automatic clutch. It is athletic and adept, which provides a good composure to its ride, as well.

Drivability

Across standard and hybrid trims, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra maintains the same savvy and sophisticated interior attributes and exterior design features. Yet, the good looks of the Elantra do not take away from its inherent comfort and convenience. In fact, this sedan offers an entire package known as the Convenience Package that is geared toward making every ride a good one. The 2021 Kia Forte provides a much wider array of features at every comfort and quality level. The GT trims of the Forte are quite luxurious with ambient interior lighting and a wireless charging pad for smart phones.

Highlights in the 2021 Hyundai Elantra that buyers enjoy surround the minimalist style of this sedan's interior. Simple, yet attentions-seeking, the Elantra offers a bold interior look without trying too hard. From the steering wheel to the passenger door panel, a single LED light strip gains attention and serves as a focal point for passengers. Also featuring a minimalist design, the 2021 Kia Forte invests in more upscale materials and high-end design elements. It sets itself apart as a more upscale sedan model, especially in its luxury GT trim options.

Most buyers do not view sedans as spacious vehicles, but the ample room in the 2021 Kia Forte proves otherwise. With all seats up, the Kia Forte can easily fit seven carry-on suitcases in the back. Even better, the back seat is comfortable and spacious enough to accommodate two adult passengers on long road trips. This type of comfort hits differently than those that simply meet the criteria for short commute lengths. To keep up with the competition, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra improved its passenger space and stowing capacity in its most recent model. Six carry-on suitcases can be stored within this model's trunk, ranking it average on the scale of sedan storage capacity.

Safety

Every vehicle is rated by a few national agencies that test their crashworthiness, incorporation of safety features, and collision avoidance. Collision mitigation is also a factor that is taken into consideration. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has not yet had the chance to go in front of these agencies and prove what it is made of. Yet, we known the Hyundai Elantra incorporates many driver assistive safety features as standard and a few more as upgrade options. Automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist are a few examples of standard safety features in the Elantra. Available safety functions include adaptive cruise control and lane-center functionality.

On the other hand, the 2021 Kia Forte has had a chance to show off its durability to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which awarded this model with a four-star safety rating. Despite its miss for a five-star safety recognition, the Kia Forte was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ designation by the IIHS. Key safety features provided as standard in this model are much like those of the Hyundai Elantra which include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control is the sole feature offered as an available upgrade.

A few specific safety attributes stand out for each of the models. For the 2021 Kia Forte, the modern headlights and effort toward front crash prevention are worth noting. Yet, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra's LED projector headlights and passive safety features take center stage. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is also equipped with a comprehensive airbag setup that protects passengers.

Which Has the Best Value?

Related to the needs and preferences of each buyer, the overall value of a vehicle is relative to what each vehicle's attributes can offer in terms of price, cost of ownership, and trim level variety. Both the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and 2021 Kia Forte are moderately-priced making them affordable for most consumers. While the Kia Forte tends to be a little on the higher side of the price spectrum, its luxury elements make up for this cost difference.

In the trim lineup for each of these models, you will find six trim levels to choose from in the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and just five trims in the 2021 Kia Forte. While the Hyundai Elantra incorporates hybrid models into its offerings, the Kia Forte goes from basic to upscale with its GT line. Within the options of these two models, buyers can find everything they are looking for. The number of options buyers must choose from holds some value for those who hold stock in vehicle variety.

While the cost of ownership is not necessarily widely differentiated between the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Kia Forte, each one comes with its own unique costs for repairs. The hybrid Elantra will likely be more difficult to find parts for its exclusive components. In comparison, the 2021 Kia Forte may have a slight price increase of components for its GT performance trim. However, the differences between the cost of ownership for these two vehicles is so minor it almost is not worth noting.

Overall, the sedan that offers the best value to buyers would have to be the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. This vehicle incorporates hybrid performance with innovative technology at a price that is extremely affordable. Buyers will pay much more for access to hybrid options in other models than they will in the Hyundai Elantra. With a few luxury attributes thrown in here and there, the newest Hyundai Elantra is the perfect package at an outstanding value.

Which is Better?

Every buyer has an idea of the type of vehicle they are looking for. Their preferences, budget, and ideology govern which vehicles types meet the expectations they behold in a new vehicle model. Those in search of a sporty and capable sedan would enjoy the athletic-inspired 2021 Kia Forte. Mixing upscale attributes with a sporty personality, this Kia model is fun and spunky. Coming in at a lower price than the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, the price point of this vehicle is also desired by budget-conscious buyers.

While some buyers are interested in power and performance, others are concerned with environmental-friendliness. The hybrid engine option of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra allows drivers to maneuver back and forth between power from a gasoline engine and two electric engines. Not only does this set up save the environment, but it also saves on fuel costs by only using gasoline when necessary. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra also includes hybrid options in a few of its trim levels, which allows buyers to further customize their hybrid sedan with varying levels of accommodations and style.

Buyers expect a lot from their new vehicle's warranty, and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra wins without a doubt in this area. Featuring an astounding manufacturer's warranty that spans over five years or 60,000 miles for breakdown covered under a limited warranty, this peace of mind is one of the best available on the market. The 2021 Kia Forte does offer an admirable five year or 60,000 mile warranty, too, but it misses out on the complimentary maintenance of the Hyundai Elantra for three years or 36,000 miles.

Making a choice between the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Kia Forte is not an easy one. Both models feature their own strengths that set them apart from one another and make them desirable to consumers. If we had to choose a favorite, the luxury attributes and athletic style of the 2021 Kia Forte would be enough to make us go with this model. Yet, it is up to every buyer to make an educated decision on which vehicle and incorporated attributes will work the best for them, specifically.