Kia Forte vs. Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Honda Civic

Compare Compact Sedans in Wilmington, DE

With its comfortable accommodations, appealing amenities, striking style, and superb value proposition,  the Kia Forte represents a compelling option in the compact car segment. It provides spacious seating, efficient, easy-to-drive performance, and impressive practicality for a small sedan. It's also nicely equipped, offering an extensive equipment list for an accessible price tag.

While there are plenty of compact car options on the market, the Kia Forte stands out for its well-roundedness and value - and shoppers from Salem, NJ, to West Chester, PA, can find it here at Kia of Wilmington. Here's a quick look at how it compares against three prominent class competitors: the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Honda Civic.

Kia Forte vs. Toyota Corolla

  • Passengers will enjoy the greater personal space offered in the Kia Forte, as it has more front and rear headroom, legroom, and shoulder room than the Toyota Corolla. Rear seat occupants, in particular, will appreciate the Forte's nearly four extra inches of shoulder room.

  • The Forte and Corolla each have a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity. However, Forte GT-Line and GT trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch infotainment display with integrated navigation. The Toyota Corolla doesn't offer an upgraded infotainment system.

  • The Kia Forte makes many amenities more accessible at lower trims than the Corolla. Notable examples include Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a sunroof, and leatherette upholstery. The Forte also  has available features that the Corolla doesn't offer, including Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, and rear USB charge ports.

Kia Forte vs. Nissan Sentra

  • The Kia Forte (147 horsepower) and Nissan Sentra (149 horsepower) produce similar power numbers from their standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. However, if you want something a little peppier to propel your Wilmington travels, the Kia Forte GT is a great option. This top-tier trim includes a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine (201 horsepower), a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport-tuned suspension. It's also available with a 6-speed manual if you prefer a more hands-on experience. The Sentra doesn't offer upgraded performance.

  • The Kia Forte offers more practicality thanks to its large trunk (15.3 cubic feet) and flat-folding rear seats. The Sentra's cargo area is 14.3 cubic feet, and the rear seats don't fold flat.

  • The Kia Forte comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, or you can get a larger 10.25-inch display with integrated navigation. The Sentra has a standard 7-inch infotainment system, while higher trims have an 8-inch display. Additionally, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, and power-adjustable front seats are more accessible in the Forte than the Sentra. Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and ventilated front seats aren't available in any Sentra trim.

Kia Forte vs. Honda Civic

  • The Kia Forte and Honda Civic each offer ample passenger space. However, the Forte has a slight edge in practicality thanks to its roomier trunk (15.3 vs. 14.8 cubic feet).

  • The Kia Forte GT Manual (201 horsepower) and Honda Civic Si (200 horsepower) are performance-oriented trims with upgraded powertrains, sport-tuned suspension,  performance tires, and six-speed manual transmissions. However, the Forte GT is available for about the same MSRP as a second-tier Civic Sport.

  • The Kia Forte offers more features for your money. The GT-Line trim level includes a 10.25-inch Navigation touchscreen, Smart Key proximity entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more for less than an entry-level Civic LX.

Test-Drive a New Kia Forte near Newark, DE, and Elkton, MD

Get in touch with Kia of Wilmington today for more information about the Kia Forte, including its available features, financing offers, and the latest incentives. We can also assist you in reserving the perfect new Kia model for your needs and lifestyle. If you'd like to check out the Forte's accommodations, features, and drivability firsthand, we welcome you to visit us for a test drive. We'll be happy to show you around.

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New Kia Forte Inventory
  1. Kia of Wilmington

    1603 Pennsylvania Ave
    Wilmington, DE 19806

    • Sales: 302-656-3100
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  • Contact our Sales Department at: 302-656-3100
  • Monday9:00am - 8:00pm
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