2023 Kia Forte vs 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Forte was a compact sedan that retained some of Kia's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. Its double-tab grille was a long-standing identifier of Kia models, and the converging angled cutouts underneath hinted at the latest design language. The GT trims added bold red accents for a touch of excitement, though they weren't universally appealing. From the side and rear, the Forte's design was typical of its class, yet its overall shape was more graceful than some competitors. Inside, the Forte held onto Kia's older layout with a touchscreen mounted atop the dash and traditional climate knobs below. While many newer models adopted a more high-tech look, the Forte's modern appearance and user-friendly controls made it easy to acclimate to the infotainment system.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received significant styling updates, particularly in its streamlined front fascia crowned with a "seamless horizon lamp," giving it a modern flair. The badge moved above the grille, and the headlights were positioned independently below it. The rear end featured a lightbar forming a wide "H" shape with the taillights, resembling the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe. A sporty black spoiler-esque trunk lid was also introduced. From the side, the 2024 Sonata looked similar to the 2023 model, with our Limited-trim test car sporting 17-inch wheels and a fashionable enamel gray color called "Transmission Blue." The interior saw changes with vents flowing across the dash, a redesigned steering wheel, and a gear shifter moved to the steering column. Three interior color schemes were available, with our test car featuring a basic black interior.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine choices. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. The GT trim upgraded to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The base engine accelerated the Forte to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, while the GT achieved it in 6.5 seconds. The GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension for enhanced performance. Despite the CVT making the base model feel slower, it was adequate for most drivers. The GT's dual-clutch automatic was preferred for keeping power on tap, though it could be jumpy at lower speeds. The manual transmission offered maximum engagement, despite being slightly slower and less fuel-efficient. The GT's sportier handling and comfortable ride quality made it a compelling choice.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's big news was its newly available all-wheel drive (AWD) system, though it was limited to the gas version. The Sonata Hybrid remained front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. Its 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and electric motor produced a total system output of 192 horsepower, routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike most hybrids using a CVT, the Sonata Hybrid was EPA-rated for 47 mpg combined. The steering wheel paddles managed regenerative braking levels in Eco mode and allowed gear shifting in Sport mode. The touchy brakes were a minor drawback, but the steering feel and handling were appropriate. The configurable driver-information display allowed simultaneous viewing of the tachometer and hybrid system's power flow, adding to the driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Forte's front seats provided ample space for taller passengers, and despite basic adjustments, they were comfortable for long drives. The dashboard, center stack, and console layout placed controls within easy reach, allowing for operation without distraction. A rubberized phone tray below the climate controls kept devices secure, and higher trims offered a wireless charger. Rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, with ample headroom, legroom, and foot space. The trunk held up to 15.3 cubic feet of cargo, slightly more than competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 sedans. The cargo floor's flimsy fabric covering was a minor drawback, but the space's height allowed for bulkier items.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's driver’s seat offered exceptional visibility, though the panoramic moonroof reduced headroom to 37.8 inches. Without the moonroof, it provided 40 inches, competitive with the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Rear-seat headroom was 37.4 inches with the moonroof and 38.4 inches without. The front row prioritized legroom with 46.1 inches, while rear passengers had 34.8 inches. The Limited-trim test car featured heated and ventilated seats and a slimmer steering wheel rim for comfort. The trunk close button was a neat convenience feature, though not entirely necessary in a sedan.

The 2023 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the GT-Line and above received a 10.25-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The GT-Line added a navigation system and upgraded the audio system to six speakers, with an optional eight-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system featured sharp graphics, quick responses, and intuitive menu organization. Despite a test vehicle anomaly with wireless phone integration, the Forte's tech features met expectations and were comparable to other cars in its class.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a selectable functionality for the driver’s side front USB-C port, allowing it to switch between data-transmitting and charging-only modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on all trims. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display into a single panel, with haptic buttons for climate control and media functions. The Limited trim included navigation, natural language voice-recognition, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. A six-speaker sound system, HD Radio, Sirius XM, and two rear-seat USB charging ports were standard, along with a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection. Some base forward collision mitigation features didn't meet performance criteria, but available upgrades did. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Forte its highest score of "Good" in most evaluations, except for the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, which received "Poor" ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist as standard, with the Limited trim adding a turn-signal-activated blind-spot-view monitor and surround-view monitor. All trims featured forward collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning and assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert. The Limited trim also offered Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist system and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Hyundai's infotainment system made safety features easy to find and operate, with clear graphics explaining each function.