Traditional vehicles aren't extinct, and for some, they're still the greatest new car option. We have two superb representatives of the compact sedan breed: the Honda Civic and the Kia Forte. Both are inexpensive to acquire and operate, using gasoline at a pace that no SUV could dream of without battery help. They're also big, well-equipped, and simple to park. The Civic has so wowed critics that it has been named the finest by multiple verified sources. Kia hasn't slacked off either, giving its best-selling Forte car a slew of improvements for the 2017 model year. These automobile brands may look identical, but there are significant distinctions between the brands and the models they provide. Don't worry; we'll go through everything each of these cars has to offer and decide which one is perfect for you. Here's what you should know about these two automobiles before making a choice: 2023 Kia Forte vs 2023 Honda Civic
2023 Kia Forte
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic fuel economy and base engine | Mixed opinions on ride and handling quality |
| Spacious and high-quality cabin | Loud and unrefined CVT |
| Affordable starting price | |
| Straightforward infotainment system |
The 2023 Kia Forte comes packed with standard tech and driver-assistance features, and the interior is pretty comfy and roomy in two seats. The Forte also offers an easy-to-use infotainment system and a spacious trunk. Its performance is less spectacular, with conflicting feelings about the ride and handling. Its original four-cylinder engine is equally uninspiring, though it produces outstanding fuel efficiency, and a more lively turbo-four is available. In 2023, there will be relatively few vehicles for sale in America for less than $20,000. The Kia Forte is a quietly excellent vehicle. However, it is not a low-budget model. The Forte GT’s extensive content list is a pleasant surprise. Prices begin at $19,690.
Main Features
Amazing Value: The base model Forte LX is one of just a few new automobiles priced around $20,000 (although a delivery cost pushes it somewhat higher). Perhaps more astounding, a top-tier Forte GT with SynTex faux-leather sport seats, a turbo engine, and a Harman Kardon luxury audio system begins at just $24,390.
Sporty GT Trim: Kia dealers offer the Forte in five trim levels, two of which are tailored for sportier driving. The GT is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and a 7-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox. The GT Manual combines the same more powerful engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, which is uncommon in 2023. Of course, Honda provides two high-performance Civic models: the Si and the track-ready Type R. However, both are significantly more expensive.
Longer Warranties: Kia’s warranty covers buyers longer than Honda’s warranty. The Forte’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty is 10 years or 100,000 miles, which is much longer than the Civic’s 3 years or 36,000 miles warranty and 5 years or 60,000 miles policy.
2023 Honda Civic
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great fuel economy | Underpowered base engine |
| Poised ride and handling | |
| Comfortable, upscale interior | |
| Many standard features |
The 2023 Honda Civic is an excellent vehicle since it offers the highest value and quality in its class. The Civic, which is available in sedan and hatchback body forms, has an upmarket and airy interior with comfortable seats, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and plenty of luggage capacity. When winding around corners, the Civic seems quick and agile, yet it still rides smoothly on not-so-ideal roads. It's quick and efficient, especially if you choose one of the turbocharged engines. The Civic's abundance of standard safety systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, is the icing on the cake. Honda completely revamped the Civic for 2022, so there was no need for a big upgrade for 2023. Advanced technology, such as a system that does some of the labor of driving in traffic jams, may also persuade you that you're in for something more expensive. Prices begin at $23,750.
Main Highlights
Luxurious inside and out: The Civic was redesigned in 2022, and it is now perhaps the best-looking car in its class. It features lines that resemble entry-level European luxury automobiles. Inside, the unique appearance is based on fascinating honeycomb trim on the dashboard and a high-mounted screen that keeps your eyes on the road even when checking turn-by-turn directions.
Traffic Jam Assist: Honda’s Traffic Jam Technology can accelerate, brake, and turn to keep up with traffic at speeds less than 45 mph. You must constantly keep your hands on the wheel and be prepared to take over. However, we find it to be a big time saver. It comes standard on all Civic trims.
Sedan and hatchback body styles: By 2023, most automakers will have phased out tiny hatchbacks from their lineups. That's a pity because hatchbacks combine SUV-like luggage rooms with enjoyable sedan handling. Honda still sells the Civic hatchback. Kia no longer offers the Forte hatchback in the United States.
Similarities
Four-cylinder engines with turbocharged upgrades available, automatic or manual gearbox options, and comparable passenger capacity. Because they get the same number of miles per tank of gasoline, both will require around the same number of gas station visits. The Honda Civic and the Kia Forte are around the same width. In terms of total length, the Civic occupies roughly the same amount of garage space as the Forte. In terms of seating, both can accommodate the same number of passengers.
Verdict
The Kia Forte and Honda Civic of 2023 are both capable small automobiles with plenty of modern technology. You could be content with either. The Forte, however, presents a more compelling value case. Its lower cost and extended warranty save you money both now and in the future. Its sportier models aren't significantly more expensive than their more placid commuter counterparts. Even in its cheapest model, the Civic looks more sophisticated and comes with outstanding driver assistance technologies. And it's still available as a hatchback, which appeals to some buyers. But the Civic has slightly better comfort, handling, and performance. It's difficult to go wrong with either the Kia Forte or the Honda Civic, since both are remarkable, competent compact cars with above-average interiors, strong standard feature sets, and an appealing appearance. It all boils down to priorities, which are as unique as you are.
