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Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Forte

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Chevrolet logo

2020 Chevrolet Sonic

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Kia logo

2024 Kia Forte

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Overview

SpecChevrolet SonicLSKia ForteLX
Selected trimLSLX
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission6-speed shiftable automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20202024

Pricing & market

SpecChevrolet SonicLSKia ForteLX
MSRP$16,720 (best)$19,990
Lowest listing price$5,777 (best)$10,399
Median listing price$8,562 (best)$19,988
Highest listing price$10,427 (best)$24,188
For sale now442 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecChevrolet SonicLSKia ForteLX
Combined MPG29 MPG34 MPG (best)
City MPG26 MPG30 MPG (best)
Highway MPG34 MPG41 MPG (best)
Fuel tank12.2 gal14 gal (best)

Performance

SpecChevrolet SonicLSKia ForteLX
Horsepower138 hp147 hp (best)
Torque148 lb-ft (best)132 lb-ft
Engine size1.4 L2 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecChevrolet SonicLSKia ForteLX
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume14.9 cu ft15.3 cu ft (best)
Payload—884 lbs (best)
Curb weight2,857 lbs (best)2,908 lbs
Ground clearance—5.3 in (best)
Wheelbase99.4 in106.3 in (best)
Length173.9 in182.7 in (best)
Width68.3 in70.9 in (best)
Height59.7 in (best)56.5 in

Safety & recalls

SpecChevrolet SonicLSKia ForteLX
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)3 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reportedNone reported

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimChevrolet SonicKia Forte
1

LS

$16,720 MSRP(Currently comparing)

LX

$19,990 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

LT Fleet

$17,220 MSRP

LXS

$20,490 MSRP

3

LT

$18,620 MSRP

GT-Line

$22,490 MSRP

4

LT

$19,420 MSRP

GT

$24,690 MSRP

5

Premier

$20,720 MSRP

GT

$25,390 MSRP

6

Premier

$21,520 MSRP

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Live inventory

Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Forte FAQ

Which is better: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2024 Kia Forte?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Chevrolet Sonic vs 2024 Kia Forte on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2024 Kia Forte?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic starts lower at $16,720. Live Chevrolet Sonic listings start at $5,777. Live Kia Forte listings start at $10,399.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2024 Kia Forte?
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (16,720).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2024 Kia Forte?
The 2024 Kia Forte leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
Which has better horsepower: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic or 2024 Kia Forte?
The 2024 Kia Forte leads on horsepower in this comparison (201).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Chevrolet Sonic vs 2024 Kia Forte?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Sonic (5/5 NHTSA overall); Kia Forte (4/5 NHTSA overall).