Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Forte
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2024 Kia Forte
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LS | LX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2024 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $16,720 (best) | $19,990 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $18,198 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $19,390 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $19,390 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 3 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 34 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG | 41 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.2 gal | 14 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 147 hp (best) |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft (best) | 132 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.4 L | 2 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.9 cu ft | 15.3 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 884 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,857 lbs (best) | 2,908 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 99.4 in | 106.3 in (best) |
| Length | 173.9 in | 182.7 in (best) |
| Width | 68.3 in | 70.9 in (best) |
| Height | 59.7 in (best) | 56.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet SonicLS | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 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 pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None 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.
| Trim | Chevrolet Sonic | Kia 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 | — |
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 Kia Forte listings start at $18,198.
- 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).