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Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Forte

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

Vehicles

Hyundai logo

2026 Hyundai Elantra

Kia logo

2024 Kia Forte

Overview

SpecHyundai ElantraSEKia ForteLX
Selected trimSELX
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20262024

Pricing & market

SpecHyundai ElantraSEKia ForteLX
MSRP$22,825$19,990 (best)
Lowest listing price$9,399 (best)$10,399
Median listing price$23,934$19,988 (best)
Highest listing price$28,874$24,188 (best)
For sale now506 (best)42

Fuel economy & range

SpecHyundai ElantraSEKia ForteLX
Combined MPG35 MPG (best)34 MPG
City MPG31 MPG (best)30 MPG
Highway MPG40 MPG41 MPG (best)
Fuel tank12.4 gal14 gal (best)

Performance

SpecHyundai ElantraSEKia ForteLX
Horsepower147 hp147 hp
Torque132 lb-ft132 lb-ft
Engine size2 L2 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecHyundai ElantraSEKia ForteLX
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume14.2 cu ft15.3 cu ft (best)
Payload884 lbs (best)
Curb weight2,868 lbs (best)2,908 lbs
Ground clearance5.3 in5.3 in
Wheelbase107.1 in (best)106.3 in
Length185.4 in (best)182.7 in
Width71.9 in (best)70.9 in
Height55.7 in56.5 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecHyundai ElantraSEKia ForteLX
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★ (best)3 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)1None reported (best)

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.

TrimHyundai ElantraKia Forte
1

SE

$22,825 MSRP(Currently comparing)

LX

$19,990 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

SEL Sport

$23,950 MSRP

LXS

$20,490 MSRP

3

SEL Sport Plus

$24,450 MSRP

GT-Line

$22,490 MSRP

4

SEL Sport Plus

$27,100 MSRP

GT

$24,690 MSRP

5

SEL Sport Premium

$25,275 MSRP

GT

$25,390 MSRP

6

Blue

$25,450 MSRP

7

Limited

$27,375 MSRP

8

SEL Sport

$27,425 MSRP

9

N Line

$29,600 MSRP

10

Limited

$29,800 MSRP

Live inventory

Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Forte FAQ

Which is better: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2024 Kia Forte?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Hyundai Elantra 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: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2024 Kia Forte?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2024 Kia Forte starts lower at $19,990. Live Hyundai Elantra listings start at $9,399. Live Kia Forte listings start at $10,399.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2024 Kia Forte?
The 2024 Kia Forte leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (19,990).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2024 Kia Forte?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (54).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2024 Kia Forte?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Elantra (5/5 NHTSA overall); Kia Forte (4/5 NHTSA overall).