Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Forte
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2024 Kia Forte
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | LX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2024 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,825 | $19,990 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $17,799 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $18,991 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $18,991 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 3 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG (best) | 34 MPG |
| City MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 40 MPG | 41 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 14 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.2 cu ft | 15.3 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 884 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,868 lbs (best) | 2,908 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in (best) | 106.3 in |
| Length | 185.4 in (best) | 182.7 in |
| Width | 71.9 in (best) | 70.9 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia ForteLX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 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 pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None 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.
| Trim | Hyundai Elantra | Kia 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 $27,300 MSRP | GT $24,690 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL Sport Premium $25,275 MSRP | GT $25,390 MSRP |
| 6 | Blue $25,650 MSRP | — |
| 7 | Limited $27,375 MSRP | — |
| 8 | SEL Sport $27,625 MSRP | — |
| 9 | N Line $29,600 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Limited $30,000 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 Kia Forte listings start at $17,799.
- 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).