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Hyundai Veloster vs Kia Forte

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

Vehicles

Hyundai logo

2021 Hyundai Veloster

Kia logo

2024 Kia Forte

Overview

SpecHyundai Veloster2Kia ForteLX
Selected trim2LX
Body styleHatchbackSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission6-speed manualcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20212024

Pricing & market

SpecHyundai Veloster2Kia ForteLX
MSRP$18,900 (best)$19,990
Lowest listing price$15,000$10,399 (best)
Median listing price$16,146 (best)$19,988
Highest listing price$17,291 (best)$24,188
For sale now229 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecHyundai Veloster2Kia ForteLX
Combined MPG28 MPG34 MPG (best)
City MPG25 MPG30 MPG (best)
Highway MPG33 MPG41 MPG (best)
Fuel tank13.2 gal14 gal (best)

Performance

SpecHyundai Veloster2Kia ForteLX
Horsepower147 hp147 hp
Torque132 lb-ft132 lb-ft
Engine size2 L2 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecHyundai Veloster2Kia ForteLX
Seating4 seats5 seats (best)
Doors44
Cargo volume44.5 cu ft (best)15.3 cu ft
Payload1,047 lbs (best)884 lbs
Curb weight2,701 lbs (best)2,908 lbs
Ground clearance5.3 in (best)
Wheelbase104.3 in106.3 in (best)
Length166.9 in182.7 in (best)
Width70.9 in70.9 in
Height55.1 in56.5 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecHyundai Veloster2Kia ForteLX
NHTSA overall4 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)3 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover4 / 5 ★ (best)
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 VelosterKia Forte
1

2

$18,900 MSRP(Currently comparing)

LX

$19,990 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

2

$19,900 MSRP

LXS

$20,490 MSRP

3

2.0 Premium

$23,100 MSRP

GT-Line

$22,490 MSRP

4

Turbo R-Spec

$23,450 MSRP

GT

$24,690 MSRP

5

Turbo

$25,750 MSRP

GT

$25,390 MSRP

6

Turbo Ultimate

$28,450 MSRP

Live inventory

Hyundai Veloster vs Kia Forte FAQ

Which is better: 2021 Hyundai Veloster or 2024 Kia Forte?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2021 Hyundai Veloster 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: 2021 Hyundai Veloster or 2024 Kia Forte?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster starts lower at $18,900. Live Hyundai Veloster listings start at $15,000. Live Kia Forte listings start at $10,399.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2021 Hyundai Veloster or 2024 Kia Forte?
The 2021 Hyundai Veloster leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (18,900).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2021 Hyundai Veloster or 2024 Kia Forte?
The 2024 Kia Forte leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
Which has better seats: 2021 Hyundai Veloster or 2024 Kia Forte?
The 2024 Kia Forte leads on seats in this comparison (5).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2021 Hyundai Veloster vs 2024 Kia Forte?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Forte (4/5 NHTSA overall).