Which is better: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?

It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2024 Kia Forte vs 2026 Subaru WRX on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.

Which costs less: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?

Based on starting MSRP, the 2024 Kia Forte starts lower at $19,990. Live Kia Forte listings start at $10,399. Live Subaru WRX listings start at $13,897.

Which has better startingMsrp: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?

The 2024 Kia Forte leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (19,990).

Which has better combinedMpg: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?

The 2024 Kia Forte leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).

Which has better horsepower: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?

The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).

How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2024 Kia Forte vs 2026 Subaru WRX?

NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Forte (4/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall).

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Kia Forte vs Subaru WRX

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

Vehicles

2024 Kia Forte

Trim

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2026 Subaru WRX

Trim

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Overview

Spec	Kia ForteLX	Subaru WRXWRX (Base)
Selected trim	LX	WRX (Base)
Body style	Sedan	Sedan
Drivetrain	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Fuel type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
Transmission	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed manual
Engine type	gas	gas
Model year	2024	2026

Pricing & market

Spec	Kia ForteLX	Subaru WRXWRX (Base)
MSRP	$19,990 (best)	$32,495
Lowest listing price	$10,399 (best)	$13,897
Median listing price	$19,988 (best)	$27,379
Highest listing price	$24,188 (best)	$40,979
For sale now	42 (best)	29

Fuel economy & range

Spec	Kia ForteLX	Subaru WRXWRX (Base)
Combined MPG	34 MPG (best)	22 MPG
City MPG	30 MPG (best)	19 MPG
Highway MPG	41 MPG (best)	26 MPG
Fuel tank	14 gal	16.6 gal (best)

Performance

Spec	Kia ForteLX	Subaru WRXWRX (Base)
Horsepower	147 hp	271 hp (best)
Torque	132 lb-ft	258 lb-ft (best)
Engine size	2 L	2.4 L (best)
Cylinders	I4	flat 4

Size & capability

Spec	Kia ForteLX	Subaru WRXWRX (Base)
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Doors	4	4
Cargo volume	15.3 cu ft (best)	12.5 cu ft
Payload	884 lbs (best)	—
Curb weight	2,908 lbs (best)	—
Ground clearance	5.3 in	5.4 in (best)
Wheelbase	106.3 in (best)	105.2 in
Length	182.7 in	183.8 in (best)
Width	70.9 in	71.9 in (best)
Height	56.5 in	57.8 in (best)

Safety & recalls

Spec	Kia ForteLX	Subaru WRXWRX (Base)
NHTSA overall	4 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)	4 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)	3 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)	5 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)	5 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★
Side pole	5 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★ (best)
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	Kia Forte	Subaru WRX
1	LX $19,990 MSRP(Currently comparing)	WRX (Base) $32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing)
2	LXS $20,490 MSRP	Premium $33,995 MSRP
3	GT-Line $22,490 MSRP	Limited $38,995 MSRP
4	GT $24,690 MSRP	Limited $39,995 MSRP
5	GT $25,390 MSRP	GT $44,995 MSRP
6	—	tS $44,995 MSRP
7	—	Series.Yellow $45,995 MSRP

Live inventory

Kia Forte42 for sale

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Subaru WRX29 for sale

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