2021 Toyota Corolla vs. 2021 Kia Forte
2021 Toyota Corolla vs. 2021 Kia Forte
Overview
When you're looking for an affordable, no-frills car, two of the best entry-level choices you could get right now would have to be either the new Kia Forte or the Toyota Corolla. Here are some of their key features.
2021 Kia Forte
The Forte has a spacious cabin and a fuel-efficient engine. Its handling is good, and it comes bundled with popular safety features. The long warranty makes this an attractive purchase for the prudent shopper. Although the interiors are mostly lined with hard plastic, its low price makes the Forte a practical purchase. Forte models mostly come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 147 horsepower. The base FE trim includes a manual transmission as standard but it is also offered with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) option. There is a top-of-the-line GT trim, which boasts 201 horsepower from its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Transmission options for the GT either come as the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or an optional six-speed manual. Overall, the 2021 Kia Forte offers a decent driving experience for an entry-level car. The addition of smartphone integration and some advanced safety features make this an attractive choice.
2021 Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is a great compact car because it provides the best combination of quality and value for its class. Available options include a four-door sedan and a hatchback which both provide a comfortable ride with good mileage. The Corolla's infotainment system is intuitive, and standard safety features include the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced safety technologies. The Corolla offers two four-cylinder engine options: a 1.8-liter base engine that produces 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter engine that provides 169 horsepower (168 in the hatchback) and 151 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful engine is available for the SE and XSE sedan trims and the hatchback.
Final Thoughts
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is the only car between the two that offers a hatchback or a hybrid version. The 2021 Kia Forte has a lower entry-level price and a longer warranty. In terms of reliability, good resale value, better performance, and feature-packed technology packages, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the best choice.