The compact sedan market is more competitive than ever, with many options vying for the attention of discerning buyers. Two models that consistently stand out in this segment are the 2024 Kia Forte and Toyota Corolla. Both represent top choices if you seek reliability, affordability, and style. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive into the details.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Kia Forte and Toyota Corolla have nearly identical exterior dimensions, but their styles differ.
2024 Kia Forte Exterior
Here are some details about the 2024 Forte’s exterior:
- Dimensions: 182.7 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, 56.5 inches tall
- Styling features: Distinctive tiger-nose grille, LED lighting for both the headlamps and tail lamps, and sharp body lines
- Colors and wheels: Multiple vibrant colors, such as Gravity Gray, Currant Red, and Deep Sea Blue, with wheel options ranging from 15-inch steel wheels to sporty 18-inch alloys
2024 Toyota Corolla Exterior
Learn more about the exterior of the 2024 Corolla:
- Dimensions: 182.3 inches long, 70.1 inches wide, and 56.5 inches tall
- Styling features: Sporty yet elegant appearance featuring an aggressive front fascia, sleek side profile lines, and modern LED lighting
- Colors and wheels: Offered in many shades, including Classic Silver Metallic and Blueprint, with wheel choices including 16-inch steel and 18-inch machined alloys
Both sedans provide a modern, sophisticated look with sporty elements. The Forte has a more aggressive and bolder design, which may appeal to younger buyers, while the Corolla’s elegant yet sporty lines cater to a broad audience looking for timeless appeal.
Interior Comfort and Features
The Kia Forte is more adventurous than the Toyota Corolla and comes with upscale materials, class-leading technology, and comfort features.
Kia Forte Interior
The Kia Forte’s interior offers the following:
- Seating and materials: Accommodates up to five passengers with comfortable cloth or optional leather seating based on the trim level
- Cargo space: Offers 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its segment
- Infotainment system: Comes with an 8-inch touch screen as standard, with an available 10.25-inch screen. Supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity
- Comfort features: Available dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat
Toyota Corolla Interior
Here’s what awaits you inside the 2024 Toyota Corolla:
- Seating and materials: Seating for five with premium cloth or SofTex-trimmed seats, depending on the trim
- Cargo space: 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space
- Infotainment system: Standard 7-inch touch screen with an available 8-inch option, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Comfort features: Standard single-zone climate control with available automatic climate control, heated seats, and power front seats
The Forte has more cargo space and offers a slightly larger standard infotainment screen. The Corolla, however, provides a well-rounded interior with excellent materials and a solid suite of standard tech features. Both cars offer ample amenities to keep your passengers comfortable on long drives.
Performance and Handling
Regarding performance and handling, the Kia’s engine options have a higher output.
Kia Forte
Here are more details about the Kia Forte’s performance:
- Engine options: Available with a 2.0-liter I-4 engine producing 147 horsepower or a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine generating 201 horsepower
- Transmission choices: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for the turbo model
- Fuel economy ratings: Achieves up to 31 mpg city/41 mpg highway
- Handling characteristics: A responsive steering and composed ride, making for a fun yet practical drive
Toyota Corolla
Below, we’ll explore the performance and handling of the 2024 Toyota Corolla:
- Engine options: Comes with a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with 169 horsepower
- Transmission choices: Available with a CVT transmission
- Fuel economy ratings: Offers up to 31 mpg city/38 mpg highway
- Handling characteristics: A smooth ride and balanced handling, making it an excellent choice for daily commutes
If you’re after a sportier drive, the Forte offers a more powerful turbocharged engine option. The Corolla provides excellent fuel efficiency and a smooth ride, which is ideal for urban driving and longer commutes.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Forte and Corolla feature an extensive list of safety features, and the Toyota is one of the most reliable cars ever built.
Kia Forte Safety Features
The Kia Forte offers plenty of safety features:
- Safety technologies: Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Crash test ratings: The Kia Forte received top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a Top Safety Pick award.
- Reliability: It scored well in J.D. Power’s dependability study and received positive feedback for long-term reliability.
Toyota Corolla Safety Features
Here are more details about the Toyota Corolla’s safety features:
- Safety technologies: It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a precollision system, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features, such as blind-spot monitoring, are available.
- Crash test ratings: The Corolla has received top IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings.
- Reliability: Toyota’s longstanding reputation for reliability holds strong, with the Corolla receiving high marks in dependability studies.
The Forte and Corolla have robust safety suites and excellent crash test ratings. The Corolla edges ahead with Toyota’s renowned reliability, but the Forte isn’t far behind, offering a slightly more comprehensive suite of standard safety features at lower trim levels.
Pricing and Value
The 2024 Kia Forte has a starting MSRP of $19,990, which is more affordable than the Toyota Corolla’s starting MSRP of $22,050, and it also comes with a more extensive warranty. The Toyota Corolla, while a bit more expensive, provides an excellent suite of features and the promise of Toyota’s legendary reliability.
Pros and Cons
Below are some pros and cons of these vehicles.
Kia Forte
The 2024 Kia Forte comes with a few pros and cons that are worth keeping in mind:
- Strengths: Competitive pricing, feature-rich options, and an excellent warranty
- Potential weaknesses: Weaker brand perception compared to Toyota and a lower resale value
Toyota Corolla
Here’s what you can expect from a 2024 Toyota Corolla:
- Strengths: Strong reputation for reliability, high resale value, and comprehensive safety features
- Potential weaknesses: Less cargo space and a higher price point
Experience the 2024 Kia Forte at Huffines Kia McKinney
The Forte offers incredible value, a robust suite of features, and a generous warranty, making it an excellent choice if you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on modern amenities. At Huffines Kia McKinney, we offer a wide selection of 2024 Kia Forte models. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and helping you find the perfect vehicle to meet your needs. Visit us today for a test drive and experience the Kia Forte’s superior value and features firsthand.