If you’re looking for a compact sedan that really stands out, the 2024 Kia Forte and Hyundai ELANTRA have a lot to offer. Our Huffines Kia McKinney team has put together this head-to-head comparison to see how these competitors stack up and help you make an informed purchase decision.
Design and Style
When it comes to design and styling, the 2024 Kia Forte and Hyundai ELANTRA bring something unique to the table. The Kia Forte makes a statement with its bold look. Distinctive alloy wheels, LED headlights, an eye-catching grille, and sleek front and rear bumpers contribute to the compact sedan’s athletic stance.
The ELANTRA features a wide, cascading grille and sculpted lines. While this refined sedan exhibits dynamic flair, the Forte’s striking aerodynamic design is particularly captivating. The 2024 Kia Forte marries sporty looks with budget-friendly pricing.
Performance
The 2024 Kia Forte and Hyundai ELANTRA offer similar engine options.
A 2.0-liter I-4 with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque is standard on the 2024 Forte. This engine is great for everyday driving and errands. If you want a bit more excitement, the top-tier trims boast a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing a more dynamic driving experience.
Hyundai equips the 2024 ELANTRA with a similar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which also generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim levels feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering a sportier ride.
The Forte’s base engine averages 34 mpg combined, while the ELANTRA’s base engine achieves 36 mpg combined. Both compact sedans deliver commendable performance and impressive fuel efficiency.
Technology and Infotainment
Standard and available tech and infotainment features are aplenty in the 2024 Kia Forte and Hyundai ELANTRA. Lower Kia Forte trims come with an 8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth wireless technology, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. All models have a 4.2-inch instrument display. On the GT-Line, GT, and GT Manual variants, you’ll find a larger 10.25-inch touch-screen display with built-in navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio, featuring crisp graphics and an easy-to-use interface. A wireless phone charger is standard on the GT and GT Manual and optional on the GT-Line.
The ELANTRA also offers a solid tech setup. The entry-level SE comes with an 8-inch touch-screen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All other models feature a 10.25-inch touch-screen display with integrated navigation. Also, the voice-recognition feature in ELANTRA lets the driver control things like climate settings or heated seats just by giving certain commands. While a six-speaker stereo comes standard, the Limited and N-Line trims upgrade to an eight-speaker Bose system.
Safety Features
Kia and Hyundai equip these compact sedans with impressive driver-assist technologies to enhance driver confidence and road safety. Standard systems on the Forte include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. If you opt for the GT-Line or GT, you get the added convenience of Kia’s radar-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. This advanced system automatically adjusts vehicle speed when driving on highways by using road information from the navigation function to help maintain a safe distance between your Forte and the car ahead.
The ELANTRA, on the other hand, earned the top safety pick from the IIHS, thanks to its strong safety ratings. It comes with standard driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention alerts, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. However, the LATCH system for child seats received an “Acceptable” rating, with lower anchors positioned slightly too deep in the rear seats.
Comfort and Interior Space
When it comes to interior comfort, the 2024 Kia Forte and Hyundai ELANTRA each have strengths. The Forte impresses with its clean, minimalist design and high-quality materials. The back seat has ample room for two adults, making long road trips relaxing and enjoyable. The base model provides all the essentials, but as you move up the trims, you’ll find additional features and upgrades offering a more refined cabin experience. Available comforts include dual-zone automatic climate control and heated and ventilated front seats. With all seats upright, the Forte can fit seven carry-on bags, giving it an edge in cargo space.
The Hyundai ELANTRA offers a futuristic-looking cabin. The seats are comfortable both in the front and back, but the driver’s seat could benefit from a bit more support. Also, the materials used have a lot of hard plastic, which takes away from the premium feel. The ELANTRA holds one less carry-on bag than the Forte, giving the Kia a slight practical advantage.
Pricing and Value
The 2024 Kia Forte offers outstanding value, especially for budget-conscious buyers. With a starting MSRP of $19,990, the entry-level LX is one of the most affordable options in its class. As you move up the trims, the Forte remains a frugal choice. The starting MSRP for the GT-Line is $22,490, while the top-tier GT Manual has a starting MSRP of $25,390 — still one of the most affordable models in the compact sedan class.
The 2024 ELANTRA is more expensive than the Forte, with starting MSRPs of $21,625 and $28,465 for the base SE model and premium N Line, respectively. While the Forte is available in five trim levels, the ELANTRA offers four. The Kia also keeps prices lower across the board. The difference between the lowest and highest Forte trims is just $5,400, giving you more flexibility to choose a model that fits your budget without sacrificing features.
Customer Reviews and Reliability
The 2024 Forte and ELANTRA earn high marks from customers for their respective qualities. Dylan Shepard, a Forte owner, praised its value for money with a five-star rating on Edmunds, stating, “This car has everything and more for a great price.” Meanwhile, an ELANTRA buyer awarded it four stars on Kelley Blue Book, sharing, “We just bought our Limited Elantra and have had it for about a week. So far, we have been impressed…”
Test-Drive the 2024 Forte at Huffines Kia McKinney Today
The 2024 Kia Forte and Hyundai ELANTRA receive high praise from their owners, and rightly so. We invite you to visit our Huffines Kia McKinney dealership in Texas to learn more about the 2024 Forte and experience it yourself. You can check out our latest inventory online and contact our team if you have any questions. Schedule your test drive today and discover why the 2024 Forte is a standout choice in its class.