The Kia Forte and K5 are two impressive sedans in the 2023 lineup, each offering a unique blend of style, performance, and technology. If you're in the market for a new car, these two are definitely worth a look. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the 2023 Forte and K5 to help you make an informed decision.
Trim Levels and Pricing
?Both the 2023 Forte and K5 are available in five trim levels, each of which offers various features and options. Here's a quick look at the Forte's different trim levels and their starting MSRPs:
- LX: $19,690.
- LXS: $20,190.
- GT-Line: $21,890.
- GT: $24,390.
- GT Manual: $25,090.
The Kia K5 has a higher starting price than the Forte. In fact, its least expensive trim is priced higher than the Forte GT Manual. If affordability is a priority for you, you may be more inclined to favor the 2023 Kia Forte. Here's a list of the K5's trim levels:
- LXS FWD: $25,290.
- GT-Line FWD: $26,690.
- GT-Line AWD: $28,390.
- EX: $29,190.
- GT: $31,690.
Exterior
The 2023 Kia Forte and 2023 Kia K5 both boast bold and futuristic exterior designs that appeal to the younger generation. The two models share many design elements, but there are also key differences that set them apart. The Kia Forte features a sunroof over the front seats, whereas the Kia K5 offers a panoramic sunroof spanning farther across its roof. Furthermore, while both models come with LED daytime running lights, the K5 uses amber lighting to create a warmer glow.
Despite these differences, the 2023 Kia Forte and 2023 Kia K5 have several exterior features in common. These include auto headlight control, high beam assist, heated side view mirrors, LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights. In addition, both vehicles also provide options for body-color or gloss-black mirror caps, as well as GT body styling that includes black accents, a unique wheel design, and rear spoilers. Also available is the Smart Trunk, a feature that automatically opens the trunk of the vehicle when it detects the owner's smart key nearby, allowing for easy access to the cargo area.
Interiors
The 2023 Kia Forte and 2023 Kia K5 showcase impressive interiors that cater to a comfortable driving experience. Both models have a plethora of overlapping features, from upholstery options to infotainment systems. Here's a closer look at some of their shared standard and available interior and technology features:
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster display.
- 8-inch or 10.25-inch touch-screen display with navigation system.
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Wireless charging.
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel with mounted controls.
- Heated and ventilated front seats.
- Folding rear seats.
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
All K5 trims have a standard six-speaker audio system, while lower Forte trim levels have four speakers. The K5 also has dual-zone automatic climate control as a standard feature, while the Forte's LX and LXS trims have manual climate control. A 10-way power driver's seat is standard on the K5, except for the base LXS model, while all Forte trims come with a six-way manual driver's seat. This means that if you're looking for a car with more advanced infotainment and comfort features, the K5 might be a better choice than the Forte.
Power and Performance
The 2023 Kia K5 also has an advantage in this category. It's available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive, while the Forte only comes in FWD. It's also more powerful and is equipped with either a 1.6L or 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 1.6L option is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and produces 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L engine in the K5 GT, on the other hand, is set up with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that delivers an impressive 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 Kia Forte is available with a 2.0L four-cylinder or 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2.0L engine is paired with an intelligent variable transmission and generates 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The 1.6L turbocharged engine, meanwhile, has a max output of 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, which is still below what the K5 GT is capable of.
Fuel Economy
The 2023 Kia Forte has an advantage here, as it's more fuel efficient than the 2023 Kia K5. Its highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. In contrast, the 2023 Kia K5 delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined at its most efficient. So if you want a vehicle that can take you farther on a single tank of gas, the Forte is the better option. It's also more practical, especially if you prioritize fuel savings.
Safety
The 2023 Kia K5 and Kia Forte come with an array of advanced safety features to ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Both models are equipped with standard features such as forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, a rearview monitor, rear occupant alert, hill start assist control, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, a traction control system, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Between the two, the Kia K5 has a more extensive list of safety features. For example, it offers a driver's side knee airbag, dual rear side airbags, and safe exit assist — features that aren't available with the Forte. In addition, the 2023 K5 received top marks in all tests for crashworthiness from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2023 Forte managed top scores in all but one area, which, while still an impressive accomplishment, makes the K5 a safer vehicle.
Selecting the right model between the 2023 KIA Forte and the 2023 KIA K5 ultimately depends on your priorities and personal preferences. If you want more information on these models or need help determining which one is best suited for your needs, please feel free to contact us at Team Kia of El Cajon, California. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you, and we welcome you to visit our dealership if you're in the area.
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