BMW 5 Series vs Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 35 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 5 Series, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $700 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Forte leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 5 Series | Kia Forte |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg | 35 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 29 mpg | 31 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 38 mpg | 41 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 133 g/mi ✓ | 256 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 | SIDI, 2.0, 1.8 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium and Electricity, Premium, Diesel | Regular |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2024 |
| Configurations on record | 85 | 60 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
5 Series vs Forte: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 5 Series or the Kia Forte?
The Kia Forte is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 35 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 5 Series, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $700 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Forte runs about $1,750 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the BMW 5 Series — a difference of roughly $700 per year.
What engines do the 5 Series and Forte offer?
BMW 5 Series: SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0. Kia Forte: SIDI, 2.0, 1.8.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 5 Series and the Kia Forte as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: bmw-5-series-vs-kia-forte