BMW 8 Series vs Kia Forte

The Kia Forte is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 35 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 8 Series, a 10 mpg advantage and costs about $1,300 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Forte leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2019–2026

BMW 8 Series

Subcompact Cars · 64 configurations

25mpg combined (best)
All BMW 8 Series specs

2015–2024

Kia Forte

Midsize Cars · 60 configurations

35mpg combined (best)
All Kia Forte specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricBMW 8 SeriesKia Forte
Best combined MPG25 mpg35 mpg
Best city MPG23 mpg31 mpg
Best highway MPG30 mpg41 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$3,050$1,750
Lowest CO2 output347 g/mi256 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDISIDI, 2.0, 1.8
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8)Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremiumRegular
EPA classSubcompact CarsMidsize Cars
Years covered2019–20262015–2024
Configurations on record6460

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

8 Series vs Forte: common questions

Which is better on gas, the BMW 8 Series or the Kia Forte?

The Kia Forte is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 35 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 8 Series, a 10 mpg advantage and costs about $1,300 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 $3,050 for the BMW 8 Series — a difference of roughly $1,300 per year.

What engines do the 8 Series and Forte offer?

BMW 8 Series: SIDI. Kia Forte: SIDI, 2.0, 1.8.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the BMW 8 Series as Subcompact Cars and the Kia Forte as Midsize Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More 8 Series comparisons

Comparison id: bmw-8-series-vs-kia-forte