Kia Forte vs BMW 5 Series
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 | Kia Forte | BMW 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 35 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 41 mpg ✓ | 38 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,750 ✓ | $2,450 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 256 g/mi | 133 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 2.0, 1.8 | SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Premium and Electricity, Premium, Diesel |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2024 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 60 | 85 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Forte vs 5 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Forte or the BMW 5 Series?
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 Forte and 5 Series offer?
Kia Forte: SIDI, 2.0, 1.8. BMW 5 Series: SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Forte and the BMW 5 Series as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
More Forte comparisons
Comparison id: kia-forte-vs-bmw-5-series