Kia Forte vs Cadillac CT5

The Kia Forte is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 35 mpg combined versus 27 mpg for the Cadillac CT5, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.

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

2015–2024

Kia Forte

Midsize Cars · 60 configurations

35mpg combined (best)
All Kia Forte specs

2020–2026

Cadillac CT5

Midsize Cars · 52 configurations

27mpg combined (best)
All Cadillac CT5 specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricKia ForteCadillac CT5
Best combined MPG35 mpg27 mpg
Best city MPG31 mpg23 mpg
Best highway MPG41 mpg33 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,750$2,800
Lowest CO2 output256 g/mi333 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI, 2.0, 1.8SIDI
TransmissionsAutomatic (AM-S7), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spdAutomatic (S10), Manual 6-spd
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegularPremium
EPA classMidsize CarsMidsize Cars
Years covered2015–20242020–2026
Configurations on record6052

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

Forte vs CT5: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Kia Forte or the Cadillac CT5?

The Kia Forte is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 35 mpg combined versus 27 mpg for the Cadillac CT5, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 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 $2,800 for the Cadillac CT5 — a difference of roughly $1,050 per year.

What engines do the Forte and CT5 offer?

Kia Forte: SIDI, 2.0, 1.8. Cadillac CT5: SIDI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Forte and the Cadillac CT5 as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.

More Forte comparisons

Comparison id: kia-forte-vs-cadillac-ct5