Kia Forte vs Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 49 mpg combined versus 35 mpg for the Kia Forte, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Honda Civic leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Forte | Honda Civic |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 35 mpg | 49 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 31 mpg | 50 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 41 mpg | 47 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,750 | $1,250 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 256 g/mi | 181 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 2.0, 1.8 | SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, 2.0, RNG=193 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (AV-S7) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Premium, Regular, CNG |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2024 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 60 | 132 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Forte vs Civic: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Forte or the Honda Civic?
The Honda Civic is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 49 mpg combined versus 35 mpg for the Kia Forte, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Honda Civic runs about $1,250 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,750 for the Kia Forte — a difference of roughly $500 per year.
What engines do the Forte and Civic offer?
Kia Forte: SIDI, 2.0, 1.8. Honda Civic: SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, 2.0, RNG=193.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Forte and the Honda Civic as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
More Forte comparisons
Comparison id: kia-forte-vs-honda-civic