Kia Forte vs Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 35 mpg for the Kia Forte, a 19 mpg advantage and costs about $600 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Elantra leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Cars · 93 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Forte | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 35 mpg | 54 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 31 mpg | 53 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 41 mpg | 58 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,750 | $1,150 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 256 g/mi | 165 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 2.0, 1.8 | 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular, Premium |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2024 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 60 | 93 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Forte vs Elantra: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Forte or the Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 35 mpg for the Kia Forte, a 19 mpg advantage and costs about $600 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Elantra runs about $1,150 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,750 for the Kia Forte — a difference of roughly $600 per year.
What engines do the Forte and Elantra offer?
Kia Forte: SIDI, 2.0, 1.8. Hyundai Elantra: 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Forte and the Hyundai Elantra as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: kia-forte-vs-hyundai-elantra