Comparing the 2023 Toyota Corolla in Santa Fe, NM to the 2023 Kia Forte
If you’re looking for an affordable yet stylish small sedan for the new year, you may find yourself trying to choose between a Toyota Corolla and a Kia Forte. Both automakers have proven themselves as worthy contenders in the compact segment and have impressive examples of vehicles for almost any driver. The recently refreshed 2023 Kia Forte, now available at Fiesta Kia, is among the leaders in the compact class and sets itself apart with sharp styling. But how does it stack up against one of its strongest rivals, the 2023 Toyota Corolla in Santa Fe, NM? We’ve compared both entry-level models in interior design, technology, and value, so keep reading to discover which car emerges as a winner!
Interior Design and Volume
When it comes to having a personal haven on wheels, no compact sedan can compare to the Kia Forte. Its carefully crafted and spacious cabin is driver-oriented and loaded with features. And even though both sedans are nearly identical in exterior size, the Forte gives you more interior room in every area: headroom, shoulder, hip, and leg room in both front and rear seats. And for the price, the Kia Forte packs a surprising number of features. Every model has steering-wheel-mounted controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and more.
The Forte even has more trunk space than the sedan version of the Corolla. Its 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space is tops for the segment and exceeds Toyota’s 13 cubes.
2023 Toyota Corolla in Santa Fe, NM vs. 2023 Kia Forte: Technology
Regarding driver-assist and infotainment features, the Kia Forte wins the technology front. Both sedans provide standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane departure warnings. However, the Corolla’s tech doesn’t upgrade as you move up through the trim levels, other than the option of adding an inch to the touchscreen. In comparison, the higher trims of the Forte get a 10.25-inch display, while the lower levels have the aforementioned 8-inch screen.
You can also add advanced safety features as options to your Forte that aren’t even found in the Corolla. Items like highway driving assist, navigation-based smart cruise control curve, and safe exit warning are a few. Kia focused on upgrading tech in last year’s lineup, and it shows!
Which is the Better Value?
There’s no denying that the Kia Forte will help you save money immediately with a low starting price of $19,690 MSRP, while the Corolla begins at $21,550 MSRP. And although the Forte has four trim levels compared to the Corolla’s eight, the Forte remains lower at each comparable step.
Additionally, the Kia brand has the best warranty in the industry. You’ll get a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile for the drivetrain, and 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance with the Forte. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile drivetrain, and only a 2-year warranty for roadside assistance.
The Verdict
The Toyota Corolla is a great car, but the Kia Forte is the better pick overall. It offers buyers a robust set of features and a practical setup at an attractive price, plus it’s backed by outstanding warranties. Compact cars are all about economy and getting the most bang for your buck, and the Kia Forte is a definite winner in that department! Come find yours today at the Kia dealership of Fiesta Kia, 7400 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87120.
