2019 Kia Forte vs 2019 Subaru Impreza

Debuting for the first time in 2018, the Kia Forte offers drivers a sportier and more performance-focused sedan than they are used to seeing from the Kia brand. While other brand attributes will remain like a budget-conscious price tag, the 2019 Kia Forte looks to the future with a stylish exterior and generous helping of amenities to compete with other top models in the sedan segment.

Just how does the 2019 Kia Forte stack up? We have put it head to head with another top contender in the segment, the 2019 Subaru Impreza, to find out. See how it fared on pricing, fuel economy, cargo space, safety, and performance below.

Performance and Handling

While most Kia sedans are geared towards drivers interested in a well-balanced mix of practicality, style, amenities, and cost, the 2019 Kia Forte ups the ante on performance and is the perfect choice for drivers who want to have fun behind the wheel.

All 2019 Kia Forte configurations come standard with a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing. With a healthy 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, drivers will have no trouble getting up to speed from a stop or passing on the highway. Base FE trims come standard with a manual transmission for extra control while higher trims are paired with an intelligent variable transmission with Sportmatic.

Rather than focusing on on-road performance, an area the 2019 Subaru Impreza is lacking in, the Impreza offers drivers standard all-wheel drive. For those drivers interested in this feature, the Impreza is one of few sedans on the market that fits the bill. If all-wheel drive is not a necessity, drivers may find the compromise in performance and lack of power on the Impreza to be disappointing.

For a more hands-on look at the performance that the 2019 Kia Forte offers, drivers are encouraged to visit the Moritz Kia dealership in Fort Worth, TX for a test drive. While online research is a great first start, nothing can compare to being behind the wheel.