2023 Kia Forte vs 2023 Nissan Sentra

When it comes to cost, the 2023 Kia Forte and 2023 Nissan Sentra are very similar. You might find the starting Forte price at $19,490 and the Sentra price at $19,950. That means a savings of $500 with the Kia. Climbing the trim ladder, prices stay close together, but tend to favor the Kia Forte.

This raises the big question: what do you get for your money? Keep scrolling to get answers on everything from spaciousness to ownership costs.

1. What’s the Size Difference?

   Although these two cars are similar in size, the Forte manages to be lighter than its rival by about 150 pounds. They both claim 96 cubic feet in passenger volume. It seems the Forte puts that to better use by giving the backseat passenger more space. This includes an extra inch of valuable legroom, more shoulder room and more headroom.

   The Forte trunk is bigger, too. An extra cubic foot of space really makes a difference in the size of a small car’s trunk. On the Forte GT-Line, owners enjoy the advantage of a hands-free power trunk lid.

   Both cars are 187.2 inches long. However, the Sentra has a bigger turning circle than the Forte. This gives Kia compact drivers an advantage in tight parking areas.

   

2. How do the Powertrains Differ in the Forte and Sentra?

   Fortes have a 147-horsepower engine that generates 132 lb-ft. Having a lighter body than the Sentra, it doesn’t have to move as much weight. Sentras have a 149-horsepower engine and 146 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with continuously variable automatic transmissions.

   If you want something speedier, the Kia Forte GT pairs a 201-horsepower turbo with a slick dual-clutch 7-speed automatic. You can even choose a manual transmission if you like to do the shifting yourself.

3. What is Forte vs Sentra gas mileage?

   Kia Forte LX sedans earn an EPA estimated 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined. For LXS, ratings are 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The Sentra S and SV earn similar gas mileage: 29/39 mpg. SR models earn 28/37 mpg. Of the two compact sedan brands, the Forte has the largest fuel tank: 14 vs 12.4 gallons.

4. How do Trim Level Prices Compare?

   Forte LX, LXS, and GT-Line keep the cost of the car between $1900 and $22,000. GT-Line models have synthetic leather upholstery on its front sport chairs. Ventilated seats are added with the GT-Line Sport Premium package. The Forte GT is priced from $24,000 to $25,000, depending on transmission choice.

   Sentra S, SV and SR models are generally priced from just over $20,000 to almost $23,000 MSRP before premium packages. Priced similarly to the Forte GT, the SR Premium package adds amenities such as synthetic leather and a power driver’s seat.

   If you are trying to keep your costs as low as possible, we recommend competitive financing from our loan department. No Bull Financing can get you into a new Forte with the minimum of hassle and the maximum of benefits.

5. What’s in the Basic Package?

   Despite its lower price point, the 2023 Kia Forte always has an 8-inch touchscreen. There is a 7-inch screen in the Sentra S. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standards for both. You also get USB ports and Bluetooth interface.

   Both vehicles come with an array of parking aids. These include the all-important forward collision warning with a pedestrian watch and related automatic emergency braking. A driver-attention monitor watches for signs of distracted driving. High beam assist is part of automatic headlight control.

   Both offer a blind spot monitor. However, the Forte system now includes an active avoidance assist. Both have a standard lane departure warning. The Forte system includes a helpful following assist.

6. What’s on the Higher Trims?

   The largest Forte touchscreen is a 10.25-inch display with navigation and HD radio. You can also enjoy a 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Both cars offer automatic climate controls and push button start. A proximity key and a remote starter are on the menu.

   An 8-inch screen is part of the upgrade to the SV trim level. Navigation is not available. Extra driver assistance on Sentras is the adaptive cruise control and a surroundview camera.

   Kia offers its navigation-based ACC with the ability to anticipate curves as well as stop and go with traffic. Perhaps most important to Phoenix AZ drivers, the Forte offers ventilated front seats and a rear AC vent.

7. Are these Compact Cars Reliable?

   The 2022 Sentra has a JD Power rating of 84 while the 2023 Forte has a reliability score of 87. Both of these scores are considered “great.”

   Earning the top score for long-term dependability among compact cars, the Forte was rated number one in its class by the 2023 JD Power Dependability Study.

   

   All Kias benefit from the longest warranties in automotives today. Nissans have a standard warranty period. This can make a big difference over the life of the car.

Conclusion

With similarly low pricing, the 2023 Kia Forte edges out the Nissan Sentra every time when it comes to value.

Schedule a test drive at Peoria Kia and discover how a new Forte fits your lifestyle.