2020 Kia Optima vs. 2020 Kia Forte

Bold and modern, the 2020 Kia Optima and 2020 Kia Forte are designed to revamp your daily commute. While both sedans provide style and convenience, the larger Optima takes inner comfort to the next level with a slightly higher price tag. The product specialists at Southlake Kia in Merrillville, IN, created this Kia sedan comparison to help you decide which model best fits your needs.

Browse our inventory to view available sedans on our lot, then check out our Forte lease deals to save big! To learn more about how the 2020 Kia Optima and Forte compare, please get in touch with a Southlake Kia expert by calling (219) 947-1500 or fill out our online form.

Configurations

The Kia Optima is available in five different trims, while the 2020 Forte offers six trims to choose from. Both Kia sedans provide more affordable and fully-loaded options. View each model’s respective trims and starting MSRPs below.

2020 Kia Optima

2020 Kia Optima LX in blue

LX

$23,190 MSRP

2020 Kia Optima S in red

S

$24,690 MSRP

2020 Kia Optima EX in Silver

EX

$26,990 MSRP

2020 Kia Optima EX Premium Jellybean

EX Premium

$29,990 MSRP

2020 Kia Optima SX in white

SX

$31,990 MSRP

2020 Kia Forte

2020 Kia Forte FE in gray

FE

$17,790 MSRP

2020 Kia Forte LXS in red

LXS

$19,190 MSRP

2020 Kia Forte GT-Line in orange

GT-Line

$20,390 MSRP

2020 Kia Forte in Black

EX

$21,990 MSRP

2020 Kia Forte GT in Silver

GT

$22,290 MSRP

2020 kia forte GT manual in white

GT Manual

$22,890 MSRP

Performance & Handling

Whether you choose the sleek Optima or efficient Forte, you can expect dependable performance on every drive. The 2020 Kia Optima comes with your choice of three engines that can be paired with either a six-speed automatic or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. No matter which Optima trim, engine, or transmission you choose, you can enjoy a standard Sportmatic® Sports Shifter for enhanced handling. The new Forte has two engine options that can be matched with a six-speed manual transmission, Intelligent CVT with Sportmatic®, or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. View each model’s engine specifications below to find the power you’re looking for.

2020 Kia Optima

Engine 2.4L DOHC I4 1.6L Turbocharged I4 2.0L Turbocharged I4
Horsepower 185 HP
178 HP
245 HP
Torque 178 lb.-ft.
195 lb.-ft.
260 lb.-ft.
MPG (city/hwy) 25/35
27/37
21/30
Trim Availability LX & S EX & EX Premium SX

2020 Kia Forte

Engine 2.4L DOHC I4 1.6L Turbocharged I4
Horsepower 147 HP
201 HP
Torque 132 lb.-ft.
195 lb.-ft.
MPG (city/hwy) 31/41*
25/32
Trim Availability FE, LXS, GT-Line, & EX GT & GT Manual

*When properly equipped

Safety

Have peace of mind every time you drive the Kia Optima or 2020 Kia Forte. Each sedan provides a comprehensive suite of safety features to help you protect what matters most. Explore the key safety considerations that can be found on each model below.

2020 Kia Optima in white showing saftey features

Kia Optima

2020 Kia Forte in red showing saftey features

Kia Forte

2020 Kia Optima

Model

2020 Kia Forte

  • Blind spot collision warning
  • Driver attention warning
  • Forward collision warning w/ avoidance assist & pedestrian detection
  • Lane change assist, departure warning, & keep assist
  • Rear camera display
  • Rear cross traffic collision warning
  • Reverse park distance warning
  • Siri® Eyes Free

Safety Features

  • Driver attention warning
  • Forward collision-avoidance assist & warning
  • Lane change assist, departure warning, & keep assist
  • Rear camera display
  • Rear cross traffic collision warning
  • Reverse park distance warning

Interior Design

Find comfort in every detail inside the 2020 Kia Optima and all-new Forte. Both of these sedans include thoughtful amenities and convenience features throughout. View some of the most popular cabin features of the Optima and 2020 Kia Forte below.

2020 Kia Optima interior seats in red and black

Kia Optima

2020 Kia Forte interior seats in black

Kia Forte

2020 Kia Optima

Model

2020 Kia Forte

  • 12-way power driver’s seat w/ lumbar support & memory
  • Ambient lighting
  • Dual-zone automatic temperature control
  • Eight-way power front passenger’s seat w/ lumbar support
  • Glove box illumination
  • Harman/Kardon® QuantumLogic™ Premium Surround Sound w/ Clari-Fi™ & ten-speaker system
  • Heated & ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Leather seat trim
  • Push-button start
  • Steering wheel-mounted controls
  • Wood grain accent trim

Interior Features

  • D-shaped leather-wrapped steering wheel w/ red stitching
  • Dual-zone automatic temperature control
  • Heated & ventilated front seats
  • Harman Kardon® Premium Audio w/ Clari-Fi™ & eight speaker system
  • Illuminated glove box
  • LED interior lighting
  • SOFINO seat trim
  • Ten-way power driver’s seat w/ lumbar support
  • Wireless phone charger

Exterior

Stand out from the crowd when you drive the Optima or 2020 Kia Forte! Each of these Kia sedans takes style seriously with expressive lines and sharp accents. Discover key exterior features found on each model below.

2020 Kia Optima in white parked in parking lot with city in the background

Kia Optima

2020 Kia Forte parked in black driving up a ramp with concret walls

Kia Forte

2020 Kia Optima

Model

2020 Kia Forte

  • 18-in. Gloss Black alloy wheels
  • Door handle pocket lights
  • Dual chrome exhaust tips
  • LED front fog lights
  • LED headlights w/ auto-leveling
  • Panoramic sunroof w/ power sunshade
  • Power heated outside mirrors w/ LED turn signal indicators
  • Red front & rear brake calipers
  • Smart Trunk™
  • Smart welcome
  • Solar control glass

Exterior Features

  • 18-in. GT two-tone alloy wheels
  • Dual chrome exhaust tips
  • Heated outside mirrors w/ integrated LED turn signal indicators
  • High beam assist
  • LED daytime running & rear combination lights
  • LED headlights w/ auto-leveling
  • Perimeter approach lights
  • Power sunroof

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