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  • Matt Blatt Kia of Toms River

Apr 29, 2019
Kia Optima vs Kia Forte

The 2019 Kia Optima and 2019 Kia Forte are classic top-pick cars with updated features, tech, and specials. But comparing the Optima vs Forte, what’s the better option? Both are reliable, affordable, and come with Kia’s 10 year or 100,000 mile power-train warranty. Let’s take a closer look!


The new 2019 Kia’s are both good options when looking for a loaded up and affordable car. Telling them apart may be a little difficult at first glance but when you take a closer look, you find some differences that may push you to favor one, depending on what you want in a car. Take a deeper dive into:

  • What can be found in both options?
  • What is the difference between these two Kias?
  • Which is best for you?

    2019 Kia Forte Interior

    2019 Kia Forte Interior

Kia Optima vs Kia Forte: The Similarities

The new Kia models come loaded with more tech features and driver assistance than ever before. These smaller 4 door cars are great commuting vehicles with a comfortable inside, sleek look, and impressive technology, included in even the lowest trim levels.

But one thing Kia doesn’t fall short of is their extensive coverage and safety features! When you buy or lease a new Kia Forte and Kia Optima, you’re covered by the Kia 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty Program that includes a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited power-train warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty. That’s the longest manufacturer warranty on the market!

Even though we are confident in the quality and reliability of the vehicles, safety features don’t fall short. For all trim levels, all the below safety features are standard for the Forte and Optima:

Dual Front Advanced Airbags
Dual Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags
Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) w/ 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
Rear Child-Safety Door Locks
Internal Emergency Trunk Release

 It doesn’t end there, Kia also adds driver assistance technology :

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keeping Assist-Line (LKA-L)
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

You and your passengers will be riding safe and secure in these models! Now, that you know the safety, what does it have in store for the fun extras?

Both models come standard with an 8 inch touch display with Apple CarPlay™Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Hands-Free Connectivity! Along with smartphone connectivity and your favorite playlist blasting on the speakers, enjoy a rear view camera and Drive Mode Select with Comfort, Eco, or Sport driving styles on all Optima trims and available on the Forte!

Looking for more information and details? Check out the Forte features or the Optima features for each trim level.

Kia Optima vs Kia Forte: The Differences

2019 Kia Optima (25/35/29 MPG*)
2019 Kia Optima SX White at night outsideLX – $22,990*
S – $24,990*
EX -$26,890*
SX – $31,990*

The Kia Optima may have a higher price tag but for a good reason! The Optima is classified as a sedan with a total interior volume measuring to 120.7 cubic feet and exterior dimension 191.1/73.2/57.7 inches (length/width/height). Under the hood, you’ll find a powerful 2.4 liter, DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine on the LX and S trims, and a turbocharger on the EX and SX. Along with the better performance, the luxurious Optima comes with UVO play, 6 speakers, and Siri® Eyes Free! What else does the Optima come with:

  • Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
  • Lane Change Assist (LCA)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistance (FCA-Car)
  • Power-Adjustable Outside Mirrors w/ LED Turn Signal Indicators
  • Heated Outside Mirrors
  • Auto Light Control
2019 Kia Forte (31/41/35 MPG*)
FE – $17,790*
LXS – $19,190*
S – $20,290*
EX – $21,990*

The Kia Forte measures a little smaller in volume and has a lower price tag but still comes with some amazing tech and impressive features. The total interior volume is 96 cubic feet and a 182.7/70.9/56.5 inch (length/width/height) exterior dimensions. This sedan is more compact and also comes with Heated/Ventilated seats standard on all trims levels! When looking at the engine, a 2.0 liter, DOHC, 16-valve I-4, Atkinson Cycle engine is what you’ll get on all trims, unfortunately, with no option for a turbocharger. With the two upper trims, a power sunroof is available unlike the Optima. Also the Forte comes with:

  • 3-Point Seat Belts For All Seating Positions
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Brake Assist System (BAS)
  • Side-Impact Door Beams
  • Front and Rear Crumple Zones
  • Impact-Absorbing Steering Column

*(City/Highway/Combined)

2019 Kia Optima Interior

2019 Kia Optima Interior

Which is best for you?

When it comes down to it, both are amazing options. The luxurious Optima has the cubic volume and performance that exceeds the Forte. But for a lower price, the Forte still comes with great features on even the lowest trim level. You also see the higher miles per gallon, modern tech, and convenience features on the Forte.

Weighing the price tag versus the standard features, your perfect ride could be either. Do you sacrifice some of the advanced convenience tech for a powerful engine or do you want the tech loaded to the brim? Either way, Matt Blatt has monthly financing and lease specials both the Optima and Forte.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us and you’ll be happy to answer any you may have!

Interested in scheduling a test drive? Fill out the “Calculate Your Payment” form and let us get you into a new car today.

View Optima SpecialsView Forte Specials