Subaru impreza vs kia forte 5: which hatchback reigns supreme in 2023?

When it comes to compact cars, the Subaru Impreza and Kia Forte5 stand out as two top contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of performance, practicality, and value, but which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Subaru Impreza and Kia Forte5 to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

Engine and Powertrain:

• The Subaru Impreza comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
• The Kia Forte5 offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Acceleration and Handling:

• The Impreza’s CVT provides smooth acceleration, but it can feel sluggish at times. The Forte5’s turbocharged engine offers more power and responsiveness, especially with the manual transmission.
• Both vehicles handle well, but the Impreza’s all-wheel-drive system gives it an edge in inclement weather or off-road conditions.

Interior and Comfort

Cabin Space:

• The Impreza and Forte5 offer similar cabin space, with ample room for passengers in both rows.
• The Forte5 has a slightly larger trunk than the Impreza, providing more cargo capacity.

Comfort and Convenience:

• Both vehicles come well-equipped with comfortable seats and a variety of amenities.
• The Forte5 has a more modern interior design with a larger touchscreen display and more advanced infotainment features.

Safety

Crash Test Ratings:

• The Impreza and Forte5 have both received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Safety Features:

• Both vehicles offer a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
• The Forte5 has a slight edge in safety with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard.

Fuel Economy

• The Impreza has a slight advantage in fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
• The Forte5 with the 2.0-liter engine gets 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged version gets 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Value

Pricing and Trim Levels:

• The Impreza has a slightly lower starting price than the Forte5.
• Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels with varying features and options.

Warranty and Maintenance:

• The Impreza comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• The Forte5 has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Final Verdict

The Subaru Impreza and Kia Forte5 are both excellent choices in the compact car segment. The Impreza offers a combination of all-wheel-drive capability, reliability, and value, while the Forte5 is more powerful, spacious, and advanced in terms of technology. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and safety, the Forte5 is a great option. If you value all-wheel-drive and a lower price point, the Impreza is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which car has a better infotainment system?
A: The Kia Forte5 has a more modern infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display and more advanced features.

Q: Is the Subaru Impreza more reliable than the Kia Forte5?
A: Both vehicles have good reliability ratings, but the Forte5 has a slightly longer warranty.

Q: Which car is better for driving in snow and ice?
A: The Subaru Impreza‘s all-wheel-drive system gives it an advantage in inclement weather conditions.

Q: Is the Kia Forte5 more spacious than the Subaru Impreza?
A: The Forte5 has a slightly larger trunk than the Impreza, but the interior space is similar in both vehicles.

Q: Which car has a better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Impreza has a slight advantage in fuel economy, especially in the city.