The Kia Forte is a benchmark in affordable cars, but it’s not the only cheap sedan on the market. Enter the 2022 Hyundai Elantra, a bonafide alternative to the Kia compact sedan. While the two might seem similar, they have some crucial differences. Here are three reasons you should consider a 2022 Hyundai Elantra over a 2022 Kia Forte, like safety and the fuel economy of the Elantra Hybrid Blue. 

Is there a 2022 Hyundai Elantra hybrid?

One of the first advantages that a 2022 Hyundai Elantra has over a Kia Forte is a hybrid offering. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue starts at around $25,495 and promises an estimated 53 mpg in the city and a commendable 56 mpg at highway speeds. That’s orders of magnitude better than a comparable Forte. For instance, the most efficient Forte trims return just 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. 

While the Kia Forte’s fuel economy is admirable for the segment, it can’t keep up with the Hybrid Blue’s numbers. Of course, potential owners could get the sportier Kia Forte GT if they want a performance compact car at a similar starting point to the Elantra Hybrid Blue. Still, the Elantra N Line produces just as much power (201 horsepower) as the Forte GT, albeit with a higher starting price point. 

How safe is the 2022 Hyundai Elantra?

The Hyundai Elantra earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That means the Elantra earned “Good” ratings in nearly every crashworthiness category and subcategory. However, the Elantra’s award applies to specific trims; the SE, SEL, and N-Line’s headlights earned a “Poor” overall rating. Surprisingly, Hyundai opted for a halogen projector unit instead of a more advanced LED setup in those trims. 

However, the 2022 Kia Forte doesn’t have a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. While the Forte managed Good ratings in nearly every category, it earned a few “Acceptable” ratings in crashworthiness testing and a less than “Superior” rating in front crash prevention metrics.  

How many trims does the 2022 Kia Forte have?

Another advantage the 2022 Hyundai Elantra has over the 2022 Kia Forte is the variety in trim levels. The Forte offers four different trim levels, starting with the entry-level FE and culminating with the range-topping GT. However, the Elantra offers six trims, including two hybrids, the Hybrid Blue and the more posh Hybrid Limited. The Hyundai model offers everything from an economical start point to a 201-horsepower N Line and highly-efficient hybrid trims. 

Should you consider the Elantra over the 2022 Kia Forte?

If you’re considering an affordable compact car, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra is a promising prospect. It has a higher safety rating, available hybrid trims, more diverse trim offerings, and a similar starting price to the 2022 Kia Forte. However, if you’re not sold on the Hyundai Elantra, check out the Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla. Both vehicles offer Top Safety Pick+ ratings, commendable fuel economy, and in the Mazda’s case, available AWD. 

Scroll down to the following article to read more about sensible sedans like the Hyundai Elantra!