2020 Kia Forte vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for the year, topped the Forte lineup with a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels. Styling modifications set it apart from other Fortes, and the interior boasted enhancements to cement its sport-sedan credentials. Despite its potent capabilities, the Forte GT maintained a subtle appearance with revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the car featured complimentary surface tones, soft-touch materials, red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with metallic accents, creating a modern look.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima, while sharing design elements with other Nissan models, stood out with its V-Motion grille, jewel-like LED headlights, and floating-roof design. The Maxima SR models featured a sporty rear spoiler, and the Platinum trim level, as tested, offered premium materials and finishes. The cabin was spacious, with a thick center console creating a segmented front row experience. Standard features included an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of other amenities, though the interior design felt slightly dated compared to newer sedans.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. This was a significant upgrade from the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine in other Forte models. The power was delivered to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which was well-behaved and responsive. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter adjusting based on driving behavior. The car offered a firm, connected ride quality, with the sport exhaust providing a subtle reminder of its performance capabilities. The steering felt natural in Normal mode and more weighted in Sport mode, making it enjoyable to drive on curvy roads.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), generating 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more comfortable as a cruiser. The Sport drive mode enhanced throttle response, steering feel, and transmission tuning, but the Maxima excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride. Active noise cancellation technology in higher trims kept engine and road noise at bay. The Maxima's front-wheel drive and 18-gallon fuel tank were standard, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Despite its power, the Maxima felt planted in most driving situations, though it lacked the agility of a true sports sedan.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available in higher trims. The 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided excellent comfort and support, while the front passenger seat also had a height adjuster. The backseat offered good comfort with proper support and air conditioning vents. The Forte GT's Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free access, revealing a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating and a large trunk, with comfortable seats and modern features. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, with a large infotainment screen and climate controls. The Maxima's front seats were comfortable for long road trips, though it lacked the legroom of some competitors. The Maxima provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, less than rivals like the Sonata and Accord. Despite this, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing. The front in-door bottle holders could accommodate 20-ounce bottles, a handy feature for families.

The 2020 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. Higher trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s UVO technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though it struggled with ambient noise. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo knobs and menu shortcut buttons for easy interaction.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims and a 7-inch driver information display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect Services on the top Platinum grade. The Maxima offered a Bose Premium Audio system with 11 speakers and Center Point Surround Stage technology. Notable features included the Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, keyless entry, and USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. The Forte GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features, though the automatic emergency braking worked only at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were standard on all trims except the base model. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, with top ratings for front crash prevention.