Kia Forte vs. Acura TLX

The first glance at these sedans reveals a notable distinction in their dimensions. The Kia Forte, with its nimble stature stands at a compact 182.7 inches in length, in stark contrast to the more extended 194.6 inches of the Acura TLX. This gives the Forte a distinct advantage with tight parking spaces and narrow turns.

Despite the smaller size of the Kia Forte, it’s big on passenger comfort. For instance, the Kia Forte provides 38.8 inches of front headroom, surpassing the 37.2 inches offered by the TLX. Similarly, passengers seated in the rear row of the Forte will experience the same level of comfort with 35.7 inches of legroom. The TLX, once again, pales in comparison with only 34.9 inches of rear legroom.

The Acura TLX and the Kia Forte each embody a sense of modernity and sportiness. The Acura TLX stands out with its sharp contours and aggressive accents that add an element of boldness to its overall design. The TLX offers a timeless and sophisticated palette and options in red, blue, and bronze for drivers seeking to make a bold statement.

On the other hand, the Kia Forte takes a slightly different approach to design customization. The Forte features a clamshell-styled hood and optional red exterior accents, emphasizing its dynamic aesthetic presence. However, the biggest differentiator lies in the array of design options. With eight exterior color options, including exclusive choices like Fire Orange and Sporty Blue, the Forte offers a perfect blend of timeless and bold colors.

With many similar features, the Kia Forte and the Acura TLX make it easy to transform your sedan into an entertainment hub. Each model features an intuitive infotainment system that takes center stage with their dazzling displays. Features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ allow you to seamlessly connect your smartphone to your sedan so you can access the digital features saved to your phone while on the go.

You’ll also find advanced sound systems with either sedan. Thanks to strategically placed speakers, the optional ELS® Studio Premium Sound System from the TLX helps you feel immersed in your music. Drivers who opt for the Kia Forte will enjoy a similar experience, transporting you to your favorite concert, thanks to the ever-popular optional Harman Kardon® Premium Audio system.

Connectivity goes beyond smartphone integration. It’s about staying connected to your sedan when you’re apart. The Kia Forte and the Acura TLX redefine the driving experience by offering advanced features like Kia Connect or AcuraLink®, both of which turn your smart device into a powerful tool.

Similar capabilities of each feature include:

• Remote start/stop
• Find your car
• Pre-heat or cool

While there are many similarities, Kia Connect stands out thanks to Rear Occupant Alert and Kia Digital Key. The former feature can send a notification to your smartphone when the built-in vehicle sensors detect movement inside your vehicle. The latter lets you use your smartphone as a key, so those days of running around after misplacing your key are gone.

You may find one of these sedans easier to park when you arrive at your destination. Each model comes with parking convenience features such as parking sensors. You’ll also find that each sedan comes standard with a Rear-View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance so you can clearly see any obstacles behind your vehicle while parking.

While there are feature similarities between the Kia Forte and the Acura TLX, the more compact size of the Forte, as previously mentioned, continues to give this vehicle an advantage over the TLX.

To help you get around town with confidence, each sedan is outfitted with cameras and sensors that monitor your surroundings. They can provide alerts regarding potential hazards and may, under certain conditions, apply gentle braking/steering to help avoid a collision.

While features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Keeping Assist are standard with each model, the additional protection of Highway Driving Assist with the Forte provides added peace of mind. When optionally equipped, this feature can control steering and acceleration, so you experience less fatigue, especially on long trips.