2024 Kia Forte vs. 2025 Lexus ES 300h Review

Picture of the 2024 Kia Forte

2024 Kia
Forte

MSRP*: $19,990 to $25,390
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Picture of the 2025 Lexus ES 300h

2025 Lexus
ES 300h

MSRP*: $43,440 to $52,330
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MPG - City 22 - 30 MPG 43 MPG
MPG - Hwy 31 - 41 MPG Info not available
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 147-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 201-hp, 1.6-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 215-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
Transmission Automatic, Continuously Variable, Manual Continuously Variable
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 147 - 201 hp 215 hp
Exterior Length 182.7 in 195.9 in
Exterior Width 70.9 in 73.4 in
Leg Room Front 42.2 in
Rear 35.7 in
Front 42.4 in
Rear 39.3 in
Head Room Front 38.8 in
Rear 37.5 in
Front 37.5 in
Rear 37.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the back seat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Lexus ES 300h than the Kia Forte, due to its greater head- and legroom. Offering just a little more front head- and legroom than the Lexus ES 300h, the Kia Forte may be a little roomier and more comfortable for the driver and front seat passengers.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Kia Forte as you will with the Lexus ES 300h, as they get the same number of miles per tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Based on MSRP, the Kia Forte is clearly a better financial choice over the Lexus ES 300h.

Dimensions
Since the Kia Forte is much slimmer than the Lexus ES 300h, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. If you go with the Kia Forte, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Lexus ES 300h.

Handling
The Kia Forte has a significantly smaller turning radius than the Lexus ES 300h, allowing much better maneuverability in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Kia Forte is significantly less powerful than the Lexus ES 300h. The good news is that, reportedly, cars with lower horsepower engines often have lower insurance premiums.

Powertrain
With its lower torque, the Kia Forte doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Lexus ES 300h.

Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Kia Forte and the Lexus ES 300h.