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Kia Forte vs. Kia Optima MPG

Chart is based on 326 fuel economy reports for the Kia Forte and 152 fuel economy reports for the Kia Optima.

Kia Forte MPG

Kia Forte Kia Forte 2015 30.7 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2013 24.4 MPG Highway Percentage 23 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2012 28.1 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2012 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 52 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2011 31.3 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2011 27.9 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2011 28.4 MPG Highway Percentage 72 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 45 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 26.4 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 25.6 MPG Highway Percentage 23 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 28.3 MPG Highway Percentage 48 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 27.6 MPG Highway Percentage 59 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 23.1 MPG Highway Percentage 53 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 27.9 MPG Highway Percentage 73 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 32.1 MPG Highway Percentage 68 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 32.6 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2015 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 0 5 55 40 97 30.7  
2013 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 13 48 16 23 107 24.4  
2012 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 0 30 0 70 90 28.1  
2012 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 8 22 18 52 68 27.1  
2011 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light hvy 0 28 32 39 72 31.3  
2011 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat light none 0 0 70 30 70 27.9  
2011 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 3 16 9 72 72 28.4  
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2010 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 10 20 25 45 60 28.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med none 7 29 5 58 112 26.4  
2010 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat med none 1 57 20 23 68 25.6  
2010 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed automatic FWD		 flat med light 2 40 10 48 68 28.3  
2010 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat light none 4 25 12 59 91 27.6  
2010 2dr Coupe 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 hills lead light 28 15 5 53 100 23.1  
2010 2dr Coupe 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 3 7 17 73 67 27.9  
2010 2dr Coupe 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat med hvy 0 20 13 68 73 32.1  
2010 2dr Coupe 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat light hvy 5 9 30 56 65 32.6  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Forte fuel economy data.

Kia Optima MPG

Kia Optima Kia Optima 2019 26.7 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2017 52.6 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2016 39.0 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 25.5 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 32.5 MPG Highway Percentage 71 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 25.6 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 32.3 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 68 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.7 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 20.0 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 36.2 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2009 29.1 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.3 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.2 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 29.5 MPG Highway Percentage 78 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 23.2 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 24.6 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 28.9 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2005 12.1 MPG Highway Percentage 0 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2004 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 95 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2019 4dr Sedan turbocharged 245hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med hvy 0 10 50 40 70 26.7  
2017 4dr Sedan 154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 30 30 20 20 70 52.6  
2016 4dr Sedan turbocharged 178hp 1.6L I4
7-speed automated manual FWD		 hills light light 6 0 14 80 67 39.0  
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 0 24 21 56 69 25.5  
2013 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 32 14 54 83 27.1  
2013 4dr Sedan 159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat v.lt none 2 13 15 71 102 32.5  
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light light 4 18 39 39 72 25.6  
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2012 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 0 4 20 76 69 32.3  
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med light 0 5 28 68 70 28.0  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light none 4 7 21 67 66 28.7  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat med light 0 5 20 75 75 30.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 194-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 0 10 70 20 75 20.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 0 20 80 63 36.2  
2009 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 5 12 16 67 65 29.1  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 20 60 10 10 60 26.3  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat lead light 30 15 30 25 75 26.2  
2007 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 7 13 3 78 108 29.5  
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med none 1 36 48 15 63 23.2  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light hvy 6 4 33 58 66 24.6  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 18 16 9 56 63 28.9  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 10 90 60 30.0  
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills lead light 5 95 0 0 0 12.1  
2004 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 5 95 70 30.0  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Optima fuel economy data.

Kia Forte vs. Kia Optima MPG

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Kia Forte and Kia Optima's where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of their real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans, Coupes, and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Forte

Kia Forte Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2019 The Kia Forte's EPA fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway aren't quite best in class, but they're close. Unless you include the 55/49 Honda Insight and the 53/52 Toyota Corolla Hybrid in the class--then they're not so close. In my real-world suburban driving I observed trip computer averages in the low 40s in the Forte, similar to a 2016 Civic LX with a similarly sized, similarly non-turbo engine. A Civic EX, with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, should do a few mpg better. In the hybrid Honda Insight, I observed suburban trip computer averages in the 60s, but "only" 40 mpg on the highway, not even as good as the non-hybrids. see full Kia Forte review
Kia Forte Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearComment
I've made it through the top reasons to buy a Kia Forte SX, but no mention of performance and handling (the reasons to upgrade from lesser trims) yet. But neither is the top reason not to buy one, either. Okay, maybe handling is. I'm trying to decide as I write this. Handling definitely isn't the car's largest weakness. That would be fuel economy. With a manual transmission, the Kia Forte SX achieves worst-in-class EPA ratings: 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. (The automatic goes a mile farther on each highway gallon.) Mind you, the Civic doesn't do much better, with 22/31. But the big-engined Mazda achieves 25/37 with a manual, and a lofty 28/39 with an automatic. And the much quicker Volkswagen GTI scores 25/34 and 25/33, respectively. The Forte EX, with its larger but non-turbocharged engine, is more competitive: 24/33 with the manual and 25/36 with the automatic. Maybe the Forte SX just doesn't test well. In my suburban driving the trip computer reported averages between 25 and 40 (depending on the frequency of stops and the heaviness of my right foot), with most in the low 30s. The trip computers in the Honda, Mazda, and Volkswagen all reported about the same. The Kia's trip computer also reported better-than-EPA averages on the highway, but not by as wide a margin. Short gearing restricted 70-mph-highway averages to about 33, well short of the high 30s observed in the others. see full Kia Forte review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Forte

Kia Forte Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 After many trips up and down the eastern USA coast (NY-FL and back) It has proven itself reliable and seems to do very well on the highway. Available power is decent, and fuel mileage is really good. It's unusual f we don't get at least the rated 33MPG but usually are between 35 and 38 with a full passenger load and moderately filled trunk. see full Kia Forte review
2011 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I was able to get 33 on my first tank going 75 on 90% highway driving and 27 with more mixed driving and highway driving at a highr speed. see full Kia Forte review
2010 2dr Coupe 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 even with a lead foot i get 20-24 mpg and on a long road trip 600 miles easily achieved 33 mpg, while still being fun to drive see full Kia Forte review
2010 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 Seemed rather impressive, especially given its acceleration relative to others in the class. see full Kia Forte review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2013 Many auto makers are substituting turbocharged fours for V6s because of their theoretically superior fuel economy. The Kia Optima SXL earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 34 highway. The similarly turbo-foured Ford Fusion comes close, 22/33. The most fuel efficient V6, in the new Honda Accord, manages 21/34 without paddle shifters, but 21/32 with them. Trip computer numbers suggest a one-to-two mpg advantage for the Kia in real-world suburban driving--perhaps too close to call since these devices aren't terribly precise. Figure just under 20 with a heavy foot, mid-20s if you resist the temptation, and just over 30 with a very light foot and luck with the lights. All of these figures are with the engine warmed up. In cold weather, fuel economy is in the mid-teens for the first mile or two. An eco mode makes little noticeable difference in either how the car drives or its fuel economy. These numbers don't seem particularly good? Recall that the Kia Optima SXL is a very quick car. You won't find a 274-horsepower sedan that does better without the aid of a battery pack. see full Kia Optima review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I find fuel economy, in mixed driving, to be on par with a V6 of comparable power. I usually get about 24 MPG in combined driving. However, on a recent road trip, I had 32 MPG on one tank. It's perhaps slightly better than the Acura TL I had, but one big bonus: the Acura required premium unleaded. On the Kia Optima, however, the manufacturer only calls for regular unleaded. Over time, that can mean a significant savings. see full Kia Optima review
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 This is my biggest (and only real) complaint with the Optima. It advertises fuel economy of 22 city, 34 highway. I drive a lot (100 mile round trip daily, with more than half of it being highway miles). Admittedly, I have a heavy foot, but I regularly get about 24-25 mpg combined, with the car in ECO mode. The best tank of gas I ever got was a little over 28 mpg. (I calculate it manually, don't rely on the on-board MPG estimates, as they are always 3-5 MPG more generous than reality.) see full Kia Optima review
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 High 30s on the highway and 29-30 overall with a lot of power. Active eco. setting for better economy. see full Kia Optima review
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 33 mpg on 200 mile trips at about 65 mph avg. see full Kia Optima review
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 Decent fuel mileage at this point for a mid-size sedan. see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 25-30 city/hwy see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 It may be a bit borderline in 100% city driving (19-20 mpg), but it gets 33mpg+ on the open highway, with only a 1-2 mpg penalty for using A/C. see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 got 42 mgh yesteerday on a 120 minute drive 25%/75% in town/highway driving. Like paying $2.25 per gallon, see full Kia Optima review
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 AS above see full Kia Optima review
Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I'd recommend this car in a heartbeat. I honestly like this styling even more than the updates they've made since 2012. My biggest cons are the fuel economy and the lack of a manual transmission on any models other than the base model. see full Kia Optima review