2019 Kia Forte vs 2020 Honda Accord

Highways are increasingly full of crossovers and small SUVs, but not too long ago sedans ruled the road. The simple three-box design made for a vehicle that was, and still is, an effective daily driver. It has enough trunk space for several bags and room for 4 (or even 5) passengers. They are often more fuel-efficient than their heavier SUV counterparts and almost always less expensive.

Maybe this explains why Kia’s best-selling vehicle last year wasn’t any of its SUVs or crossovers. It was the Forte, which has been completely redesigned for 2019.

Even when limited to small cars, the Forte's competition is quite stiff. But the Honda Civic has been generally heralded as the gold standard. The Civic is just a bit larger and a bit more upscale than other cars in its segment, but its higher price tag reflects that status.

The Forte previously operated only in the “value” end of this spectrum, with a dash of sporty styling thrown in (but generally lacking the performance to back it up). The new Forte is certainly sportier and more upscale, yet it still keeps value as one of its core principles. After a week driving it, we can say it is absolutely one of the standout small cars of this year, but does it have the goods to outgun the Civic?

Mary Walton’s “Car: A Drama of the American Workplace” details the development of the 1996 Ford Taurus from sketch to series production. The car was a legendary flop, a collage of compromise. Walton’s book explains why, and in juicy detail.

Bringing a new or redesigned vehicle to market isn’t easy, even if Honda makes it look that way. The 2020 Honda Accord Touring is the family sedan perfected, from its rakish good looks and delightful driving dynamics to its huge back seat and giant trunk. The 2020 Honda Accord also boasts plenty of tech, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and adaptive cruise control.

Sure, you can quibble with a few things related to the 2020 Accord. After all, no car is perfect. But the Honda Accord Touring sure does come close in so many of the ways that matter most, from usability to mpg.