2023 Corolla vs. 2023 Forte in Ardmore, OK

See How the 2023 Corolla Compares to the 2023 Forte

Despite fierce competition from various SUVs and crossovers, the compact car remains a strong seller. Bolstered by legendary names such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla, the segment shows no signs of slowing down, as not everyone wants a pumped-up crossover. The Corolla faces competition from many others, including the 2023 Kia Forte.

The 2023 Corolla hails from Toyota's 12th generation of its most renowned model and sees some spec and powertrain updates for this year. There's also a swift GR Corolla for those who crave 300 horsepower. Furthermore, the 2023 Corolla comes in hatchback as well as sedan forms. The same can’t be said of the 2023 Forte, which is only available as a sedan. It’s based on 2018’s third-generation variant.

To find out which is ahead in the best compact car race, let's compare the 2023 Corolla vs. Forte in terms of interior, safety, and performance specs. And if you want to learn all there is to know about the new Corolla, ring up the sales team of Toyota of Ardmore in Ardmore, OK.

Interior Comparison

Choose a 2023 Corolla sedan, and you get 89 cubic feet of passenger space plus 13 cubic feet of trunk space. With a 2023 Corolla hatchback, you give up five cubic feet of passenger space but gain it back in trunk space. Furthermore, you can select the Enhanced Cargo Space Package, which gives you five more cubic feet for a total of 23 cubic feet. That's impressive for a compact hatch.

The 2023 Forte may be slightly larger on the inside, but that's because it's also larger on the outside. This means you'll find the 2023 Corolla just that bit easier to maneuver and park in tight urban environments. Furthermore, the 2023 Corolla's cabin has that bulletproof and long-lasting feel that only a Toyota can bring. You can rest assured that everything will work for the long haul.

In terms of tech toys, both cars offer Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ via 8-inch touch-screen infotainment systems. The 2023 Forte offers a 10.3-inch unit on higher trims, but it isn't a significant upgrade. Both cars also have automatic climate control, with dual-zone functionality on higher trims. Some exciting options for the 2023 Corolla include a wireless phone charger and a JBL premium sound system, traditionally the preserve of more upmarket Toyota models.

Performance Comparison

For the 2023 Corolla, let’s start with the stunner of the range. That is the 2023 GR Corolla hatch, which sees a fantastic 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 300 horsepower. A delicious six-speed manual sends drive to all four wheels, with limited-slip differentials at the front and rear. It's as close to a road-going rally car as you can find and does zero to 60 in under five seconds.

Even if you don’t choose the 2023 GR Corolla, there's a powerful and efficient 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine from Toyota's Dynamic Force family of engines. It puts out an impressive 169 horsepower, more than the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engines from most other manufacturers can do. A CVT gearbox sends drive to the front wheels, but you can spec an all-wheel-drive system for better traction if desired.

Toyota continues to offer a 2023 Corolla Hybrid, powered by a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor. Output is now up to 134 horsepower, sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. The all-wheel-drive system can be selected for the Corolla Hybrid as well.

Remember how we said that Toyota's 2.0-liter engine's output was higher than the rest? Case in point; the 2023 Forte's 2.0-liter engine can only pump out 147 horsepower to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. This makes the 2023 Forte noticeably slower than the Corolla, with some reviewers describing it as sluggish and hesitant. There's a GT variant with a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder that delivers 201 horsepower, coupled with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT gearbox for more performance. However, there's nothing to challenge the mighty GR Corolla.

Safety Features Comparison

You’ll find a comprehensive safety suite on the 2023 Corolla and the 2023 Forte that includes eight airbags, stability control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Going a step further, the 2023 Corolla also comes with adaptive cruise control as standard, while you have to option it on the 2023 Forte.

Find the 2023 Corolla in Ardmore, OK

The 2023 Corolla wins this Toyota vs. Kia matchup thanks to Toyota's legendary engineering, packaging, and technology, coupled with its epic reliability. So swing by Toyota of Ardmore in Ardmore, OK, and avail yourself of a test drive in a 2023 Corolla. Visit today; we’re waiting for you.