Kia Forte 4-Door EX 1.6 AT (2015) vs Suzuki Vitara GL+ (2018)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Kia Forte 4-Door EX 1.6 AT (2015) vs Suzuki Vitara GL+ (2018) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Kia Forte 4-Door EX 1.6 AT (2015) Kia ₱965,000 | Suzuki Vitara GL+ (2018) Suzuki ₱988,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2015 | 2018 |
| Warranty | 160,000km/5-years | 100,000 km/3-years |
| Availability | Discontinued | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1591cc | 1586cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated, D-CVVT | Naturally Aspirated, VVT |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| Max Power | 130 PS @ 6300 rpm | 115 PS @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 157 Nm @ 4850 rpm | 156 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed A/T | 6-speed A/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Segment | C | J |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 2+3 |
| Length (mm) | 4560 | 4175 |
| Width (mm) | 1780 | 1775 |
| Height (mm) | 1445 | 1610 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2700 | 2500 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1192 | 1120 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 47 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson w/ Coil Spring | MacPherson Strut, Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | CoupledTorsion Beam | Torsion Beam with Coil spring |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 16 Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 16 Alloy |
| Front Tires | 205/55 R16 | 215/60 R16 |
| Rear Tires | 205/55 R16 | 215/60 R16 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Steering Type | Hydraulic | EPS |
| Steering Column | Tilt | Tilt & Telescopic |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | No | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | No | Yes |
| Stability Control | No | Yes |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | No | Yes |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | keyless | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control | Auto Climate Control System |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | Yes |
| Seat Material | Fabric | Leather |
| Parking Brake | Manual | Manual |
| Key Type | Comfort Access Key | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | Yes |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Headlights | Yes | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Navigation | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | Yes |
| iPod Support | Yes | Yes |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 4 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes | No |
Kia Forte 4-Door EX 1.6 AT (2015) vs Suzuki Vitara GL+ (2018): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer looking for a reliable and practical car with good fuel economy, the Kia Forte EX seems to be the better choice despite being discontinued. The Forte offers more power and torque compared to the Suzuki Vitara, making it suitable for those who need a bit more performance without compromising on comfort and efficiency. However, if budget is a major concern, the Suzuki Vitara GL+ might be a wiser pick given its current availability and slightly lower price point.
Frequently asked questions
Which car has better fuel economy?
The Kia Forte EX has not been updated with specific fuel economy figures, but it generally offers better fuel efficiency compared to the Suzuki Vitara due to its inline-4 engine and FWD drivetrain.
Which car is more powerful?
The Kia Forte EX comes with 130 PS of power at 6300 rpm, while the Suzuki Vitara GL+ has 115 PS at 6000 rpm. The Kia Forte EX is more powerful and suitable for those who need a bit more performance.
Which car offers better daily commuting experience?
The Kia Forte EX with its FWD drivetrain, longer length (4560 mm) compared to the Suzuki Vitara (4175 mm), and 2+3 seating capacity might offer a slightly better daily commuting experience due to more space for passengers.
Which car is cheaper?
The Suzuki Vitara GL+ is currently available at ₱988,000 compared to the discontinued Kia Forte EX which was priced at ₱965,000. However, the Forte's power and features might justify its slightly higher price.