The Kia Forte is offered in four different trims, FE, LXS, S and EX. Equipped with a newly optimized 2.0L inline 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine producing 147 horsepower it's not going to win many acceleration contests, yet acceleration is still reasonably brisk with this engine. It won't leave drivers feeling unsafe when trying to merge, unlike some of the other engines on offer from competitors at this price point. A first ever KIA engineered chain driven CVT transmission nets 34 mpg in combined city and highway driving (35 mpg in FE trim) making its overall fuel efficiency amongst the best in the segment. FE trim equipped vehicles give those who prefer to row their own gears an optional 6-speed manual transmission.
The Forte FE comes with a bevy of standard features, some of which people nowadays wouldn't realistically want to live without. Standard equipment includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via an 8-inch touch screen display with rear-view camera and steering-wheel mounted controls, 6-way adjustable front seats, a USB auxiliary input jack, dual 12v outlets, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, power windows and door locks and remote keyless entry. Outside, the Forte comes with automatic daytime running lights with projector beams, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a whole suite of advanced safety features.
The LXS represents a moderate step up from the FE. The LXS is distinguishable from the outside by its Black Gloss Sport bumper accents with integrated front LED fog lights, rear LED combination lighting, chrome exhaust tips, premium paint options, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, changes are negligible as the upgrades to this trim are merely skin deep.
The S offers leather wrapped around the shift knob, the steering wheel and soft-touch upper door handles, optional LED interior lighting, premium cloth seats, rear-folding armrests, additional tweeter speakers, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The top of the line EX trim is where most of Kia's advanced technology and premium features are offered. The Forte suddenly becomes a luxury car all the while maintaining a reasonable budget. The EX adds unique exterior features like chrome window molding, mirror-mounted LED turn signals with optional heating, a rear spoiler, and perimeter approach lighting. Inside UVO eServices voice Recognition and Sirius XM traffic and Radio are standard along with an extra USB port, optional Harmon Kardon 8-speaker audio system with an integrated sub-woofer, wireless phone charger, 4.2-inch LED instrument cluster, Smart Key with push-button start, and 10-way adjustable SOFINO leather seats.
Safety most definitely comes standard on all Fortes. All trims include dual-stage front, seat and curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Start Assist Control, Traction Control, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Assist Line and Driver Attention Warning. Optional Features include Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning and Parking Distance Warning-Reverse.
Stinger-inspired Styling
Expanded Outer Dimensions
Roomy Interior
Excellent Fuel Economy
Generous Standard/available Active Safety Features
The third generation Kia Forte has undergone an extensive makeover for 2019. The most noticeable of changes being its exterior dimensions. Growing two inches in length and the addition of nearly an inch of width help provide much improved cabin room for drivers and passengers alike. The Forte now bears a strong family resemblance to the newly minted Kia Stinger but is based on the existing Hyundai Elantra platform providing more rigidity and a better driving experience overall. Further proving the changes are more than skin deep A new Kia engineered chain driven CVT transmission and an Atkinson cycle ultra-fuel efficient 2.0L inline four-cylinder help push highway peak gas mileage at or above 40 mpg when configured together.
Starting at just over $18,500 the Kia Forte lives in the compact sedan category, in competition with fan favorites like the VW Jetta, the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla among others. Despite the stiff competition Kia has built a reputation for itself by offering lots of car for the money, and while their styling and sophistication continues to make strides, Kia has not abandoned this core philosophy. The Forte is several thousand dollars cheaper than a base Golf or Focus and the Corolla is similarly priced. Even the most basic Forte has all the basic features and amenities covered, along with a few bells and whistles that might surprise at this price point.
