2015 Kia Forte Sedan

Pros: Well-designed infotainment features; decent ride and handling balance; Koup offers a true 2-door coupe body style that is rare for the class; Forte5 delivers enhanced cargo versatility with a unique sporty character

Cons: Headroom is stingy on Forte Koup; middling acceleration in non-SX models; some desirable options are available only in expensive packages

CG Says: After its redesign for 2014, Kia’s compact-car lineup sees no significant changes for 2015, save for improved EPA fuel-economy estimates for the sedan’s base 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission. The Forte features excellent passenger and cargo accommodations and plenty of features for the money—including some rare-for-the-class options such as a heated steering wheel, ventilated driver’s seat, and heated rear seats. The availability of a coupe (called Koup) and 4-door hatchback (called Forte5) body styles provide additional choice too. The Koup and Forte5 offer different, more-powerful standard engines and a sporty trim level that is not available on the sedan. Regardless of body style, the 2015 Forte lineup is competitive with most rivals for refinement, ride/handling balance, and interior quality, while still outpointing some competitors for features-per-dollar value. The sedan-only LX trim level is attractively priced and comes with most everything you need. Still, we suspect most buyers will opt for the EX despite its $2,000 price premium, if only to access available features like a sunroof, leather trim, heated seats, and the UVO eServices info/assistance app. SX trim adds a sportier vibe, but it’s restricted to Koups and Forte5s. But LX, EX, or SX, the Forte rates as a solid, practical compact car that’s certainly compelling, enhanced by Kia’s long warranty.

The Facts
Class Compact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback, 2-door coupe
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Kia
Nation of Manufacture South Korea
Base Prices LX Sedan: $15,890
EX Sedan: $19,390
EX Coupe: $18,590
EX Hatchback: $19,690
SX Coupe: $20,590
SX Hatchback: $20,890

Base Engine
1.8-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
145
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
25-26
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
37-39

Optional Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
173
Std. Transmission
6-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
6-speed manual (Koup only)
EPA City Range (mpg)
24-25
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
33-34

Optional Engine
turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
201
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
21-22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
29-30

2014 Kia Forte Koup
2015 Kia Forte Koup
2014 Kia Forte 5
2015 Kia Forte5
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