Pros: Well-designed infotainment features; decent ride and handling balance; Forte5 delivers enhanced cargo versatility with a unique sporty character
Cons: Middling acceleration in non-SX models; some desirable options are available only in expensive packages
CG Says: Kia Forte has revised styling and a new base engine for 2017. The Forte sedan’s previous 145-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is replaced by a 147-hp 2.0-liter four. The sedan also adds a new sporty S trim that is priced between base LX and top-level EX. Newly available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and steering-linked headlights. Forte is a front-wheel-drive compact car that is available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback badged Forte5. The Forte Koup (coupe) has been discontinued. In addition to the sedan’s base 147-hp 2.0-liter four cylinder, is a direct-injection 2.0-liter that is optional for the sedan, but standard for the hatchback. This year, horsepower for that engine drops from 173 to 164. Optional on the hatchback is a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The 147-hp 2.0-liter is available with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered with 164-hp 2.0-liter. The turbo 1.6-liter offers a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed automated-manual 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 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 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 hefty price premium, if only to access available features like a sunroof, leather trim, heated seats, and the UVO eServices info/assistance app. Forte rates as a solid, practical compact car that’s certainly compelling, enhanced by Kia’s long warranty.
| Class | Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Nation of Manufacture | South Korea |
| Base Prices | LX sedan: $16,600 LX hatchback: $18,200 S sedan: $19,300 EX sedan: $21,300 EX hatchback: $22,100 SX hatchback: $26,000 |
| Base Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (LX, S) |
| Horsepower 147 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 25-29 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 34-38 |
| Optional Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EX) |
| Horsepower 164 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 33-34 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (SX) |
| Horsepower 201 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 7-speed automated-manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 23-25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-30 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
