2018 Kia Forte

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: The 2018 Kia Forte is essentially unchanged after last year’s refresh. Forte is a front-wheel-drive compact car that is available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback badged Forte5. In addition to the sedan’s base 147-hp 2.0-liter four cylinder, is a 164-hp direct-injection 2.0-liter that is available for the sedan, but standard for the hatchback. Available 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 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. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and steering-linked headlights. 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