Pros: Competitive pricing; good passenger room for a compact; nicely finished interior
Cons: Engine noise under hard acceleration; real-world fuel economy doesn’t match EPA numbers
CG Says: The 2021 Kia Forte is unchanged. The Kia Forte compact sedan was redesigned for 2019. (Kia’s Forte5 4-door hatchback has been dropped.) The sporty GT has a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automated-manual transmission. All other Fortes have a 147-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is paired with a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.
The Forte’s available features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver attention monitor, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, and wireless cell-phone charging.
Overall, the 2021 Kia Forte doesn’t outshine its rivals in any key area, but it’s a pleasant car that maintains Kia’s tradition of offering an outstanding value for the dollar.
| Class | Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Nation of Manufacture | Mexico |
| Base Prices | FE: $18,855 LXS: $20,355 GT-Line: $21,455 EX: $24,055 GT: $23,385 |
| Base Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX) |
| Horsepower 147 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission CVT |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 27-31 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 37-41 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (GT) |
| Horsepower 201 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 7-speed automated-manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 25-27 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 32-35 |
