2022 Kia Forte

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 2022 Kia Forte has refreshed styling and an available 10.25-inch control screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is now standard with the 8-inch control screen. Newly available are safe exit warning, navigation-aided smart cruise, and semi-autonomous driving assist. Lane-following assist is now standard. A 6-speed manual transmission is no longer available with the base 2.0-liter engine. 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 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.