Overview
Slotting between the Kia Rio mini-car and mid-size K5 household sedan, the 2023 Forte sedan makes a speciality of worth and moderation. Frugality is its most vital character trait. It has hints of sportiness however doesn’t thrill when pushed on the restrict even in its sportiest GT kind. It has good-looking design parts however isn’t drop-dead attractive. It has ample engine choices—with as much as 201 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.6-liter in-line 4—although it’s removed from a hot-rod. It provides loads of security tech, however nothing we’d cite as progressive. The Forte is akin to a reasonable cup of convenience-store espresso that may very well be higher however may be a complete lot worse. The Forte isn’t remotely rowdy like its Hyundai Elantra N cousin however it’s thrifty, respectably succesful, acceptably comfy and—most vital—a extremely whole lot.
What’s New for 2023?
After an invigorating refresh for 2022, the Kia Forte is a carry-over model for 2023 however for the deletion of the GT Expertise Bundle possibility. The package deal included FCA Fusion–a medley of driver-assist tech–and that is now normal gear on Forte GT fashions outfitted with the no-cost dual-clutch computerized transmission.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
Our selection is the extra highly effective and sportier GT model, which ditches the Forte’s normal constantly variable computerized transmission (CVT) for both a seven-speed twin clutch or a six-speed handbook. We might go for the stick shift for its added driver engagement though it’s $700 dearer than the DCT. Not many extras are mandatory since, along with its 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder—which supplies a lot faster acceleration–the Forte GT comes with a bunch of engaging extras, together with 18-inch wheels, sport seats, ambient inside lighting, and a wi-fi smartphone charging pad.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
The Forte compact sedan provides two totally different engine choices: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 201 horsepower. The two.0-liter felt sluggish once we examined it, and the constantly variable computerized transmission (CVT) did not assist. The non-turbocharged engine required 8.2 seconds to inspire the Forte to 60 mph at our check observe—notably slower than the Mazda 3, which obtained there in 7.0 seconds. The non-obligatory 201-hp turbocharged engine, nonetheless, strikes the Forte nearer to the efficiency of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Civic Si. At our check observe, a handbook transmission-equipped GT check automotive managed a 6.7-second run to 60 mph, barely off the tempo of these two memorable performers. The Forte provides a snug and steady journey, however its dealing with is not as thrilling as its Stinger-inspired exterior styling would counsel, even within the sportier GT model. Actually, when hustling the Forte in a current comparability check towards the Civic Si and the Jetta GLI, we discovered ourselves working tougher within the Forte to maintain up with the remainder of the pack.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The Kia Forte, particularly these outfitted with the much less highly effective engine and computerized transmission, will preserve drivers cruising previous fuel stations with an EPA freeway ranking of 41 mpg and a mixed gas financial system ranking of 34 mpg. Should you go for the turbocharged GT with the handbook transmission, the mixed gas financial system drops to 26 mpg. Throughout testing of a 2020 Forte GT handbook we noticed 27 mixed mpg–somewhat higher than the EPA ranking–and 37 mpg in our 200-mile freeway fuel-economy check, which is a part of our in depth testing routine. For extra details about the Forte’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
The inside of this automotive impressed us with its minimalist design and high-quality supplies. The again seat is spacious sufficient for 2 adults to be comfy, and lengthy street journeys within the Forte might be made with out criticism. The bottom model provides all the fundamental facilities, however issues get extra nice as you’re employed up by the assorted fashions. Twin-zone computerized local weather management is non-obligatory, for instance, as are heated and ventilated entrance seats. With all of the seats up, the Forte match seven carry-on baggage, yet another than each of its key rivals, the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2022 Forte is a steal given its out there know-how. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is normal however GT-Line and GT trims include a bigger 10.3-inch show with in-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio. All fashions include a secondary 4.2-inch colour show between the gauges, and a wi-fi smartphone charging pad is an possibility.
Security and Driver-Help Options
Kia provides a handful of ordinary and non-obligatory driver-assistance options, together with an non-obligatory adaptive cruise management characteristic that makes use of navigation to foretell upcoming curves within the street and slows the automotive’s pace in preparation for the turns. For extra details about the Forte’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Customary forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
- Customary lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
- Out there adaptive cruise management with lane-following help
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Kia’s powertrain guarantee units it aside from most different producers, with most fashions providing simply 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. The Forte and the Elantra—from its company sibling, Hyundai—are the one compact automobiles that provide this a lot normal protection.
- Restricted guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
Specs:
2019 Kia Forte EX
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED: $23,180 (base value: $22,885)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port gas injection
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1999 cc
Energy: 147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: constantly variable computerized with handbook shifting mode
CHASSIS:
Suspension (F/R): struts/torsion beam
Brakes (F/R): 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Kumho Majesty Solus, 225/45R-17 91W M+S
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Size: 182.7 in
Width: 70.9 in
Peak: 56.5 in
Passenger quantity: 96 cu ft
Cargo quantity: 15 cu ft
Curb weight: 2897 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 8.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 22.3 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 41.9 sec
Rolling begin, 5–60 mph: 8.3 sec
Prime gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Prime gear, 50–70 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.4 sec @ 87 mph
Prime pace (governor restricted): 123 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 173 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY:
Noticed: 34 mpg
75-mph freeway driving: 41 mpg
Freeway vary: 570 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Mixed/metropolis/freeway: 34/30/40 mpg
Extra Options and Specs