How Good Is the Kia Forte? Yes, the Kia Forte is an excellent small car. Its rear seats and trunk are surprisingly spacious. Both the cabin and the entertainment system are well-built and simple to use.
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Is a Kia Forte a hatchback or a sedan?
In addition to the hatchback (Forte5), the 2018 Kia Forte is also offered as a sedan in LX, S, and EX trim levels. The EX trim comes with more features than the standard LX trim, which is moderately equipped.
Which issues might a Kia Forte have?
What Issues Are Related to Owning a 2020 Kia Forte? Owners complain of broken door locks, failing airbags on the driver’s side, and gearbox issues like shift slippage and difficulty accelerating. The anti-theft system in the Kia Forte has received a lot of flak for its shortcomings.
A Kia Forte is a sporty car, right?
In recent years, the average price of a new automobile transaction has increased more than ever, making it more difficult than ever to purchase a brand-new vehicle that is also enjoyable to drive. Fortunately, Kia disproves that idea with the Forte GT, the company’s high-performance version of the tiny sedan.
The Forte GT is a member of Kia’s lineup of GT vehicles, which are the company’s sportiest automobiles. With 18-inch alloy wheels, a firmer sport suspension, a performance exhaust system, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 and 195 lb-ft of torque, Kia equips the Forte GT. When cold started, the dual-exit arrangement is shockingly loud, which we predict will appeal to buyers searching for a compact with more personality than the standard Forte. The vehicle we drove had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but for $1,000 more, Kia also sells a GT Manual grade that includes a six-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires.
How Does It Drive?
The Forte GT feels feisty off the line when you gun the pedal because there is a lot of torque steer available. It will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is precisely the time required for its segment. Even when every seat is occupied by grownups on the motorway, there is still an abundance of power available when needed. The transmission offers crisp, quick shifts when the power is applied steadily. The dual clutch gearbox’s flaws are, however, exposed in slow moving traffic or on streets with frequent stop signs. Following an acceleration, it has a propensity to buck under braking and has a tendency to hesitate in reverse.
The transmission was at its best when we tested the Forte GT in the canyons. It revs out to redline with smooth throttle inputs and makes sharp upshifts. Under braking, it switches down anticipatorily. By using the paddle shifters, the driver is more actively involved and has more influence over the dual-clutch transmission’s operation.
The Forte GT is able to play well when cornering enthusiastically. The small vehicle maintains its grip in the corners despite having all-season tires. This was corroborated by our instrumented testing, which showed that the Forte GT performed better than average for compact cars fitted with equivalent tires, pulling an average of 0.87 g on our skidpad.
Three drive mode options are available for the Forte GT: Comfort, Smart, and Sport. While switching to Sport increases steering weight and awakens the motor, Comfort provides the most comfortable steering feel and throttle responsiveness. The Forte GT, according to Road Test Editor Chris Walton, offers “talkative handling and good balance on the skidpad.” The transmission isn’t nearly sophisticated enough to downshift and retain a gear on the skidpad even in Sport mode, he added in a separate comment.
The Kia Forte GT stopped steadily from 60 to 0 mph in 122 feet during our instrumented testing. It provides a good bite and feel to the brake pedal, enabling the driver to modulate the brake pedal smoothly. The Kia Forte GT’s tail end showed a tendency to skid out under severe braking into a corner at the track, but this adds to its eagerness and liveliness on twisting roads. Because of the sedan’s open communication style, it’s simple to get into a routine and navigate tricky terrain with confidence.
The Forte GT performs well on winding roads and poorly in heavy traffic. In stop-and-go traffic, the dual-clutch transmission struggles, and the harsh suspension shakes passengers as the vehicle crosses bumpy or uneven terrain. When purchasing a Forte GT, prospective purchasers should keep this in mind because most people probably won’t want to put up with its non-adaptive sport-tuned suspension arrangement.
Are Features the Forte’s Forte?
Metal pedal covers, contrast stitching, and a comfortable-to-hold leather-wrapped steering wheel are all advantages of the Forte GT. Even though the current generation of the Forte GT was introduced for the 2018 model year, its inside has already begun to seem obsolete. The majority of the surfaces are made of hard plastic, however the door cards and armrests have soft padding. With cleaner, more attractive cabins, a large portion of the competitors has surpassed the Forte’s interior design.
The GT2 package from Kia costs $2,200 and adds a number of practical, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable improvements that significantly improve the cabin’s appearance. In addition to having an electric parking brake, auto-hold brakes, heated and ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting, rear parking sensors, a power sunroof, a premium Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio system, synthetic leather seats with GT logos, highway driving assistance, and forward collision avoidance assist with cyclist detection, our GT2-equipped test car also had these features. It’s important to note that this item cannot be added to the Forte GT Manual model.
A 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, keyless entry and push-button ignition, dual climate control, and fully LED exterior lighting are standard on every Forte GT. We particularly liked using the remote start function on the Forte GT to hear the exhaust start up from the outside. It has a lot of features, especially when compared to its compact sedan class rivals with less sporty starting prices of $24,515.
Is the Forte GT Right for Me?
The 2022 Kia Forte GT’s base price is $26,870, which is around $1,500 less than its closest competition, the 2022 Honda Civic Si (manual only). As a result, the Kia presents a compelling case for itself with a wealth of feature options and enough sportiness to excite on winding roads. However, paying more for the Honda might be worthwhile for those who intend to use their vehicle primarily for recreational purposes, particularly since the Civic Si makes use of a standard limited-slip front differential.
The Forte GT isn’t the most extreme sports sedan, but it can be fun to drive enthusiastically and is loaded with enough technology to function as a well-equipped daily driver. However, given its cheap beginning price and continued affordability even after adding the GT2 package with its wealth of features, car lovers with a desire for more are free to purchase their own summer tires if they wish to make their vehicle even more capable. Kudos to Kia for preserving the dream of an inexpensive sport sedan.
Is the Kia Forte a moderate or compact vehicle?
Yes, the Kia Forte is an excellent small car. Its rear seats and trunk are surprisingly spacious. Both the cabin and the entertainment system are well-built and simple to use. The estimated fuel efficiency for this vehicle is outstanding.
Kia Optima or Forte, which is larger?
The Kia Optima is more roomy than the Kia Forte because it is a midsize sedan as opposed to a compact sedan. However, you might be taken aback by how spacious the Forte’s interior is: Capacity for 5 passengers (both models) The Optima and Forte both have cargo capacities of 15.9 and 15.3 cubic feet, respectively.
How long is the Kia Forte’s lifespan?
The Kia Forte may survive for many years and miles with routine oil changes and manufacturer maintenance. Currently, there are Forte models with more than 100,000 and even over 200,000 miles on them on the road! Take good care of your Kia vehicle to reap the benefits.
Drivers in Cleveland, Lorain, and Sheffield Lake, Ohio, may learn more about the Forte’s dependability by visiting Montrose Kia. Let’s get into the specifics now! Set up a test drive right away.
Which Kia Forte year is the most dependable?
The 2016 Kia Forte is the one to buy if reliability is important to you and you’re looking for a new car. The 2016 Kia Forte was sold in 103,292 units with only 75 complaints and one NHTSA recall. Additionally, this vehicle received a five-star rating for overall safety.
The 2016 Kia Forte has a J.D. Power consumer rating of 85 out of 100, placing it third in the class, and is one of the few model years without an NHTSA investigation “2016’s top compact car category.
In addition to fixing previous issues, government crash tests gave the 2016 Kia Forte (sedan) a five-star rating (out of five), scoring four stars for overall frontal-impact protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection.
The Forte received the highest rating possible from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the moderate frontal overlap frontal-offset impact test: “Good. The side-impact, roof strength, head restraints, and seat ratings were all equal.
Is the Kia Forte a bad car?
The Kia Forte’s overall reliability score is 55.8, which is not very reliable. The exact rankings of this car in relation to various other cars are shown in the chart below, however as a point of reference, the average overall rating is 57.
This information is based on a combination of looking at the cost and frequency of maintenance, warranty coverage, and long-term reliability by looking at how long these vehicles are normally kept on the road. Remember that not just compact or subcompact vehicles in the same class as the Kia Forte are included in this comparison; all automobiles are.
You may notice that these numbers differ significantly from those in J.D. Power or Consumer Reports. Most publications look at complaints made to the dealership within the first few months of ownership (like JD Power) or solicit biased feedback from owners regarding longer-term cycles of their new cars. Instead, this study examines data from wholesale auctions and repair businesses on actual repair prices and frequency.
Does a Kia Forte handle snow well?
The 2020 Kia Forte showcases Kia’s development as an automobile company. The 2017 Forte is an economical small sedan, but it doesn’t feel that way at all. You’ll enjoy the superb construction of this car. Additionally, this year’s performance has substantially increased. But should you invest in a brand-new 2020 Kia Forte? Let’s investigate.
Kia has revamped the Forte portfolio with the addition of a more potent GT model to help compete with rivals like the Honda Civic. Additionally, a sporty-looking GT Line trim is now available. The S trim from last year has been dropped for 2020.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Kia ForteThe Pros
Adding Value with a Super Warranty Package
The Forte’s excellent value appeals to many prospective car buyers. The Forte has one of the best warranties in America in addition to being very reasonably priced. The powertrain of the sedan is covered by Kia for 100,000 miles. It follows that you won’t have to worry about shelling out money to have a bad engine or transmission replaced. In addition, you’ll get a bumper-to-bumper warranty for 60,000 miles. Few vehicles in the segment offer as much buyer protection as this one.
2. Is Capable of Getting Good Gas Mileage
The Forte’s base four-cylinder engine is powerful enough to do the task at hand, producing a combined 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. But the emphasis is largely on improving fuel economy. The base Forte FE achieves respectable mileage ratings of 31 mpg in the city and up to 41 mpg on the highway thanks to an optional continuously variable gearbox. Although choosing a manual transmission for the Forte means giving up some efficiency, you’ll still get good gas mileage.
3. New GT Model Provides More Fun While Driving
The standard four-cylinder engine’s performance is only passably good. Kia has created a brand-new GT model to better satiate drivers with a thirst for speed. The performance bar has been raised with the 2020 Kia Forte GT. It has a significantly more powerful turbocharged engine that is capable of producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. As promised, the Forte GT accelerates significantly more quickly. A better suspension encourages tighter handling in the meanwhile.
4. The Sportier Design of the New GT Line Trim
Check out the new GT Line trim if you don’t want the turbocharged engine in the Forte GT’s more potent version. It looks athletic and attracts a lot of attention on the road. The Forte GT has a distinctive appearance thanks in part to a gloss-black grille with red accents. Also noticeable are the 17-inch performance wheels on the sedan. This trim features a few race-inspired details inside. The GT trim has a dynamic atmosphere thanks in part to the sport alloy pedals and black sport seats.
5. Quite Comfy Car to Drive
You’ll most likely use it for commuting, like the majority of people shopping for a new compact car. The 2020 Kia Forte, thankfully, provides a good level of comfort. The front seats of this automobile are extremely comfortable. You may remain more comfy all day long with additional padding. A power-adjustable driver’s seat with heating and cooling is available on higher model levels. The new Forte is excellent for commuting, but you’ll also like taking lengthy road trips in it.
6. A well-designed, high-quality interior
Cheap economy automobiles used to come at a significant cost to quality. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore. The inside of the 2020 Kia Forte is superbly constructed. The different inside materials look and feel good. A testament to its sturdy build is the fact that this vehicle is also among the quietest in its category. On rough surfaces, you might hear some road noise, but it’s not too horrible. The Forte is a good option because of its simple-to-use interior controls.
7. Obtainable Standard Equipment in Large Quantities
The base 2020 Kia Forte is a fantastic deal with a cheap starting price of less than $18,000. Fortunately, if you choose the standard model, you won’t have to sacrifice any well-liked features. One of your favorite features will probably be Kia’s standard UVO infotainment system. Large 8.0-inch touchscreen with full smartphone support is offered. Most rivals don’t come equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control. Also included are automated headlights.
8. Active safety features aren’t more expensive than standard ones.
The 2020 Kia Forte includes a number of excellent safety features as standard equipment, just like competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. You’ll especially value the sedan’s automated emergency braking system when traveling through congested areas. It is very good at foreseeing probable collisions. Lane-keep assist will assist you in keeping your attention on the road and preventing you from veering into oncoming traffic. Parking becomes a less complicated process with a backup camera.
9. Investing in a Harman Kardon sound system is worthwhile
The 2020 Kia Forte comes standard with a four-speaker radio. The majority of music lovers will think it’s rather meh. Upgrade to the Forte’s optional Harman Kardon premium audio system for a noticeably superior audio experience. Your drive should be more enjoyable as a result. Eight speakers receive power from a 320-watt amplifier. You’ll enjoy the system’s crystal-clear sound quality when playing music loudly. Also present is a substantial quantity of bass.
10. There Are Some Lovely Upgrades Available
The 2020 Kia Forte can improve your enjoyment of driving. There are some great enhancements available. You can navigate to unexpected regions with the aid of a voice-activated navigation system. While in congested areas, accessible pedestrian detection gives you added security. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a hands-free smart trunk are other worthwhile choices.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Kia ForteThe Cons
1. Could be insufficient in size for some families
A family automobile can be used with the new Forte. Assure that there is adequate space for everyone to ride comfortably, nonetheless. Taller people may want extra room for their knees in the backseat. On extended car trips, interior space becomes an even bigger concern. If passenger capacity is a concern for you, think considering upgrading to the midsize Kia Optima.
2. Might Become Trapped In Snow
The front-wheel-drive arrangement on the Forte won’t cause many people any problems. This vehicle ought to handle well in wet conditions. Snow, however, will probably cause some traction problems. You’re much more likely to get bogged in deep snow with the Forte because to its low ground clearance. All-wheel drive will probably be necessary for people who live in a cold-weather state. One of the class’ top winter vehicles is the Subaru Impreza with AWD.
3. Has a stiffer ride than usual
Don’t anticipate the 2020 Kia Forte to have the smoothest ride when you test drive one. Kia modified its stock suspension to be a little stiffer than usual. Be prepared to experience some bumps when driving on damaged pavement. The Honda Civic sedan is probably going to perform more smoothly.
4. Some Performance is Lost with Base Engine
The base engine is powerful enough to drive on a daily basis. The Forte will reach 60 mph after starting from a stop in just 8.7 seconds. The majority of drivers ought to find this fast enough. The performance of the standard engine, though, won’t wow hardcore auto aficionados. In the end, they’ll desire the thrilling Forte GT.
The Kia Forte’s main opponent is probably the 2020 Honda Civic. It performs well in important categories including comfort and enjoyable driving. Honda’s warranty coverage, however, is not even close to being as good. Additionally, you’ll see that the anticipated reliability rating for the Honda Civic is lower.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza will appeal to many motorists, particularly those who reside in areas that frequently see snow. It is one of the few vehicles in its class to include an advanced AWD system as standard equipment. However, the 2020 Kia Forte GT’s turbocharged engine outperforms the Impreza in many ways. The Impreza’s prices are likewise a little bit more.
The revamped Corolla has undergone significant modifications from Toyota. Even though the Corolla’s engine has been strengthened, it still produces less power than the Forte’s recently introduced turbo engine. The new Corolla is also at a disadvantage because of its shorter warranty.
After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the Forte, it becomes evident that this small sedan is a fantastic choice. The 2020 Kia Forte is a dependable, cost-effective, and stylish vehicle. It only has a few significant flaws. Although the Forte’s absence of an AWD system cannot be overcome, upgrading to the potent GT model will satiate your desire for additional performance.
The new Forte offers a rather opulent ride if you don’t mind forking out a bit extra cash. A premium sound system and ventilated seats are among the niceties offered with this vehicle.