2012 Kia Forte5 Trims and Specs

The 2012 Kia Forte 5-Door EX compact hatchback receives a few minor upgrades for 2012. Kia adds a new telescopic steering column as a standard feature and offers the 5-passenger EX with a new black interior color, replacing the previous year's coffee color. In addition, the EX's optional Technology Package now includes an upgraded Supervision instrument cluster. Finally, due to engine tweaks, the 2012 EX ekes out an additional 1 mpg in the city and 1 mpg on the highway compared to the previous year, bringing fuel economy numbers for its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine to 26 mpg city/36 highway. The engine, which generates 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque, mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. An optional Fuel Economy Package, which includes such fuel-saving features as a smart alternator, electric power steering and low-resistance tires, pushes fuel economy numbers to 27/37 mpg. Standard safety features for the front-wheel-drive EX include 6 airbags, electronic stability control, traction control and 4-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

In addition to the new telescopic steering column, the EX's roomy cabin comes well-equipped with such standard features as remote keyless entry, air conditioning, a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD/MP3 player, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Cloth seats, cruise control, a 60/40-split rear seatback and power windows and door locks are among the other standard features. An optional Leather Package adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while an optional Technology Package adds a navigation system, a rear-view camera and push-button start, as well as the Supervision instrument cluster. Outside, the Forte 5-Door displays clean, smooth lines with minimal fender flares and a sleek, unadorned profile. The distinctive Kia grille, swept-back headlights and power exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals are among the standard exterior features. The 5-Door EX rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.

The 2012 Kia Forte 5-Door SX compact hatchback comes equipped with a number of standard interior features not found on the entry-level EX trim, including sport cloth upholstery with red stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a Supervision instrument cluster with red gauges, a leather-wrapped shift knob and metal-finish interior accents and pedals. A tilt/telescopic steering wheel, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control and power windows and door locks are among the other standard features. The driver's seat features 6-way manual adjustment, while the rear seatback splits 60/40 and folds flat. In addition, the SX's 6-speaker audio system includes Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD/MP3 player, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. An optional Technology Package adds a navigation system, a rear-view camera and push-button start, among other features.

For power, the SX receives an upgraded 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, compared to the EX's base 2.0-liter powerplant. The larger engine produces 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque, and links to a 6-speed automatic with a Sportmatic manual-shift feature. Fuel economy numbers for the powerplant check in at 23 mpg city/32 highway. The SX's sport-tuned suspension delivers a spirited ride, enhanced by such standard safety features as electronic stability control, traction control and 4-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, as well as 6 airbags. Outside, the SX gets a few exterior features not found on the EX, including front foglights and 17-inch alloy wheels. Other standard exterior features for the 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive SX include the distinctive Kia grille, swept-back headlights and power exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals.