2012 Kia Forte Trims and Specs

No, it’s not big and bold, and no, it’s not peppy and poised, but the family-oriented 2012 Kia Forte LX compact sedan totes a lot of value in its roomy cabin and 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Then there are such further standards as 15-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, a 6-position driver’s seat, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and split-folding rear seatbacks.

Standard techno-features include a single-CD player with 4 speakers, satellite radio, auxiliary iPod integration and a USB connection, while Bluetooth hands-free communications remain a surprising standard item.

Options for the 2012 Forte LX, meantime, include a rear spoiler, carpeted floor mats, various trunk organizers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass and a universal remote garage door opener.

Powering this little 4-door is the standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that mates with the delivered 6-speed manual transmission for 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, a 6-speed shiftable automatic that most reviewers laud as particularly well-matched to the four-banger is also available with the base LX trim. With variable-valve-timing (VVT), this economical I4 gets an estimated 25 mpg city/34 highway with the standard 6-speed stick-shift and 26/36 with the available automatic.

Standard safety features aboard Kia’s 2012 Forte LX include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection.

As the midlevel trim in Kia’s 2012 Forte lineup, the Forte EX sports a slew of standard features, not to mention a hefty 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Additionally, look for standard 15-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, split-folding rear seats, full power accessories, including heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, cruise control, front and rear floor mats and, new for 2012, telescoping tilt-wheel steering.

Entertainment is presented via a single-CD player with 6 speakers, auxiliary iPod integration, satellite radio and a USB port, with Bluetooth hands-free calling also delivered as standard equipment.

Options for the 2012 Forte EX include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass and a universal remote garage door opener, as well as carpeted floor mats, a rear spoiler and various trunk organizers.

The available Technology Package, meantime, includes push-button start, a navigation system, a rear-view camera, automatic climate control in front, and, also new for 2012, the Supervision data-screen gauge cluster. A Premium Package that’s also available to the EX includes a power sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels, while this midlevel trim additionally remains eligible for the Fuel Economy Package boasting electric power steering, low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic styling enhancements. Remote engine start, finally, is offered as a standalone option, as is a rear deck spoiler.

Standard power for the 2012 Forte EX is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine. Mated with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, this compact 4-door boasts 156 hp and 144 lb-ft or torque. Mileage, meanwhile, is estimated at 26 mpg city/36 highway with the standard configuration and 27/37 when equipped with the available Fuel Economy Package.

Notable standard safety features aboard the 2012 Forte EX remain 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Further standard safety items include turn-signal-integrated mirrors and front fog/driving lights, with LED daytime running lights again an available safety option.

Look for a sport-tuned suspension, not to mention a beefier 4-cylinder powerplant and a bunch of extra amenities in Kia’s flagship 2012 Forte SX compact sedan. Like its siblings, this 5-place family car can tote 14.7 cubic feet of cargo in its surprisingly spacious trunk and offers pleasant accommodations at least in the front seats of its feature-laden cabin.

Standard 17-inch alloy wheels and heated power-adjustable mirrors adorn the outside of this sporty 4-door, while premium cloth upholstery, split-folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls, and leather and simulated alloy accents grace this top-shelf trim’s interior. Of course air conditioning is also delivered with the sport-oriented SX, as are standard telescoping tilt-wheel steering, full power accessories, front and rear floor mats, and a trip computer.

Entertainment is presented via a single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio, auxiliary iPod interface and a USB connection, while standard Bluetooth hands-free communications keeps everyone in touch.

Options in the top-shelf 2012 Forte SX include the SX Technology Package, with a navigation suite, Smart Key push-button start, a rear-view camera and front automatic climate control. The available Leather Package, meanwhile, offers leather-trimmed upholstery, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and heated front seats, with remote engine start, various trunk organizers and a universal remote garage door opener also remaining available in a number of combinations and configurations. Finally, a power sunroof and/ or a rear deck spoiler can be delivered as standalone options.

Powering the flagship Forte SX is a peppy and economical variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that mates with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission (with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters) for 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. Look for an estimated 23 mpg city/32 highway from this beefed-up four-banger.

Noteworthy standard safety features, finally, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Also helping out, safety-wise, are standard turn-signal-integrated mirrors and front fog/driving lights, while LED daytime driving lights are optional.