2013 Kia Forte Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$15,400 to $19,300

Original MSRP

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expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(2 reviews)
2013 Kia Forte Preview summaryImage

We were all excited about a redesign, too, but sorry—the only things redesigned on the 2013 Forte are the Kia badge and wheels options. As a condolence prize, you also get power folding outside mirrors standard for all but the base LX and some LED daytime running lights, if you like, but at earliest U.S. markets might get into that rumored redesign as a half-year debut. Kia tends to spring that sort of thing, so if you like the 2012 style of this 4-door compact better, here's your probably short-lived last chance to catch a fresh batch.

The rumored redesign is a space-age leap by comparison to the present Kia Forte, which sports a more '90s appeal most evident in its bumpers and skirts. Few photos of the Forte's new body have made their way into public hands, but what amounts to sketches at this point indicate a new face much more like that of the present Hyundai Elantra. Sleekly streaming lines replace the '90s-reminiscent beveled belt line, with a raked-in roof and considerably more aggressive cues for a sexily sporting look without being overblown.

If this redesign makes it to U.S. markets as a 2013-and-a-half, the added power folding mirrors and LED light options for this first segment of the 2013 release are likely to stick around. However, if this 2013 should turn out to be a last hurrah before a 2014 debut, don't expect these extra amenities in a redesigned 2014. Kia is known to keep the value going, but it isn't uncommon for makers to exclude pricey specials in the premier of a new edition. That said, these features could then make a comeback for 2015 if you don't mind waiting.

The familiar 3 trims return for 2013, from the base LX to the midlevel EX and top-shelf SX, but whether they will endure as such through the redesign is anyone's guess at this point. All but the Forte LX sedan get power-folding outside mirrors for 2013, without even so much as an option for it in the LX. The top-shelf SX gets new LED running lights standard, and the EX can opt for them, but again the LX is left out of the new stock of gifts entirely. 

Although every Forte from LX sedan to 5-Door and Koup now gets a washer-fluid warning light standard, we can only say whoopdeedoo. One less paper towel used at the usual gas station check-up. If you're into the 2013 Kia Forte LX, the only new spice available on that rack is purely cosmetic. Like the EX and SX Forte sedans, the LX likewise gains a new 1-inch-bigger steel wheel option between the standard 15-inch covered steels and optional 16-inch alloys, and the choice of Crimson Red or Metallic Bronze over last year's Spicy Red and Metal Bronze.

Power isn't a problem for the light Forte's 2 engine choices. The SX fetches the bigger 173-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, and lesser trims get the 156-hp 2-liter by default, every one but the SX using either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, all driving power to the front wheels. The SX uses a 6-speed auto-manual for a 2 mpg loss from the LX's 25 mpg city/34 highway economy with the manual, the EX being most efficient of the bunch at 26/36 with its default basic automatic. Pep is a big plus according to drivers, but it's not exactly the serene ride you would find in, say, other new cars twice the price.

Patricia Mayo
Published May 31, 2022 by Patricia Mayo
Your prototypical "Tom Girl" Patricia got her start digging into Ford engines before she aged into double digits. Gifted with a mechanical mind, her favorite pass-time in the summer is picking up a fixer-up'r at the local public auction and massaging its every ailment until it's primed for a new lover. From dirt bikes to land yachts, every partner offers something truly special in her love affair with the road - just don't tell her husband.

User reviews for 2013 Kia Forte

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 03, 2020
In general it’s a good car, with minor flaws and I found it at a good price Sep 03, 2020
by Martin M
Nov 27, 2012
Comparing the Forte to its competitors, it is a standout! I like the Forte's looks inside and out and for the trim level it is not a bad value. I wish Kia would make power windows and door locks standard, along with alloy rims, and cruise control. Other than those slight gripes, I think I made the right choice and would definitely recommend the car to friends, family, and anyone else for that matter. Now that I know the 2014 Forte comes with all that standard!Nov 27, 2012

2013 Kia Forte Pricing

Original MSRP
$15,400 to $19,300
Price range
$5,966 to $6,295
Average price on CG
$6,178
YoY price change
$6,295 to $6,178

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.33

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (3)