2021 Kia Forte Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$17,890 to $23,090

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(13 reviews)
2021 Kia Forte Preview summaryImage

The Kia Forte was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, and it carries over into 2021 largely unchanged.

With its five available trims, Kia’s compact sedan really spans the range from economy to enthusiast vehicle. The base trim, FE, is shortest on frills but most affordable. LXS is a little more refined and adds some creature comforts. The GT-Line model gets sportier and gains some premium features, EX is the highest-end version in terms of luxury appointments, and GT is the real driver’s car.

The Kia Forte lineup comprises two different engines: a 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque is standard on FE, LXS, GT-Line, and EX trims, while a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque is standard on the top-of-the-line, performance-focused GT trim. Engine upgrades are not available for 2021.

Kia acknowledges the dichotomy of the stick-shift by making the 6-speed manual transmission standard on the FE, for cost savings, and optional on the GT, for a sporty driving experience. (Standard for the GT is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which is only available for this trim.) Kia’s i-VT continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on LXS, GT-Line, and EX trims, and it’s an available upgrade for FE.

Each Kia Forte trim has a dedicated wheel style. While every other trim gets alloy wheels, the base FE gets 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, no doubt as a further cost-saving measure. LXS Fortes get 16-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, GT-Line models’ wheels are 17 inches with a graphite finish, EXS trims’ are 17 inches with a machine finish, and GT trims’ are 18 inches with a machine-finish.

Variations continue inside. FE and LXS trims get cloth seats, while Kia adds leatherette side bolsters and contrast stitching for GT-Line and EXS. Forte GTs get artificial leather seats. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support is optional on GT-Line and GT and standard on EX. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on EX and optional on GT. FE does not get the 60/40-split folding rear seats, but every other trim does. Dual-zone climate control is standard on the EX trim only.

The gearshift knob in the sportier GT-Line and GT trims is leather-wrapped, an upgrade over the PVC version found in other trims. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard in the top three trims, and for GT and GT-Line, it is sportily styled with a flat bottom.

An 8-inch touchscreen display with rear-view camera is standard in all Kia Fortes. A version that includes satellite radio and Kia’s UVO infotainment system is optional on GT-Line and standard on GT, and a version with HD Radio and Kia’s top-of-the-line UVO Link system, which includes navigation, is standard on EX. A 4-speaker sound system is standard on FE and LXS while a 6-speaker system is standard on GT-Line and up. An 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system is available as an optional upgrade for GT-Line and up.

Forward-collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning are all standard on every 2021 Kia Forte. Lane-change assist, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning are standard on GT-Line trims and up (though some features are not compatible with the manual transmission that can be optioned on the GT trim). High-beam assist is standard for GT-Line, and parking distance warning – reverse, and smart cruise control are available options for that trim only.

The 2021 Kia Forte FE starts at $17,890. The LXS is priced from $19,390, GT-Line from $20,490, and EX from $23,090, and the range-topping Kia Forte GT starts at $22,790.

Natalie Harrington
Published Jun 1, 2022 by Natalie Harrington
Natalie is a Boston-based writer and automotive enthusiast whose bylines have appeared in multiple outlets, including GM-Trucks.com and UpShift. She now works full-time as Lead Staff Writer at CarGurus. Natalie loves car shows, museums, and culture, and she is particularly interested in the unique roles cars play in their owners' lives. As a Trustee of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, she works to support and advance New England car culture.

User reviews for 2021 Kia Forte

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User rating:
by Carlos B
Jan 27, 2025
Good economical vehicle for daily driving. The vehicle has basic needs for modern day driving. Good basic manufacturer model warranty and dependable usage. Jan 27, 2025
by James W
Mar 31, 2024
Very pleased with the gas mileage that is higher than dealer advertise.Mar 31, 2024
by Wilinton A
Jan 26, 2024
Alguien que por favor me diga cómo funciona la cámara que trae delantera al lado del espejo retrovisor en el panorámico Jan 26, 2024

2021 Kia Forte Pricing

Original MSRP
$17,890 to $23,090
Price range
$14,649 to $15,896
Average price on CG
$14,649
YoY price change
$15,896 to $14,649

Trims & specs

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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · 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

Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · 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: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.89

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

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

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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 · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4

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

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear

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 · Touch screen display radio · 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

Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · 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: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.89

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

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 · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

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

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4

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

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

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 · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · 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

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · 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

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.89

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: black

Headrests

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

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth · Upholstery accents: leatherette

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4

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

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

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 · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Pandora internet radio · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 320 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.64

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: black

Headrests

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

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching · Upholstery accents: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4

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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Kia MyUVO · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 320 watts

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

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.89

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

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 · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

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

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: UVO · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4

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

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Kia MyUVO · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear

See all trims (5)