2023 Kia Forte Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewPros
Excellent value for money
Comfortable
Manual transmission available
Cons
Lower-than-average crash test scores
Underwhelming base engine
The Kia Forte isn't just a budget choice, it's a solid contender
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan that was last redesigned in 2019 and retains some of the carmaker's older design cues while also incorporating some of its newer styling elements. The double-tab grille is one of those cues that has identified Kia models for over a decade while the converging angled cutouts underneath have hints of the latest design language. The GT trims add a little extra excitement with bold red accents, though they may not be to everyone's liking. From the side and rear of the Forte, the design is more typical of the class, but the overall shape is more graceful than some competitors.
The interior holds onto Kia's older layout, with a touchscreen mounted atop the center of the dash and traditional climate knobs and dials below. Many newer models have adopted a more high-tech look with the touchscreen integrated into an enclosure that also holds a digital instrument panel. The Forte still looks appropriately modern though, and as an added bonus, it can be easier to get acclimated to the infotainment system and other physical controls rather than digging through on-screen menus for features.
When this Forte generation was introduced, it was notable for its interior materials that were noticeably nicer than what you'd find in its contemporary rivals. There was far less hard plastic to cheapen the cabin, replaced with nicer soft-touch surfaces and a sturdier construction. In the GT models, the synthetic leather seat upholstery is fairly convincing and the thicker material is much more substantial than the thin vinyl-like coverings you'd find in a Toyota Corolla. As is typical with many non-luxury vehicles, the rear seats get more hard plastic surfaces to better endure knocks and scrapes from child passengers. Even after all the time that has passed since its redesign, the Forte has aged well and remains competitive against newer sedans in the class.
Shoppers have two engine choices in the 2023 Kia Forte. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels. Stepping up to the GT trim upgrades you to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It's available with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the only available drivetrain.
The base engine should accelerate the Forte to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is what you'd expect from comparable sedans. The more potent GT will get there in only 6.5 seconds. The base powertrain will be adequate for the vast majority of drivers while the GT is the pick for those seeking more excitement and performance. In addition to the turbocharged engine’s higher output, it also receives a sport-tuned suspension.
The base model's CVT tends to make it feel slower and less powerful than it is, but you still won't feel the need to floor the accelerator when merging into highway traffic. Once up to speed, it passes slower traffic with similar ease. Most GT shoppers will likely opt for the dual-clutch automatic transmission, which does a much better job of keeping power on tap. It can be rather jumpy and unrefined at lower speeds, though. Drivers seeking the maximum engagement will want to check out the manual transmission, even though it's marginally slower than the dual-clutch auto and is also not as fuel efficient.
The clutch effort is very light, which should come in handy in bumper-to-bumper congestion, but we'd prefer a bit more resistance in a sporty application such as this. The shifter is easy to toss into any gear accurately and we never missed a gate. Handling is sportier than we expected, as the Forte GT slices through turns with little drama or tire squeal. The super light steering feel is precise and predictable, but the lack of feedback or effort don't encourage driving with much more aggression.
Despite the sport-tuned suspension and the improved handling, the GT's ride quality is pleasantly comfortable. It's not as stiff-legged as the competing Mazda 3, but it's also not as entertaining for the driver. You'll certainly feel the ruts and bumps in the road, but they're rounded over well enough to keep them from being intrusive. Besides some noticeable road noise, the Forte's cabin is as quiet as other sedans in the class.
The front seats of the Forte provide ample space for taller passengers and even though they have only the most basic of adjustments, we found them comfortable after a few hours on the road. The layout of the dashboard, center stack and center console place controls within easy reach of the driver and after getting used to the cabin, many functions can be operated without having to take your eyes off the road.
A rubberized phone tray is placed just below the climate controls and does a good job of keeping your device from sliding around. A wireless charger is available in the higher trims and pairs well with the cordless Bluetooth phone integration. Underneath is another rubberized tray for other personal effects and you also have moderately sized cup holders, door pockets, and a center armrest bin.
Rear seats have enough room to comfortably accommodate an average-sized adult. There's ample headroom, legroom, and space for your feet under the front seats. Higher trims benefit from separate air conditioning vents and a USB charge port back there.
Behind the rear seats, the trunk can hold up to 15.3 cubic-feet of cargo. That's slightly more cargo space than the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 sedans, but the hatchback versions of those can hold between 20 and 24 cu-ft. The cargo floor has a flimsy fabric covering that seems out of place when everything else is adequately sturdy, but the space itself is notable for its height. You can load much bulkier items than the typical sedan and if you need more space, remote seatback releases make it that much easier.
Supporting Forte trims come standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen while the GT-Line and above receive a 10.25-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with all models, but if you want a wireless charging pad, you'll need to step up to the Kia Forte GT-Line or higher. That trim also adds a navigation system and upgrades the base four-speaker audio system to six. A premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon system is available as an option.
The infotainment system features sharp graphics and quick responses to inputs. The menu organization is logical and intuitive while buttons at the bottom of the frame give you helpful shortcuts to the most commonly used functions. Overall, the Forte meets expectations in regard to tech features and is comparable to other cars in the class. We were unable to get the wireless phone integration to work in our particular test vehicle, but we're convinced it was an anomaly since we've been able to make it work in other Forte models we've driven.
In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2023 Kia Forte was awarded four out of five stars for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection. It's worth noting that some base forward collision mitigation features are flagged as not meeting the Administration's performance criteria, but available upgrades do. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Forte its highest score of "Good" in all evaluations except for the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, which received the lowest score of "Poor".
Standard driver assistance safety features on all 2023 Forte models include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The LXS trim is eligible for the optional blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system. The GT-Line makes adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection available as an option. The Top GT trims include these as standard, along with rear parking proximity sensors.
The 2023 Kia Forte in base LX trim has a starting price of $20,815 (including $1,125 in destination fees), making it one of the more affordable cars on sale today. The top GT trim remains within reach of many shoppers too, with a starting price of $25,515 for the automatic. The manual transmission costs another $700.
As noted earlier, the manual transmission isn't as fuel efficient as the automatic. It's estimated by the EPA to only return 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The automatic should achieve 30 mpg. The most economical of the lineup is the base LX trim, which is estimated at 34 mpg. Other Fortes with this powertrain are rated at 32 mpg combined. These fuel economy estimates are comparable to the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla.
Among these rivals, the Kia Forte is the value leader. It undercuts the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 by a few thousand dollars and the Toyota Corolla by hundreds, depending on trim level. You also get a few additional features as well as a very generous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The Honda Civic still edges out the Forte for the class leader, but not by a huge margin. Our Forte GT test vehicle is closest to the Civic Si in terms of performance, but the Honda costs almost $3,000 more than the Kia. In a class where price is vitally important, that should be enough to steer shoppers towards the Forte. The Mazda 3 is the athlete of the class, benefitting from superior performance without resorting to the expensive high-performance Civic Type R or GR Corolla variants, but the desirable Mazda 3 Turbo starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) above $34,000. That would likely be a deal breaker for budget-conscious shoppers.
That makes the Kia Forte a great pick for those on more modest budgets, but that doesn't mean you'll be forced into more compromises. You get a lot for the money and it feels as well-built as its rivals. We would suggest keeping an eye on Kia's future plans, though. The company recently revealed a redesigned K3 sedan (what the Forte is named in other markets), and we wouldn't be surprised if it replaces the Forte within a year or so. That said, we also wouldn't be surprised if it costs a bit more.
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2023 Kia Forte Pricing
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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 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
Center console trim: metallic · 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: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · 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
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · 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: 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: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · 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: 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
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: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM 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
Center console trim: metallic · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · 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: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · 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: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · 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: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · 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: 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
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 · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display 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
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: metallic · 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: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.89
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance
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: 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: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · 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: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · 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 seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth · Upholstery accents: leatherette
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
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Kia Access · Smart device app function: engine start
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
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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 320 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: metallic · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Assist handle: passenger side · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.64
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · 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: sensor-activated · 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: Kia Connect · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · 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 headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
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: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Kia Access · Smart device app function: engine start
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