Affordable sedans are a dying breed, but some automakers remain committed to the format. Kia is one of them, and its entry-level Forte is a value-forward option in the segment. The car brings a spacious interior with impressive fuel economy and easy-to-use tech that makes the Forte a pleasure to live with in everyday operation.
2024 Kia Forte Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2024 Kia Forte
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2024 Kia Forte
The 2024 Kia Forte GT-Line got more driver-assistance tech for 2024. That said, the 2024 model year will be the Forte’s last on the US market, as it will be replaced by the Kia K4 in 2025. While it remains on sale, the Forte is one of the most spacious and value-forward entries in its segment.
Design
The Forte brings some of Kia’s higher-end design elements to the affordable compact sedan segment. It carries Kia’s signature “tiger nose grille,” sporty lines, and a tidy rear end with few logos or model designations. Though small, the Forte’s sculpted body lines and dramatic wheel designs make it look more prominent than its on-paper dimensions suggest.
Powertrain
Kia offers the Forte with two engine choices. The entry-level powertrain includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. An available turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are standard, but a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a six-speed manual are also available.
Interior
The Forte seats five people on standard cloth upholstery. Synthetic leather is available, along with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There’s great space for front passengers, with deep, supportive seats and plenty of legroom, but rear passengers may feel the pinch. The car’s sloped roof and compact dimensions make it tough to fit three across as advertised, but there’s at least a decent amount of legroom. Though it looks sporty inside, the Forte’s cabin is an accommodating space with decent room and solid comfort features that make it a good choice for daily commutes and family-hauling duties.
Technology
Kia equips a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, HD radio, four speakers, and remote keyless entry. The more expensive configurations add a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired smartphone connectivity, and the Forte is available with a Harmon Kardon sound system. Other available tech includes a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, additional USB ports, a universal garage door opener, and more.
Safety
The 2024 Kia Forte missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the automaker equips a generous list of standard driver aids like forward collision-warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitoring, pedestrian detection, and rear seat alert. More expensive configurations get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and more.
Pricing and Release Date
As of this writing, the base 2024 Kia Forte LX starts at $21,145, which includes a $1,155 destination charge. The top GT Manual trim comes in at $26,545.