2020 Kia Forte vs 2019 Kia Forte

The 2019 Kia Forte might have seemed like a mere facelift at first glance, but it was actually an all-new generation. It retained its jellybean-like shape and plucky front-end design, with a subtle swoop along the side. However, the taillight band connecting each side above the license plate looked cheap. Overall, the new Forte had a more mature design, with additional small rear quarter windows and flatter, lower windowsills. It borrowed styling cues from the sporty Kia Stinger, including the grille's powerful shape, futuristic headlights, and aggressive lower-grille design.

Inside, the Forte’s high-tech cabin featured a simple layout with influences from the Stinger, such as a sport steering wheel and floating touchscreen. The instrument panel's crisp look and general layout had hints of Audi’s small car, thanks to Peter Schreyer, the head of design at Hyundai and Kia, who previously worked at Audi. Trims included FE, LXS, S, and EX, with the base FE trim offering plenty of standard features like electric power side mirrors, remote keyless entry, and forward-collision avoidance. The EX trim, our test vehicle, came with additional features like power heated side mirrors, leatherette upholstery, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT introduced a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust, along with larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels. Styling modifications like revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets gave it a sporty look. Inside, the GT featured red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with polished metallic accents, creating a modern look. The transmission shifter felt solid, imparting a sense of quality.

The GT’s interior combined comfort and sportiness, with front sport seats featuring cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters. The GT2 Package or manual transmission added full Sofino leatherette seats, which were heated and ventilated. The 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent support, and the front passenger’s seat had a height adjuster. Backseat comfort was good, with air conditioning vents and a tall cushion. The GT also had Kia’s Smart Trunk technology, which automatically opened the trunk when the key fob was nearby. The trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and interior storage was generous.

The 2019 Kia Forte came with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT, called iVT by Kia, managed power well and provided an immediate response. The Forte was quick off the line and had enough power for highway passing. Its handling was impressive, with minimal body roll and precise steering. The Drive Mode Selector offered Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, adjusting throttle and CVT responses accordingly. Fuel economy with the CVT was 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined, while the manual FE trim achieved 27/37/31.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT was well-behaved, providing smooth gear changes. The GT also offered a 6-speed manual gearbox with additional GT2 package features. The sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, and larger brakes enhanced performance. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, adjusting based on driving behavior. The GT’s turbocharged engine delivered gratifying power, and the DCT’s telepathic gear selection made for an enjoyable drive. The GT handled well on curvy roads, with a firm, connected ride quality and immediate brake response.

The 2019 Kia Forte’s exterior length grew by 3.2 inches, and it was just under an inch wider, resulting in a noticeably larger interior. The front seat had plenty of legroom, though headroom was tight for occupants over 6 feet tall. The backseat offered adequate headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The trunk provided 15.3 cubic feet of space, one of the largest in the class. The EX trim featured Kia’s smart trunk system, which automatically opened the trunk when the key fob was nearby.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT’s front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters provided excellent support. The GT2 Package or manual transmission added full Sofino leatherette seats, which were heated and ventilated. The 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat with a height adjuster enhanced comfort. The backseat offered good support and air conditioning vents. The GT also had Kia’s Smart Trunk technology, providing 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2019 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch UVO touchscreen, featuring a user-friendly layout with vivid colors and fonts. Physical buttons and conventional tuning and volume dials made it easy to use. Kia’s UVO e-services provided enhanced roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and a smartphone app for locating the car.

The 2020 Kia Forte featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s Your Voice (UVO) technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though it struggled with ambient noise.

The 2019 Kia Forte offered standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Additional driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist system was highly active, providing minor steering inputs to keep the car centered in the lane.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. The GT2 Package included all available safety features, though the automatic emergency braking system worked only at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop.