Kia Forte 2022 Review, Price and Specs

Our choice is the more powerful and sportier GT model, which ignores the standard Forte continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for a seven-speed dual-clutch or six-speed manual. We would have opted for the stick shift for its additional driver engagement even though it costs $700 more than the DCT. Not much extra is needed because, apart from the 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder — which provides even faster acceleration — the Forte GT comes with a number of interesting extras, including 18-inch wheels, sports seats, ambient interior lighting, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

The Forte compact sedan offers two different engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower. The 2.0-liter engine felt sluggish when we tested it, and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) didn’t help. The non-turbocharged engine took 8.2 seconds to motivate the Forte to 60 mph on our test track—notably slower than the Mazda 3, which got there in 7.0 seconds. The optional 201-hp turbocharged engine, however, moves the Forte closer to the performance of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Civic Si. On our test track, the GT test car equipped with a manual transmission managed to run 6.7 seconds to 60 mph, slightly below the impressive two-player speed. The Forte offers a comfortable and stable ride, but the handling isn’t as attractive as the Stinger-inspired exterior styling suggests, even in the sportier GT models. In fact, while wading through the Forte in recent comparison tests against the Civic Si and Jetta GLI, we found ourselves working harder on the Forte to keep up with the rest of the pack.

Real World Fuel Economy and MPG

The Kia Forte, especially the one equipped with the underpowered engine and automatic transmission, will keep drivers speeding past gas stations with an EPA highway rating of 41 mpg and a combined fuel economy rating of 34 mpg. If you opt for the turbocharged GT with manual transmission, the combined fuel economy drops to 26 mpg. During our 2020 Forte GT manual test, we observed a combined 27 mpg – slightly better than the EPA ratings – and 37 mpg in our 200-mile highway fuel economy test, which was part of the our extensive testing regimen. For more information on Forte’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

The interior of this car impressed us with its minimalist design and high-quality materials. The rear seats are spacious enough for two adults to be comfortable, and long trips in Forte can be made without complaint. The basic model offers all the basic amenities, but things get more fun as you work with different models. Dual-zone automatic climate control is optional, for example, as are heated and ventilated front seats. With all the seats above, the Forte fits seven carry-on bags, one more than its two main rivals, the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

Infotainment and Connectivity

2022 Forte is a steal given the technology available. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay wireless and Android Auto is standard, but the GT-Line and GT trims come with a larger 10.3-inch screen with dashboard navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. All models come with a 4.2-inch secondary color display between the gauges, and a wireless smartphone charging pad is an option.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Kia offers several standard and optional driver assistance feature, including an optional adaptive cruise control feature that uses navigation to predict upcoming corners on the road and slows down the car’s speed in preparation for corners. For more information on Forte crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key security features include:

• Standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Standard lane departure warning with lane guard assistance
• Adaptive cruise control is available with the help of the following lines

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia’s powertrain warranty sets it apart from most other manufacturers, with most models only offering a 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Forte dan Elantra—from his sister company, Hyundai—is the only compact car that offers this much standard coverage.

• Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• No free scheduled maintenance

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