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2017 Kia Forte

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Rating7.4

Ranked #7 in 

Compact Sedan
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$16,600 - $26,000
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 17, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Roomy interior and cargo capacity

Firm ride over road imperfections

Refreshed exterior styling

Sporty exterior design

New-for-2017 S trim level

User-friendly infotainment system

Available android Auto and Apple Carplay

Refined engine options

Available New Active Safety Features

Available suite of driver assist safety features

Specs & Features

$16,600

price

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

horsepower

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Kia Forte received a refresh for 2017, just short of a full redesign, the compact sedan is fairly good and likable. The 207 Forte offers fresh exterior styling, a new base engine, a sport-oriented S trim level, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto integration, and more available active safety tech. Starting from $16,600, the base Forte model is priced competitively but the range goes pricier at higher trims than some rivals. In an absolute sense, the Kia Forte offers good drive, spacious interiors, the best warranty in the class, and decent value for money.

Though in comparison to the rivals, Forte starts to fumble. With the compact class having greats like Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, and Hyundai Elantra, the 2017 Forte's drawbacks come to light. The rivals offer a better ride quality and are more affordable. Though the 2017 Forte is a good car, let's find out if it's a relatively good buying option or not.

Buying Advice

We would recommend the mid-spec S trim for its value for money appeal. It offers essential features like rearview camera and a touchscreen infotainment system that are missing on the base LX trim.

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Kia Forte receives a lot of changes for 2017, as the new Forte sedan feature refreshed exterior styling including a new front bumper, revised grille, and headlights, and redesigned taillights. HID headlights and LED taillights are added to the roster. Inside, the Forte gains more multimedia features including Apple Carplay and Android Auto while you will sit on revised materials and colors. A new S trim level now slots between the base LX and top-spec EX trims.

Change of heart as Kia adds a new Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter I-4 which replaces the previous 1.8-liter unit. The optional 2.0-liter GDI engine carries over unchanged. For used cars buyers, the 2017 Forte’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance are estimated at around $22,100, which is average for the compact class.

Features
6.0/10

The 2017 Kia Forte is available as a sedan in LX, S and EX trim levels. The two-door Forte Koup has been discontinued for 2017. Kia priced the 2017 Forte at $16,600 for the base LX. The mid-range S starts at $19,300 and adds sports-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch display screen with the UVO3, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and gearshift knob, and much more. The top-spec EX begins at $21,300 and comes nicely equipped with the upgraded 2.0-liter engine, 17-inch wheels, fog lights, rear LED lights, and more.

All Forte trims are front-wheel drives. Standard features on the LX include 15-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a trip computer, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, USB connectivity, and an auxiliary audio jack. 

Trim LX S EX
MSRP (FWD) $16,600 $19,300 $21,300
Key Features 15-inch steel wheels Adds/upgrades to LX Adds/upgrades to S
  Remote Keyless Entry and Panic Button UVO eServices Infotainment with 7" touch-screen display 17-inch wheels
  Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column Fully Automatic Projector Beam Halogen Headlamps Rear LED lights
  Auto Off Projector Beam Halogen Headlamps 16-inch alloy wheels Dual-zone climate control with rear vents
  Four-speaker sound system with a CD player Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Push-start ignition with Smart Key
  Bluetooth wireless technology w/voice recognition Sport black cloth seat trim Heated leather-trimmed front seats
  SIRIUS satellite radio Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob Perimeter approach lighting

We Recommend:

The top-spec Kia Forte EX trim is our recommendation as it gets a more powerful turbo engine and adds all the desired niceties equivalent to modern time. You will get leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, a hands-free trunk opener, and fog lights.

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

The Forte LX with 147 hp 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA fuel economy estimated 32 mpg combined (29 city/38 highway) with the automatic transmission and a disappointing 28 mpg combined (25 city/34 highway) with the manual. The EX sedan gets a 164 hp 2.0-liter with the six-speed automatic and returns an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway), which is unimpressive in comparison to the rivals.

Model 2017 Kia Forte 2017 Toyota Corolla 2017 Mazda3 2017 Hyundai Elantra
MPG (city) 29 28 28 29
MPG (highway) 38 35 37 38
MPG (combined) 32 31 32 33

The Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra, both returns similar ga mileage which is average in the small car class. The 2017 Mazda 3 with more than 150 horsepower returns 1 mpg less than the base Forte sedan. 

Interior
7.0/10

"The 2017 Kia Forte is much more than just an economy car stuffed with gadgets. Boasting a handsome cabin furnished with quality materials, especially in the higher trim levels, the Forte gives other top compacts a run for their money  -Edmunds

2017 Forte Seating and Comfort

The 2017 Forte sedan has five seats with generous head- and legroom in both rows. In front, seats are wrapped in cloth and are comfortable, and nicely contoured for lateral support. The rear bench offers similar comfort and accommodates two adults with room to spare. Moving on to higher trims will fetch you heated, ventilated, and leather seats.

The Forte’s cabin is filled with high-quality materials with soft-touch plastic and padded surfaces. The interior design and styling are up to modern standards and aren't boring. The dashboard in top trim levels matches the quality of much more expensive vehicles.  

Model 2017 Kia Forte 2017 Toyota Corolla 2017 Mazda3 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Passenger capacity 5 5 5 5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 39.1/56.1/42.2 38.0/54.8/42.3 38.6/57.2/42.2 38.8/56.2/42.2
Second

Exterior
6.0/10

Many of the Forte’s styling cues are inspired by the handsome Kia Optima. This is to the Forte’s benefit, as it looks much more grown up than some other cars in the class.- Caranddriver

2017 Forte Dimensions and Weight 

The 2017 Kia Forte sedan gets a mild exterior design update, adopting a new front fascia with redesigned headlights. With the last redesign, Forte gained a little width and length but not height. This works in favor of the sedan as the elongated roofline, and low profile offers an athletic look.

Though most compact sedans have adopted the same shape to reduce aerodynamic drag, Forte has it better. For 2017, Kia changed the bumper as well as shifted the “tiger nose” grille a bit lower. Taillights have also been redesigned and have optional LEDs.

Model 2017 Kia forte 2017 Toyota Corolla 2017 Mazda3 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Curb weight 2,811 lbs. 2,885 lbs. 2,967 lbs. 2,812 lbs.
Length 179.5" 183.1" 180.3" 179.9"
Width 70.1" 69.9" 70.7" 70.9"
Height 56.3" 57.3" 57.3" 56.5"
Ground clearance 5.3" 6.7" 6.1" 5.3"
Wheelbase 106.3" 106.3" 106.3" 106.3"

The Kia Forty arouses a sport-sedan feel in the perennial compact car segment. In terms of dimensions, the Forte sedan is 179.5 inches long and translates into a spacious interior and ample cargo.  The curb weight ranges between 2,811 and 3,029 pounds, depending on the trim you choose.

Safety
7.0/10

The 2017 Kia Forte earns a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, the agency's highest designation. The sedan also received the highest rating of Good in all five crash tests and the highest rating of Superior for the front crash prevention. The 2017 Forte received the highest five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2017 Forte is available with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive headlights. The S and EX trim additionally gain access to lane departure warning, lane keeps assist, and forward collision warning with brake assist.

Competition
9.0/10

2017 Kia Forte Vs 2017 Toyota Corolla

The 2017 Toyota Corolla is a top-rated compact sedan but it also has some shortcomings. Starting with sluggish acceleration and uninspired handling, Corolla lacks popular tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kia Forte is nimble and offers better driving dynamics. Also, the quality of the interior is much better in the Forte.

Still, the Corolla is worth considering as it comes with a standard suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Also, it performs better in crash tests and predicted reliability.

2017 Kia Forte Vs 2017 Hyundai Elantra

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is a corporate sibling of the Kia Forte and both these compact cars have more similarities than differences. Both Elantra and Forte sedans share engines, safety features, and user-friendly infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both perform similarly good in safety and predicted reliability ratings.

Though the Elantra is a more tempting option as it starts at a lower MSRP and Hyundai fully redesigned it for 2017, boasting a smoother ride and sharper styling inside and out.

Final Verdict

The 2017 Kia Forte is a fine choice if you are looking for a compact car. It is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, and it offers high-quality materials in the cabin, roomy seating space, easy-to-use tech, and nimble performance. The Forte also rates well for predicted reliability and crash safety, making it a good and practical option in this class. Having said that, the Kia doesn't have a standout area. You should also consider other popular choices in the segment such as Honda Civic, Mazda 3, or Hyundai Elantra.

Trims

    LX
    $16,600 onwards
    • 60/40-Split folding rear seat
    • Air-Conditioning
    • Four-Speaker sound system
    • Heated mirrors
    • Satellite radio
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    • USB connectivity
    S
    $19,300 onwards
    • 7-Inch touchscreen
    • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
    • Black cloth upholstery
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Led running lights
    • Rear spoiler
    EX
    $21,300 onwards
    • 17-Inch alloy wheels
    • Ambient interior lighting
    • Dual-Zone automatic temperature control w/ rear vents
    • Foglights
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Led taillights
    • Led turn signal indicators
    SX
    $23,800 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl 7A
    • Horsepower: 201 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 195 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 116 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 27 mpg

Compare to similar cars

7.4
2017 Kia Forte

Price

$16,600- $26,000

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.37

Horsepower

201 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

195 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

6.6
2017 Acura ILX

$27,990- $34,980

Gasoline

6.57

201 hp @ 6800 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

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6.7
2017 Buick Verano

$21,065- $26,555

Gasoline

6.65

180 hp @ 6700 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

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7.2
2017 Chevrolet Cruze

$16,975- $25,395

Gasoline

7.17

153 hp @ 5600 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

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6.8
2017 Ford Fiesta

$13,660- $21,140

Gasoline

6.78

120 hp @ 6350 rpm

112 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

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7.4
2017 Ford Focus

$16,775- $36,120

Gasoline

7.37

160 hp @ 6500 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

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8.9
2017 Honda Civic

$18,740- $28,300

Gasoline

8.95

306 hp @ 6500 rpm

138 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

4

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7.5
2017 Hyundai Elantra

$17,150- $22,750

Gasoline

7.49

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

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7.3
2017 Kia Optima

$22,200- $36,090

Gasoline

7.25

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

6.1
2017 Kia Rio

$14,165- $20,905

Gasoline

6.1

138 hp @ 6300 rpm

123 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm

5

Read Review

2017 Kia Forte vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    2017 Kia Forte

    Ranked #12

    		9.5 sec16.9 sec104 mph
    		7.7 sec15.9 sec-
    		7.8 sec15.5 sec118 mph
    		8 sec16.2 sec130 mph
    		8.2 sec16.3 sec118 mph
    		8.2 sec14.5 sec127 mph
    Read More

    2017 Kia Forte vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		25 mpg34 mpg28 mpg13.2 gal.330/448.8 mi.
      		28 mpg40 mpg33 mpg14.5 gal.406/580 mi.
      		28 mpg39 mpg32 mpg13.7 gal.383.6/534.3 mi.
      		22 mpg40 mpg32 mpg12.4 gal.347.2/496 mi.
      		28 mpg36 mpg32 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/475.2 mi.
      2017 Mazda 3

      Ranked #3

      		27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/488.4 mi.

      2017 Kia Forte vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        2017 Kia Forte

        Ranked #11

        		179.5 in.70.1 in.56.3 in.5.3 in.106.3 in.
        		191.1 in.73.2 in.57.7 in.5.3 in.110.4 in.
        		183.9 in.71.4 in.58.1 in.9 in.105.7 in.
        		183.7 in.70.5 in.57.4 in.6 in.106.3 in.
        		183.3 in.70 in.57.2 in.5.2 in.104.4 in.
        		183.1 in.69.9 in.57.3 in.6.7 in.106.3 in.

        2017 Kia Forte vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          2017 Kia Forte

          Ranked #11

          		14.9 cu.ft.96.2 cu.ft.-
          		14.4 cu.ft.95.8 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.
          2017 Kia Rio

          Ranked #2

          		13.7 cu.ft.88.4 cu.ft.87.6 cu.ft.
          		12.8 cu.ft.85.1 cu.ft.224.5 cu.ft.
          		13.2 cu.ft.90.7 cu.ft.3.7 cu.ft.
          		15.9 cu.ft.104.8 cu.ft.72.9 cu.ft.

          2017 Kia Forte vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		-14.9 cu.ft.--
            2017 Kia Rio

            Ranked #2

            		87.6 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.87.6 cu.ft.-
            		-14.3 cu.ft.-79 ft.
            		83.1 cu.ft.12.8 cu.ft.224.5 cu.ft.-
            		83.1 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.3.7 cu.ft.-
            		13.5 cu.ft.12.3 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.-

            2017 Kia Forte vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		-996 lbs.2804 lbs.
              		1500 lbs.908 lbs.3093 lbs.
              		1000 lbs.-3300 lbs.
              		-1265 lbs.2955 lbs.
              		-1078 lbs.2939 lbs.
              		-1058 lbs.2767 lbs.

              2017 Kia Forte Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              3

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              280

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              Horsepower : 311 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 6.4 sec

              #1

              2017 Kia Cadenza

              Horsepower : 290 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 6.6 sec

              #2

              2017 Kia Sedona

              Horsepower : 276 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.7 sec

              #3

              2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Sedan

              Horsepower : 192 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 42 mpg

              0-60 : 7.7 sec

              #4

              2017 Kia Optima

              Horsepower : 185 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 29 mpg

              0-60 : 8 sec

              #5

              2017 Kia Sorento

              Horsepower : 185 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 9.4 sec

              #6

              2017 Kia Sportage

              Horsepower : 181 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 9.4 sec

              #7

              2017 Kia Forte

              Horsepower : 147 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 9.5 sec

              #8

              2017 Kia Niro Hybrid

              Horsepower : 139 hp @ 5700 rpm

              MPG Combined : 50 mpg

              0-60 : 8.6 sec

              #9

              2017 Kia Rio

              Horsepower : 138 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 31 mpg

              0-60 : 8.4 sec

              #10

              2017 Kia Forte User Reviews

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              [2 Reviews]

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              POPULAR TAGS

              gallon
              downfall
              AK

              Auston Kerstein

              2017 Kia Forte

              LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 10, 2024

              I give it a 10/10 rating

              Pros - ["Gas mileage", "Comfortability while driving"]

              Cons - ["The cheap plastic outerior", "The hole in my floorboard lol"]

              The interior is absolutely great nice clean made very well easy to clean too i get all the way up to 49 miles per gallon i highly recommend getting a kia manual it does have some shorts in some break wire wich is a downfall but other than that overall a great great car

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              PR

              Pamela Renowden

              2016 Kia Forte

              LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 19, 2024

              Good value and reliability

              Pros - ["Low Maintenance", "Excellent Performance and Gas Mileage", "Very comfortable"]

              Cons - ["GPS system is not the greatest", "Paint is starting to peel (clearcote)", "Low quality sound system"]

              I purchased my 2016 in 2018 with only 2200 miles on it and it has been a GREAT car ever since. Only things I've had to do is routine maintenance (oil change), a new set of tires and brakes. It's been recalled twice, but both trips to service were resolved in a very short amount of time. I now have only 26,000 miles on it and the only issue is the clock on the GPS isn't functioning. I get 25-30 mp...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              Read more »

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