2022 Kia Forte

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Rating7.0

Ranked #8 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$19,090 - $24,490
Starting Price 
Charan Narain Khandelwal's image

Updated on June 7, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Great exterior styling

Quality, although good, is still a level behind the rivals

Exterior redesigned

Latest connectivity features

Lackluster CVT

New 10.25-inch touchscreen & wireless smartphone integration

Class-leading cargo space

Ride quality is average

Reworked center console

Loads of creature comforts that offers great value for money

More safety features

Loads of safety techs

EX trim no longer available

Great reliability

Manual transmission dropped for FE trim

Outstanding fuel economy

Specs & Features

$19,090

price

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

horsepower

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

torque

1-speed CVT

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Kia has come up with an updated 2022 Forte with a redesigned exterior and new technology. Along with a striking exterior, it gets new lighting elements and wheel designs. An all-new 10.25-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims while wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now made standard. Inside, Kia added an electronic parking brake due to which the center console was reworked. Kia also updated the safety features list for the Forte. 



The 2022 Forte is available for sale in the form of FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT trims and carries a base price tag of $19,090. Two engines are on offer- a 147-hp inline-4 and a 201-hp turbo-4 engine. The Forte's cabin is comfortable and is a host to a lot of new technologies. It also offers class-leading cargo space of 15.3 cu-ft. The Forte gets heavy rivalry from the Honda Civic, the Mazda 3, and the Hyundai Elantra

Buying Advice

The GT-Line is an impressive offering. For the price, this trim adds more comfort and safety features along with unique styling to the list. You get a leather steering wheel, hands-free power tailgate, push-button start, proximity keyless entry, sport cloth seats with leatherette bolstering and white contrast stitching, and many more. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Kia Forte reminds us of the well-known saying “champagne taste on a beer budget.”- CarAndDriver

With an updated exterior, the Forte looks much more appealing. Therefore, its value has been leveled up. The reliability and quality of the sedan have been top-notch with quality material usage and impeccable craftsmanship at every corner. The interior has an aged design but is reasonably spacious and practical. Moreover, the Forte also comes with an elongated warranty. 

The Forte's ownership costs are slightly more than its cousin, the Elantra. You can expect somewhere near $6,100 every year for its maintenance, repairs, fuel, etc. Considering the value it offers, it is average for the class. The Forte's reliability is less than the Civic and Sentra but definitely more than the Elantra, Mazda 3, and the Corolla, according to J.D. Power. 

Buying Advice

The GT-Line is an impressive offering. For the price, this trim adds more comfort and safety features along with unique styling to the list. You get a leather steering wheel, hands-free power tailgate, push-button start, proximity keyless entry, sport cloth seats with leatherette bolstering and white contrast stitching, and many more. 

Features
9.0/10

It’s a good value, from its warranty to its infotainment- The Car Connection

Kia ditched the EX trim and now the 2022 Forte is offered in four trims namely FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The 2022 Forte has a starting price of $19,090 while the top-end GT trim is priced at $24,490. This excludes a destination charge of $995. Lower trims come with a CVT transmission whereas the GT trim lets you choose between a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 6-speed manual. 

The GT-Line and GT trims add some unique styling touches to the exterior. The Forte comes loaded with a fair amount of features even on the base trim while its warranty coverage is just impressive. Kia also offers several optional packages for the Forte. The Technology package in the LXS trim adds a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, and heated exterior mirrors for $550.

Model

FE

LXS

GT-Line

GT

MSRP (FWD)

$19,090 $19,590 $21,290 $23,490 ($24,490 Manual)

Key Features

15-inch steel wheels 

Adds/ Upgrades to FE trim

Adds/ Upgrades to LXS trim

Adds/ Upgrades to GT-Line trim

  8-inch touchscreen w/ wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

16-inch alloy wheels

Sport cloth seats

18-inch alloy wheels

 

4-speaker audio system

60/40 split rear bench seat Hands-free power tailgate Sport-tuned suspension
 

6-way manually-adjustable front seats

  Push-button start Dual-exhaust system
  3 USB ports   Proximity keyless entry Ambient lighting
  Cloth upholstery   LED DRLs Paddle shifters
  Halogen headlamps   LED Fog lamps LED headlights
  Automatic emergency braking   6-speaker stereo Wireless charging
  Forward collision warning   LED taillights 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
      Heated exterior mirrors  
      10.25-inch touchscreen   
      Dual-zone automatic control  
      17-inch alloy wheels  
      Flat-bottom leather steering wheel  

The GT-Line trim gains a sunroof, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging, electronic parking brake, and smart cruise control from the $1,700 Premium package. Add more $500 and you get a 10-way power driver's seat, faux leather seats ventilated front seats and rear park assist for the GT trim. Therefore, no matter which model it is, Kia has packed the Forte with many niceties. 

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

The Forte posts high fuel economy ratings- The Car Connection

When it comes to compact sedans with potent engines under the hood, above-par fuel efficiency can be expected. With the base engine equipped in the FE, LXS, and GT-Line trims, the Forte returns 31 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on a highway, and 35 MPG combined. These fuel ratings are the best in the segment. 

The 1.6L engine paired with an automatic transmission is rated at 30 MPG combined while opting for the manual transmission drops the fuel economy to 26 MPG combined. The large 14-gallon fuel tank aids for one of the best driving ranges in the class. The Forte delivers 490 miles in its most efficient form while the least range is 364 miles.

Models

2022 Kia Forte

2022 Honda Civic

2022 Mazda 3*

2022 Hyundai Elantra

MPG (City)

31

31 28

33

MPG (Highway)

41 40 36

43

MPG (Combined)

35 35 31

37

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

14.0

12.4

13.2

12.4

Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)

434/574/490 384/496/434 370/475/409 409/533/459

*2021MY data used for reference

In terms of efficiency, the Hyundai Elantra tops the table, though it houses the same engine as its sibling. Next in line is the Honda Civic with an impressive mileage and respectable driving range. The fuel estimates and driving range of the Mazda 3 are slightly less than the competition. Overall, the Forte fares great against its rivals.

Interior
6.0/10

Kia has done an excellent job designing the Forte's interior- Edmunds

The Korean automaker is popular to offer plush interior space at a budget price tag. With a good focus on crafting comfortable space for passengers, the Kia Forte offers a five seating layout. The cabin is treated with good-quality materials and eye-catching stylish touches like circular air vents. The center console has been reworked due to the addition of a new electronic parking brake. However, the age of the design does show even when compared to some other Kia models. 

The seats are wrapped in cloth and synthetic leather that offers great long-term comfort and ruggedness. The GT-Line trim's sport cloth seats with leatherette side bolsters and white contrast stitching look awesome. Seating comfort for long rides is one of the best-in-class. The driver's seat gets 6-way power adjustability but only the GT trim gets standard heated front seats. Space is abundant in the front row while the legroom can be tight for long-legged people at the back. 

The standard touchscreen in the Forte measures 8 inches while a new 10.25-inch screen is available on higher trims. Also, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the range. These were the much-needed updates for the Forte. Another new feature is the inclusion of a USB port in the rear row. The interface is straightforward and the touchscreen responds quickly. The GT trim gets an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that sounds really good. 

Models

2022 Kia Forte

2022 Honda Civic

2022 Mazda 3*

2022 Hyundai Elantra

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

38.8/56.1/42.2

39.3/57.0/42.3

38.0/55.7/42.3

40.6/56.5/42.3

Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

37.5/55.3/35.7

37.1/56.0/37.4

37.2/53.5/35.1

37.3/55.6/38.0

Trunk Capacity (cu-ft.)

15.3

14.8

13.2

14.2

*2021MY data used for reference

The Forte's 15.3 cu-ft. of cargo space is the best in the class. It can swallow a lot of groceries bags If you need more space, the rear seats can be folded on all but the base FE model. There's decent interior storage offered in the Forte such as center armrest storage in the front, four cupholders, and door pockets to stash small items. Other interior features include:

  • Multi-function leather steering wheel
  • 6-way power driver's seat
  • Heated front seats
  • Hands-free power tailgate
  • Proximity keyless entry
  • Power sunroof
  • Dual-illuminating vanity mirrors
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 8 & 10.25-inch touchscreens w/ wireless connectivity 
  • 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
  • Wireless charging

Exterior
7.0/10

The Kia Forte has gotten an aesthetic refresh for 2022- Kelly Blue Book

The 2022 Kia Forte looks much more compelling with the all-new redesign. The front is complemented with sharper LED headlights and twin LED strips and a chrome-finished grille with GT labels in the GT and GT-line models. The tiger-nose grille seems a bit narrower than the outgoing model. Embracing the new Kia logo in style, the Forte reflects ambition and class. On the lower fascia, the LED fog lamps are placed diagonally and there's large opening on the bottom. 

The bodyline is streamlined ensuring dynamically superior performance. From the side view, the Forte is shorter than other compact sedans in its class. This gives it the advantage of easy maneuverability. Sporty 15-inch alloy wheels offer a striking look but the GT trim gets unique 18-inch alloys to separate itself from the lesser ones. The rear also got a redesign and it looks much better than the outgoing model. The boxier LED taillights give the Forte a sporty appeal.

Models

2022 Kia Forte

2022 Honda Civic

2022 Mazda 3*

2022 Hyundai Elantra

Curb Weight (lbs)

2,769

2,877 3,100 2,725

Length (in)

182.7

184.0

183.5

184.1

Width (in)

70.9

70.9

70.7

71.9

Height (in)

56.5

55.7

56.9

55.7

Ground Clearance (in)

5.3

5.1

5.5

5.3

Wheelbase (in)

106.3

107.7

107.3

107.1

*2021MY data used for reference

The Mazda 3's ground clearance is slighty higher than the Forte. That's wontn cause a problem while getting in and out of the vehicle. Although the Hyundai Elantra and the Forte are built on the same platform, the Elantra has longer and wider proportions. The Honda Civic sports a wide wheelbase here and hence, its rear row feels spacious. Some other exterior features are:

  • LED auto high-beam headlights
  • LED taillights 
  • LED DRLs
  • LED fog lamps
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Dual exhaust tips
  • Black grille with chrome surrounds
  • Rear decklid spoiler
  • 15, 17, 18-inch alloys

Safety
4.0/10

Kia also reinforced its suite of Drive Wise driver aids- Autotrader

NHTSA has crash-tested the 2022 Kia Forte and gave it a 4-star overall safety rating. As for IIHS ratings, the 2021 model's ratings are taken into consideration as there are no structural changes. It was honored with the Top Safety Pick award as it received the best possible ratings in all evaluations. 

Offering high-quality cars with a robust body structure and advanced driver aids inside has been the gameplay of Kia for a while. Offering great value for money, the Forte hosts a wide range of standard safety features and advanced driver aids. More importantly, Kia has updated the safety features list for 2022. Some of them are:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
  • Back-up Camera
  • Lane-Departure Warning
  • Blind-Spot Monitor
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Driver Attention Monitor
  • Lane Change Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Rear Parking Sensors

Competition
8.0/10

2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic costs a few thousand dollars more than the Forte and it offers fewer standard features. However, its engines are more powerful and it feels more engaging to drive. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers more rear-seat space than the Forte but it falls short on the trunk capacity. Overall, the Civic is a better choice for a better driving experience whereas the Forte is a better value for money. 

2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra

Despite having similar performance numbers and prices, the nature of both vehicles is different. While the Hyundai Elantra provides class shattering fuel economy and interior cabin space, the Forte provides impressive driving dynamics. Through its GT trim, holds the potential for breathtaking performance. Its cabin is dressed with nicer materials and has an edge in terms of cargo. 

2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is known for its excellent driving dynamics. In its most powerful form, the Mazda 3 is way quicker than the Forte. The cabin feels more upscale, attractive and it is equally spacious as the Forte. The Forte offers more standard creature comforts and better cargo volume. On the flip side, some driver aids that are optional on the Forte are standard on the Mazda 3. 

Final Verdict

The latest Kia Forte equips a robust powertrain and its exterior is compelling with boxier LED headlights and a lengthy structure. The interior space depicts class and sporty vibes with the plush seating arrangement and updated infotainment range. Advanced safety features and driver aids along with all the creature comforts adds true value for money.

Trims

    FE
    $19,090 onwards
    • Black Faux Leather And Cloth Seats With Red Stitching
    • Cloth Sport Seats With Faux Leather Inserts
    • Multiple Driving Modes
    • Rear Seat Air-Conditioning Vent And Usb Charging Port
    • Sport Suspension And Performance Tires
    • Sport-Tuned Exhaust With Dual Chrome Tips
    • Wireless Android Auto And Apple Carplay Smartphone Integration
    LXS
    $19,590 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 147 hp @ 6200 rpm hp
    • Torque: 132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.1 sec
    • Top Speed: 123 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 33 mpg
    GT-Line
    $21,290 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 147 hp @ 6200 rpm hp
    • Torque: 132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.1 sec
    • Top Speed: 123 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 33 mpg
    GT
    $23,490 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD 7AM
    • Horsepower: 201 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 195 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 132 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 30 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$19,090- $24,490

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.01

Horsepower

401 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque

195 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$16,645- $19,600

Gasoline

6.65

120 hp @ 6300 rpm

113 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,200- $33,650

Gasoline

7.05

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,425- $28,710

Gasoline

6.93

139 hp @ 6100 rpm

126 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,550- $30,050

Gasoline

7.66

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

138 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,295- $26,895

Gasoline

7.68

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

145 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,150- $34,750

Gasoline

7.14

155 hp @ 6000 rpm

150 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,365- $32,095

Gasoline

6.36

158 hp @ 5500 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,950- $22,700

Gasoline

7.15

149 hp @ 6400 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,300- $33,200

Gasoline

5.62

201 hp @ 6800 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

2022 Kia Forte vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.1 sec16.4 sec123 mph
    7 sec15.5 sec130 mph
    7.6 sec--
    9 sec17 sec-
    9.1 sec17.0 sec-
    9.1 sec--

    2022 Kia Forte vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      29 mpg41 mpg35 mpg14 gal.434/574 mi.
      31 mpg43 mpg37 mpg14 gal.409.2/533.2 mi.
      33 mpg41 mpg36 mpg11.9 gal.392.7/487.9 mi.
      31 mpg40 mpg35 mpg12.4 gal.384.4/496 mi.
      29 mpg43 mpg34 mpg13.2 gal.382.8/567.6 mi.
      30 mpg38 mpg33 mpg13.2 gal.396/501.6 mi.

      2022 Kia Forte vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        182.7 in.70.9 in.56.5 in.5.3 in.106.3 in. -
        186.5 in.70.8 in.57.7 in.5.5 in.105.7 in. -

        2022 Hyundai Elantra N

        Ranked #2

        184.1 in.71.9 in.55.7 in.5.5 in.107.1 in. -
        184.1 in.71.9 in.55.7 in.5.3 in.107.1 in. -
        184 in.70.9 in.55.7 in.6.3 in.107.7 in.
        182.7 in.71.5 in.56.9 in.4.8 in.106.6 in. -

        2022 Kia Forte vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          15.3 cu.ft.96 cu.ft.-
          12.4 cu.ft.89.3 cu.ft.58.9 cu.ft.
          14.1 cu.ft.94.7 cu.ft.53.4 cu.ft.
          14.8 cu.ft.99 cu.ft.80.3 cu.ft.
          13.1 cu.ft.88.6 cu.ft.57.4 cu.ft.
          20.8 cu.ft.100.9 cu.ft.55.3 cu.ft.

          2022 Kia Forte vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            -15.3 cu.ft.--
            83.1 cu.ft.14.8 cu.ft.80.3 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.14.1 cu.ft.53.4 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.12.4 cu.ft.58.9 cu.ft.122 ft.
            55.3 cu.ft.20.8 cu.ft.55.3 cu.ft.-
            19.2 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.19.2 cu.ft.227 ft.

            2022 Kia Forte vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1023 lbs.2908 lbs.
              959 lbs.2679 lbs.
              1133 lbs.2868 lbs.
              906 lbs.3095 lbs.
              1252 lbs.2989 lbs.
              921 lbs.3036 lbs.

              2022 Kia Forte Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              1

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              18

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 35 mpg

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              2022 Kia Forte User Reviews

              1.5

              [2 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [50.0%] [1 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              PB

              Patrick Bagdasarian

              2021 Kia Forte

              EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

              3

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 23, 2024

              The Best Value Sport Compact

              Pros - [""Punchy Turbo Motor"", ""Fast Dual Clutch Transmission""]

              Cons - [""No limited slip differential"", ""lazy throttle behavior""]

              In the world of Sport compacts, the options are very few, if looking at the 30,000 dollar or so price range, you basically have the Civic Si and the GLI/GTI. However there is one underdog that's rarely talked about, which is the KIA Forte GT. This car has a 1.6 liter turbocharged four cylinder with 201 HP and 195 lb/ft of torque, along with sport tuned independent suspension and a 7 speed dual cl...

              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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              Dealer Review

              PB

              Patrick Bagdasarian

              2021 Kia Forte

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

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 15, 2024

              The Best Value Sport Compact

              Pros - [""Punchy Turbo Motor"", ""Fast Dual Clutch Transmission""]

              Cons - [""No limited slip differential"", ""lazy throttle behavior""]

              In the world of Sport compacts, the options are very few, if looking at the 30,000 dollar or so price range, you basically have the Civic Si and the GLI/GTI. However there is one underdog that's rarely talked about, which is the KIA Forte GT. This car has a 1.6 liter turbocharged four cylinder with 201 HP and 195 lb/ft of torque, along with sport tuned independent suspension and a 7 speed dual cl...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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              Dealer Review