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GREEN CHOICE

Kia Forte

EPA MPG: 30 mpg
Average Retail Price
$4,700 - $5,900

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

This revised version of the Kia Forte is a good notch below the best in this class. On the plus side, the Forte handles responsively and comes with standard electronic stability control. Further, the interior feels airy, controls are simple and rear-seat space is quite good. Fuel economy is competitive as well. Downsides include a stiff ride, noisy engine, and mediocre driving position.

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2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2013 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$4,675 - $5,900
economy-icon
EPA MPG 30 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,675 - $5,200
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,775 - $5,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 33 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,425 - $4,575
economy-icon
EPA MPG 31 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG 37 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door hatchback
    coupe
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 (156 hp)
  • 2.4-liter 4 (173 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2019-
Current Generation

The Kia Forte brings simple controls and impressive fuel economy, it suffers from an overly stiff ride; passengers feel every bump. And, the car is very loud to boot. The engine pulls adequately and the continuously variable transmission provides unobtrusive progress, but the engine is raucous. At 34 mpg overall, fuel economy is excellent. Handling is responsive, thanks to the Forte's willingness to tackle corners. The drab interior is Spartan but it's nice to have automatic climate control. The seats are rather uncomfortable in the midtrim LXS. The infotainment system is simple and easy to use and is compatible with Apple CarPlay. It is commendable that forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist are standard. A sportier GT model, offering a turbocharged engine, is new for 2020. A freshening for 2022 brings updated styling, a new infotainment system, and standard forward collision detection with pedestrian detection.

The Forte is replaced by the new K4 for 2025.

2014-2018
2014 Redesign Year
Considerably more refined than previous Kia compact sedans, this iteration of the Forte feels mature and solid, thanks to a quiet cabin and one of the most comfortable rides in its class. The spacious and nicely finished interior also wins praise, while braking performance is excellent too. Overall, the Forte is now one of the top-rated cars in the category. The best value is an LX model with the Popular package, which adds upgraded interior trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and cruise control. Fuel economy improvements were instituted for 2015 models, while changes for 2016 included an optional rearview camera for the LX trim line, along with standard keyless entry and heated mirrors.
2010-2013
2010 Redesign Year
The compact Forte replaced the mediocre Spectra for 2010. It's quicker, with a 156-hp 2.0-liter engine delivering 28 mpg, and it feels sportier than many small cars. The Forte also offers a host of impressive features such as Bluetooth and standard electronic stability control. Its IIHS crash-test performance was good too. The car was available as a coupe or a hatchback, and offered an optional 2.4-liter. While a big improvement, it still ranks below the class leaders. Downsides include a stiff ride, noisy engine and a mediocre driving position.