2022 Kia Forte Review

Trims

2022 Kia Forte trim comparison

Starting MSRP

$20,185

$20,685

$22,385

$24,585*

MPG

Engine

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating

Drive Type

Seating Capacity

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

31 city/41 hwy

29 city/39 hwy

27 city/35 hwy*

2.0L I4

1.6L I4 Turbo

4 star

FWD

5 passenger

5 yr / 60k mi

147 hp

201 hp

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Aspiration

Variable Valvetrain

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

Eco Mode

Sport Mode

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Gas

Regular Unleaded

147 hp

201 hp

6200 rpm

6000 rpm

132 lb-ft

195 lb-ft

4500 rpm

1500 rpm

2.0 L

1.6 L

Inline

4 cylinder

Turbocharged

Double Overhead

16 valve

12.5

10

31 MPG

29 MPG

27 MPG*

41 MPG

39 MPG

35 MPG*

35 MPG

33 MPG

30 MPG*

Reviewed by Kelly Hellwig

Overview

The Kia Forte is a well-equipped and fun-to-drive compact sedan that's popular because it costs less than many of its competitors and is backed by a class-leading warranty. This year it's even more attractive with updated styling and one of the largest touchscreens in the class. Its inviting interior features quality materials and plenty of space. It seats five comfortably. With one of the largest trunks in the segment, the Forte is family-friendly, but unlike some of its rivals, it does not offer a hatchback body style. The standard engine is smooth and extremely fuel-efficient, but not very powerful. The turbocharged engine in the GT packs plenty of punch. Overall the Forte competes well in a crowded segment that includes the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and Subaru Impreza, which is the only car in the class with all-wheel drive.

Positives

Powerful turbocharged engine. Handsome inside and out. Strong value.

Considerations

Not as fun to drive as some key rivals. Base engine needs more power. No hatchback.

Verdict

The Kia Forte stands out in a crowded segment as a strong value, offering a solid mix of stylish design, excellent fuel economy, and a class-leading warranty.

What's New for 2022

The 2022 Forte gets a substantial list of enhancements, including new front and rear fascia designs, an available 10.25-inch touchscreen, and an expanded suite of driver-assist safety technology. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. A USB charging port in the back seat is available. Kia has also added an electronic parking brake with auto hold. The EX trim level has been discontinued.

Trims and Pricing

The 2022 Kia Forte is available in four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The LXS is the most popular model, but we recommend the GT. We'll explain why.

FE

The entry-level FE starts at a low $20,115 (including a $995 destination fee), yet still offers a decent list of standard equipment. Like all trims except the top GT, the FE is powered by a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) available as an option. Standard features include power windows, mirrors, and door locks, a 3.5-inch instrument cluster information display, an 8-inch center infotainment screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a front USB port, Bluetooth, auxiliary steering-wheel-mounted controls, remote keyless locks with trunk opener, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning.

LXS

The LXS ($20,615) comes with a CVT automatic in addition to larger 16-inch wheels, cloth seats with synthetic-leather inserts, and 60/40-split rear seats.

GT-Line

The GT-Line ($22,315) (not to be confused with the GT trim level) is an appearance and feature package. Compared to the LXS, it adds 17-inch wheels, a leather gear-shift knob, and a rear decklid spoiler. It also adds LED daytime running lights, rear combination lights, a high-mounted brake light, and push-button start with smart key and smart trunk. The side mirrors are heated with integrated LED turn signal indicators.

GT

The GT ($24,515) gets a more powerful 201-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. It also gets an upgraded rear suspension, which improves both ride and handling over the standard models. This is our preferred trim as it's more fun to drive yet remains affordably priced.

Engine and Performance

Two engines are available for the Kia Forte. All trims except the GT come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 147 horsepower. It sends that power to the front wheels through a CVT automatic. It works well in most situations, but it's not impressive. Compared to other vehicles in this class, its acceleration is about average. The engine is a little buzzy at higher rpm but otherwise smooth and responsive. For better performance, the optional 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder is the way to go. It offers a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. This engine makes the Forte feel downright quick, and the suspension upgrades that come along with it improve the ride and handling. It still lags the overall performance found in some rivals but makes the Forte far more engaging.

Fuel Economy

The Kia Forte with the base 2.0-liter and CVT gets a strong EPA rating of 29 mpg for city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. The GT gets extra power and still manages a 27/35 mpg city/highway rating. By contrast, the Honda Civic with the base 2.0-liter is rated at 31/40 mpg city/highway with a CVT, while its 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder gets 32/42 mpg city/highway. The Toyota Corolla 1.8-liter four-cylinder is rated at 29/37 mpg city/highway.

Interior

Quality materials and a practical layout make the Kia Forte's cabin instantly comfortable. All the controls are easy to find and feel solid to the touch. There are signs of cost-cutting here and there, but for the most part, the cabin has a quality look and feel. The front passenger space is generous with seats that are supportive and easily adjustable. Like most cars in this class, the rear seats are on the tight side, especially with three passengers aboard. The trunk measures 15 cubic feet, which is a plus, and the rear seatbacks fold down to accommodate long items.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Kia Forte comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface that provides Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can jump from Google Maps to text messaging, to Amazon Music, to a phone call quickly and efficiently. This year there's a newly available 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is one of the largest screens in the segment. With this setup, the Forte's infotainment system is one of the best available at this price point.

Safety

The 2022 Kia Forte received an overall four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but just a three-star rating for the front passenger-side test. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) issued Good ratings in its crashworthiness categories, and named the Forte a 2021 Top Safety Pick when equipped with the optional forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection.

All Kia Fortes come with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning.

Kia Forte vs. the Competition

The Kia Forte definitely leans to the sportier side of compact, affordable sedans. It's meant for someone who would be bored by a Toyota Corolla. The Forte isn't as excellent as the benchmark Honda Civic, but that shouldn't disqualify this Kia — especially in GT form, which is entertaining to drive.

Kia Forte vs. Honda Civic

Kia Forte vs. Toyota Corolla

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

TrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them.

TrueCar also ranks the best vehicles in each category based on a data-driven methodology. Each vehicle is carefully scored using our in-house rating system, which systematically evaluates every car, SUV, truck, and van. Utilizing ALG industry research, consumer surveys, a team of data scientists and vehicle experts, TrueCar provides a unique and useful outlook to help you find the best vehicle for your driving needs.

Owner Reviews

2022 Kia Forte Owner Ratings & Reviews

3rd Generation Kia Forte

2019 - 2024

Overall Rating

4.7

Based on

Performance

4.6

Comfort

4.4

Fuel Efficiency

4.6

Safety Technology

4.6

Features

4.5

80%

16%

3%

1%

Search

All reviews

Search

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

pros

They style and space the vehicle offers.

cons

There really isn't anything that I dislike about the vehicle.

Submitted by Anonymous Author on --- --- ----|2022 Kia Forte LXS IVT|Purchased on --- --- ----

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

4.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

pros

Sporty yet functional. Great gas mileage. Lots of interior space for a compact car.

cons

No wireless Android Auto. Lack of rear seat USB.

Submitted by Ken T on --- --- ----|2022 Kia Forte GT Manual|Purchased on --- --- ----

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

pros

It is stylish, has a lot of safety features, great sound system and accelerates well.

cons

There is no rear wiper and no auto shutoff when idled.

Submitted by Gigi V on --- --- ----|2022 Kia Forte GT DCT|Purchased on --- --- ----

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2022 Kia Forte

2022 Kia Forte

Specifications

Engine

Horsepower

MPG

Seating

Cargo Capacity

Basic Warranty

2022 Kia Forte Specs & Features

Trims

2022 Kia Forte trim comparison

Forte FE

Forte LXS

Forte GT-Line

Forte GT

Popular Features

Engine Details