The Kia Forte coupe can seat four passengers and is nicely equipped in the base model, offered in several trim levels. Base model equipment includes: 15” steel wheels, tilt and telescope steering wheel, powered and heated side mirrors, Bluetooth/iPod/USB integration, 60/40 splitting and folding rear seating and basic audio system. Add-ons offer things like LED tail lamps and LED running lights, premium leather upholstery, HD radio, GPS, two-zone climate control with rear vents, and more. Powering this coupe is a capable 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque.
2016 model year changes
The 2016 Kia Forte is largely unchanged, with mostly minor reshuffling of standard and optional equipment from trim to trim.
Competitive comparison
Stylish exterior; choice of powertrains; fuel-efficiency; great list of standard equipment; standout comfort and convenience options
Special features for 2016
The Forte is a compact that's one size down from the Kia Optima and one up from the Kia Rio. It competes in a crowded segment, against some very established nameplates like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta and Ford Focus, as well as the Chevrolet Cruze and Dodge Dart. The Kia Forte stands out for offering a little more equipment for the same price -- as well as some standout comfort options, such as a heated steering wheel and cooled driver's seat. There's also a choice between three engines, a fuel-efficient 1.8L, a stronger 2.0L or, in the 2-door Koup, a 1.6L turbocharged unit. Every buyer should be able to find the right combination of power and fuel economy.
