The five-passenger, five-door Kia Forte hatchback comes in two trims, well-equipped in the base model. Standard equipment includes 15” steel wheels, heated and powered side mirrors, tilt and telescope steering wheel, 60/40 split and fold rear seating, Bluetooth/iPod/USB integration and four-speaker audio system. Upgrades can add remote entry/start, LED daytime running lights, 16” alloy wheel, fog lamps, sunroof, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, HD radio, GPS, rear seat A/C vents, two-zone climate control, and more. Driving the Forte hatchback is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 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.
