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2017 Kia Forte review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Kia Forte highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Easy-to-use tech
  • Good looking exterior design
  • Front seats feel roomy for a compact sedan

Cons

  • Ride comfort could be better
  • Base engine isn't that powerful
  • Rear seats lack legroom

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 33 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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All Kia Forte years

What is new for the 2017 Kia Forte?

  • The Forte is available in a new trim called the S.
  • The SX trim has been discontinued for 2017.
  • Forte trims have been upgraded with Leather Seats, Front Seat Heaters, Rear Spoiler, Bluetooth Technology, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • Memory Seat(s), Blind Spot Monitor, and Lane Departure Warning features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The EX trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.

Kia Forte photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Kia Forte

1. Sporty styling

Kia freshened up the look of the 2017 Forte with sporty accents that stand out on the road. The car features a “tiger nose" grille that seamlessly connects with updated headlights for a more fluid look, along with newly designed taillights. For an even edgier appearance, the S trim is equipped with a chrome exhaust tip and rear spoiler. You should also keep an eye out for your choice of a dozen different exterior color options.

2. Helpful features

The 2017 Kia Forte has several available driver-assistance tools that can boost your confidence behind the wheel, including a rear-camera display, lane departure warning system, and lane keep assist system. Regardless of the trim, the Forte also comes with a variety of other helpful systems, as well. This includes a brake assist system that can reduce the overall stopping distance in an emergency situation, hill-start assist control to prevent you from rolling backward on a steep hill, and an anti-lock braking system that offers more control on wet or slippery roads.

3. Stuffed with gadgets

The 2017 Forte gives you a royal welcome by lighting up the door handles and outside mirror when you approach with your smart key (available on the S trim and above). Infotainment is also a treat in this car. Apple Carplay® and Android Auto connectivity is available on the LX trim and standard on the S trim and up, making it easy to stream your favorite driving music, look up directions, and send text messages.

4. Designed for comfort

The 2017 Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride for both drivers and passengers. Look out for your choice of a standard six-way manually adjustable driver's seat or an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat (available on the S trim and up). The interior feels roomy, too, with a minimum of 95 cu-ft of space and an available power sunroof (S trim and up). And whether you're driving during a scorching summer day or cold winter morning, you can set just the right climate with the dual-zone automatic temperature control system (EX trim only).

5. Spacious cargo area

Whether picking up groceries or going golfing, the 2017 Kia Forte sedan offers ample storage space for your lifestyle. It has 14.9 cu-ft of cargo volume and a trunk light to make it easy to pack up at night. You can also fold down the 60/40 split-folding rear seats if you need more space for a special trip, like a weekend of snowboarding.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Based on customer reviews, the 2017 Kia Forte has a great sporty design, good gas mileage, and roomy interior.
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Kia Forte an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Forte 6th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Forte

Kia Forte features and specs

S 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

147

Torque (ft-lbs)

132

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

179.5"

Width

70.1"

Height

56.3"

Leg room

F 42.2"/R 35.9"

Head room

F 39.1"/R 37.3"

Front tires

P205/55HR16

Rear tires

P205/55HR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Kia Forte FAQ

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