2018 Kia Forte review
Kia Forte highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Feels roomy for a compact sedan
- Many desirable available features
- Easy-to-use controls and infotainment touchscreen
Cons
- EX trim returns lackluster fuel economy for the class
- Ride quality can feel overly firm
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 33 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2018 Kia Forte has tons of features to offer
The 2018 Kia Forte faces some stiff competition in the small sedan and hatchback segments—the hatchback model is sold under the name Forte5—but its roominess and wealth of options make it a worthwhile alternative. The Forte has a good-sized backseat and is larger than the average trunk, and even the base LX model was available with an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system. The Forte’s available 7-inch touchscreen is one of the best among its competitors, certainly much stronger than what you’ll find in a Honda or Toyota of the time. A fully-loaded Forte even offers ventilated front seats—a rarity in the segment.
The downsides are the somewhat firm ride and the choice between the LX and S trims’ underwhelming acceleration, or the EX trim’s lackluster fuel economy. Most driver aids are optional extras, and available only for the S and EX trims. With so many optional add-ons, you’ll have to check carefully to make sure you’re getting all the features you want.
All Kia Forte years
What is new for the 2018 Kia Forte?
- Forte trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment this year.
- The LX trim now comes with Cruise Control as standard equipment.
2018 Kia Forte trims
LX:
- 147-hp, 132-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Manual Transmission
S:
- Includes all features available on the LX
- Rear View Camera
- Alloy Wheels
- Rear Spoiler
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- View our Kia Forte S inventory
EX:
- Includes all features available on the S
- 164-hp, 151-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Smart Key
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- View our Kia Forte EX inventory
Kia Forte photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Kia Forte
What We Like
Interior space: The Forte makes the most of its available space, with a roomy-feeling interior and useful trunk. It’s not class-leading, but it’s enough to keep passengers comfortable.
Features: With its extensive list of optional features, the 2018 Forte offers more than you’ll find from its competitors. It offers one of the best available touchscreens in the class, and luxuries like leather-upholstered heated and ventilated seats.
Ease of use: The Forte’s controls are smartly laid out and clearly labeled. Its available touchscreen interface is snappy, feature-rich, and simple to get the hang of. An easy car to just get in and go.
What Needs Improvement
Performance or economy: The 2018 Forte leaves you with a choice: Get average fuel economy but underwhelming performance with the LX and S trims, or average performance but sub-par fuel economy with the EX trim.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4 out of 5
11 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 6 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
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 ForteKia Forte features and specs
EX 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Lane Departure Warning
- Navigation System
- Power Seat(s)
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
164
Torque (ft-lbs)
151
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
P215/45HR17
Rear tires
P215/45HR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Kia Forte FAQ
The 2018 Kia Forte is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- EX: 25 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- LX: 29 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- S: 25 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
The Kia Forte received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Forte as 5 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2018 Kia Forte has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Kia Forte, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Kia Forte Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Kia Forte:
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cruise Control
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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