2020 Kia Forte review
Kia Forte highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Balanced power from the standard engine
- Optional turbo power
- Intuitive technology interface
Cons
- Ride comfort can be subpar
- Non-turbo engine isn't particularly exciting
- Rear seat room is lacking
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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A stylish sedan with plenty of comfort
Welcoming in-cabin comforts for both daily and extended trips plus innovative technology at every trim level, the 2020 Kia Forte is an attention-grabbing compact sedan. Expect a stylish exterior, spacious interior, and plenty of trim and tech options that'll turn heads when you drive by and keep people asking when it's your turn to carpool. New additions to the Kia Forte for 2020 are two exciting sport trims: the GT-Line and GT.
All Kia Forte years
What is new for the 2020 Kia Forte?
- The Forte is available in a variety of new trims, including the GT and GT-Line.
- The LX and S trims have been discontinued for 2020.
- Forte trims have been upgraded with Leatherette & Cloth, Parking Sensors, Sunroof(s), Rear Spoiler, Turbo Charged Engine, CD Audio, and Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Sunshade features are now available as options on select trims.
2020 Kia Forte trims
FE:
Includes cruise control with steering-wheel controls, Bluetooth wireless technology, a rearview camera with dynamic parking guidance, woven-cloth seat trim, auto emergency braking technology, optional automatic transmission, and more.
LXS:
Adds 16-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, five paint options, black gloss sport bumper accents, and more.
GT-Line:
Adds 17-inch graphite-finish alloy wheels, sport grille, rear spoiler, smart key with push-button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport seats with black SOFINO-leatherette and cloth trim, six-speaker audio system, and more.
EX:
Adds SOFINO-leatherette trim in three colorways, heated and ventilated front seats, Smart Trunk™, additional USB inputs, wireless charging option, dual-zone automatic temperature control, six paint options, a space-saving spare tire, and more.
GT:
Adds 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission options, sport-tuned multi-link rear suspension and dual exhaust, LED projection headlights, alloy sport pedals, high beam assist, and more.
Kia Forte photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Kia Forte
1. Plenty of options
You'll love all the choices you have when shopping for a 2020 Kia Forte, like choosing between a standard 2.0L engine or the 1.6L turbocharged engine. You'll also have to keep an eye out for the three different transmission types, eight paint colors, the new-for-2020 sport seating option, and plenty more. The 2020 Forte also offers you an impressive selection of trims with features to keep the whole family entertained during the weekend and your commute classy throughout the week.
2. Driver-focused technology
Practicality meets innovation with no fewer than five Kia Drive Wise technology features as standard on all 2020 Kia Forte trims. Standard across all trim levels, you can set the lane-keeping assist to apply a slight steering correction to bring your vehicle back into the proper lane when you drive, giving you a bit of confidence behind the wheel of your 2020 Forte. There are seven driver-assist features that come standard or available across the mid- and top-tier trims. Smart cruise control—available as an option on the GT trim—uses radar technology to make keeping your distance from the car ahead easier.
3. Trunk space
For a compact sedan, the decidedly-roomy 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space you'll get to enjoy makes running errands and grocery shopping a breeze. Planning to travel further or longer? The rear seats fold down, opening up extra space for luggage and longer pieces of sporting or gardening equipment, so no need to leave any belongings behind when it's time for you to get behind the wheel.
4. Enjoy every drive
Thanks to its spacious interior and connectivity options, the 2020 Kia Forte is as fun as it is free, and not just for you but your passengers too. For the on-the-go family, there are cup holders, storage compartments, and generous legroom in the front and rear (42.2 inches and 35.7 inches respectively). For longer journeys on the road, it has still got you covered with four-, six- or eight-speaker stereo systems, steering-wheel-mounted cruise control and audio control, Bluetooth® wireless hands-free technology, and smartphone integration. For carpool commuting and family adventures during the weekend, the 2020 Kia Forte is a terrific companion.
5. Good looks
Since its 2019 redesign, the Kia Forte will add plenty of style to your daily commute. Taking its inspiration from the sleek and sporty lines of the Kia Stinger, the long hood and short deck give the 2020 Kia Forte an equally sporty look. The 2020 GT-Line and GT trims take it a step further—the exterior gets a sport grille, side sills, and rear spoilers as standard and is sure to have onlookers staring every time you pull out of your driveway.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Kia Forte, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
With three engine options available across all 2017–2019 models, you may find an Elantra to suit you. There's a punchy little 1.4L turbo available on the Elantra Eco (from 2017) but it has a trick up its sleeve with a drive mode selector; switch to Sport mode and you may be surprised how much fun you can have with this little engine. There's also a standard 2.0L engine and a 1.6L turbo that's available on the Sport model. Inside all 2017 models onwards, you get abundant tech features and a comfortable cabin.
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17-inch alloy wheels
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The fourth-generation Kia Sportage (2017-2021) crossover checks all your boxes with its great mix of standard features and options. The 2017-2021 Sportage comes with a standard 181-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder engine, while the trim-topping SX Turbo model has a turbocharged 2.0L making an impressive 240 hp.
Standard features on 2017-2021 Kia Sportage models include:
Five-inch touchscreen (eight inches for 2020+)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (2020+)
Rear climate vents
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Ratings & reliability
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
GT-Line 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Air Conditioning
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Cloth Seats
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Parking Sensors
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
147
Torque (ft-lbs)
132
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
14
Wheelbase
106.3"
Overall length
182.7"
Width
70.9"
Height
56.5"
Leg room
F 42.2"/R 35.7"
Head room
F 38.8"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P225/45HR17
Rear tires
P225/45HR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Kia Forte FAQ
The 2020 Kia Forte is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- GT-Line: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- FE: 31 MPG City and 41 MPG Highway
- LXS: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- GT: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- EX: 30 MPG City and 40 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 2020 Kia Forte has received an average 4.2 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Kia Forte, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Kia Forte Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Kia Forte:
- GT
- GT-Line
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Parking Sensors
- Sunroof(s)
More about the 2020 Kia Forte
Color options
Exterior colors:
Aurora Black Pearl
Clear White (FE, LXS, and GT-Line)
Currant Red (LXS, EX, and GT)
Deep Sea Blue (LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT)
Fire Orange (GT-Line, and GT)
Gravity Grey
Silky Silver (EX)
Snow White Pearl (EX and GT)
Interior details
Eight-inch touchscreen display as standard and UVO eServices and voice-recognition capability on EX and GT trims
Front center console with two cup holders, armrest, and storage box as standard on all trims
Maximum cargo volume of 15.3 cubic feet
Six-way adjustable driver and front-passenger seating as standard
Seating for five passengers
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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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