2021 Kia Forte review
Kia Forte highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Great technology integration
- Good looking sedan exterior
- Optional turbocharged power
Cons
- Rear seat is a bit small
- Ride comfort isn't always great
- Base engine isn't particularly entertaining
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Kia Forte years
What is new for the 2021 Kia Forte?
- Forte trims have been upgraded with Leather Seats and Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
- Running Boards, Tow Hitch, and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
- The GT trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
- The GT-Line trim now comes with Auxiliary Audio Input as standard equipment.
- The EX trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Harman Kardon Sound, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
2021 Kia Forte trims
FE:
- 147-hp, 132-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Cloth Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Mirrors
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Traction Control
- Cruise Control
- View our Kia Forte FE inventory
LXS:
- Includes all features available on the FE
- Alloy Wheels
- View our Kia Forte LXS inventory
EX:
- Includes all features available on the LXS
- Sunroofs
- Power Seats
- Leather Seats
- Smart Key
- A/C Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette Seats
- View our Kia Forte EX inventory
GT:
- Includes all features available on the EX
- 201-hp, 195-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Spoiler
- Turbo Charged Engine
- View our Kia Forte GT inventory
GT-Line:
- Includes all features available on the GT
- No significant upgrades found on the GT-Line
- View our Kia Forte GT-Line inventory
Kia Forte photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Kia Forte
1. Lots of features
Kia has been very generous with its features in the 2021 Forte. The ideal commuter car, the 2021 Kia Forte is a pleasure to drive and includes an eight-inch touchscreen display as standard, with additional easy-to-use physical controls below. Even the base sound system comes with four speakers, and there are plenty of entertainment options thanks to Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ connectivity. The Forte also includes cruise control and a USB charging port, making life even more comfortable on those long drives.
2. Generous space
For a compact car, the 2021 Kia Forte has an impressive amount of space, making it a strong choice for shopping trips or filling with luggage for a weekend away. You've got a total passenger volume of 96 cu-ft to stretch out in and 15.3 cu-ft of trunk space. Front headroom is 38.8 inches and front legroom is 42.2 inches. The vehicle also seats up to five people across two rows, and the seats are well-cushioned and supportive for long drives.
3. A delightful drive
One of the biggest selling points for the 2021 Kia Forte is its mpg. Besides the GT trim, all other Forte models feature a 2L four-cylinder engine that produces 147 hp. This engine achieves an EPA-estimated 35 combined mpg, which means you can rest easy even when commuting to and from the city.
4. Five appealing trims
There are five versions of the 2021 Kia Forte to choose from: FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. The four lower trims come with a 147-hp, four-cylinder engine, while the GT achieves 201 hp with its turbocharged engine. The LXS trim and above come with continuously variable automatic transmission as standard, while higher trims add increasing levels of sophistication to interior materials and features. Each version of the Forte is great for commuting, shopping, and carpooling thanks to its space and comfort.
5. Comfort as a priority
Kia has defied the compact nature of the 2021 Forte by ensuring that it's as comfortable and spacious as possible. Not only is it a comfortable ride, but even the base trim comes with heated front seats, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. All of this is designed to ensure you and your passengers enjoy each and every ride.
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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
LXS 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
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
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
P205/55HR16
Rear tires
P205/55HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Kia Forte FAQ
The 2021 Kia Forte is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LXS: 29 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- GT-Line: 29 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- EX: 29 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- GT: 27 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- FE: 31 MPG City and 41 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 2021 Kia Forte has received an average 4.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Kia Forte, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Kia Forte Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Kia Forte:
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Sunroof(s)
- Harman Kardon Sound
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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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