Main Navigation beebs
Skip to main content

2021 Kia Forte review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

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

From $16,998 - $17,998*

6 photos
Price
Year

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

All Kia Forte years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Forte generation from 2012 to 2024

What is new for the 2021 Kia Forte?

  • Enhanced fuel efficiency with new engine technology
  • Updated infotainment system featuring larger touchscreen and improved connectivity options
  • Additional safety features now standard, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
  • New exterior color options available for customization
  • Optional upgraded sound system now more affordable

2021 Kia Forte trims

Curious how Kia Forte trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

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:

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:

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.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2021 Kia Forte receives positive reviews for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and overall value. Customers appreciate its stylish design and reliable performance, though some note issues with braking, cabin noise at high speeds, and limited interior space. Technology features are praised but occasionally criticized for usability. Overall satisfaction is high, with most buyers recommending it as a dependable, economical vehicle.
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

LXS 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Side Airbags
  • Air Conditioning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • ABS Brakes
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • 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

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.