2024 Kia Forte review
Kia Forte highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Available turbocharged engine
- Standard smartphone integration
- High fuel economy
Cons
- Limited rear legroom
- Firm ride
- Vague steering
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 31 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $16,998 - $20,998*
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The Kia Forte compact sedan is a great value and sips fuel
The 2024 Kia Forte is a small economy sedan with an emphasis on value and great fuel mileage. Its compact size makes it ideal for city driving, where it can zip into tiny gaps in traffic or squeeze into snug curbside parking spots. Direct rivals to Kia’s least expensive four-door include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, and Mazda3. Changes for the 2024 model year are limited to minor option reshuffling.
In total, the Forte is available in four trims: LX, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. Serving as the standard powertrain is a 147-horsepower four-cylinder that’s paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Offered on the GT model is a 201-hp four-cylinder and choice of seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The latter shift-for-yourself gearbox is an increasing rarity and should prove popular with driving enthusiasts on a budget.
All Kia Forte years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Forte generation from 2013 to 2024
What is new for the 2024 Kia Forte?
- Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
What We Like
Turbocharged four-cylinder: The standard 147-hp four-cylinder gets the job done, though the stouter 201-hp turbocharged engine in the Forte GT adds more sparkle to this sedan’s driving manners. Not only is it quicker in terms of sheer acceleration, the Forte GT also benefits from a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded exhaust system.
Standard features: Kia isn’t stingy when it comes to equipping the Forte with comfort and driver-assist features. The base LX model is fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, two USB ports, and keyless entry. A number of driver-assist features, such as lane keeping assistance and a rear-seat reminder, also come at no additional cost.
User-friendly tech: Many modern cars are saddled with a distracting infotainment interface that makes it difficult to navigate various commands while driving. Not so the Forte. Both the 8-inch standard screen and the optional 10.25-inch screen are easy to operate.
What Needs Improvement
Tight rear legroom: Anyone who routinely travels with a full complement of adult passengers might want to make sure everyone can get comfortable in the Forte’s rear confines. Legroom in the second row is tighter than what many rival compact sedans offer.
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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.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Forte is $375, compared to an average of $453 for Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Kia Forte owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.9 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 9% for the Kia Forte, compared to an average of 12% for Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Kia Forte features and specs
Curious how Kia Forte trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
LXS 4D Sedan 2WD
Standard Features
- Cruise Control
- Power Locks
- Side Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Windows
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear Defroster
- Air Conditioning
- ABS Brakes
- Power Mirrors
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Transmission
- AM/FM Stereo
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Heated Mirrors
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
2024 Kia Forte FAQ
The 2024 Kia Forte has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2024 Kia Forte, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2024 Kia Forte Reviews.
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 6 out of 46 among Compact Car
Here are the pros and cons of the 2024 Kia Forte: Pros - Reliability - Value - Fuel Economy Cons - Power
Here is what's new for the 2024 Kia Forte:
- Rear Spoiler
The 2024 Kia Forte offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 27 city / 35 highway MPG (GT trim) • Gas: 28 city / 39 highway MPG (LX trim) • Gas: 28 city / 39 highway MPG (LXS trim) • Gas: 28 city / 39 highway MPG (GT-Line trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
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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