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https://www.kbb.com/kia/forte/

This third-generation Kia Forte has received a midcycle refresh (graphic), bringing it up to speed with other KIA models with the new corporate logo, and restyled front and rear ends.

Kia did a great job giving this Forte a premium look. A little pizzazz is important when you’re going up against heavy-hitting competition like the Honda Civic Si and Toyota Corolla.

The front and rear seats have been restyled for this year, and on this GT trim materials feel nice and soft with a proper fit and finish. You don’t hear much squeaking or rattling and there’s room upfront for your phone and other knick-knacks which I really like. But then there is this faux-carbon fiber detail on the doors which is… well… let us know what you think about that in the comments after you subscribe to the KBB YouTube channel. Thanks!

The material quality on lower Forte trims feels unsurprisingly modest, but on the GT trim, from the pedals, to the seats and the flat-bottom steering wheel, it feels like you’re in a more expensive car than what this is.

For infotainment, there’s a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and android auto, noting that wireless connectivity is only on the highest trim of the Civic. A 10.25-inch touchscreen is offered on higher Forte trims but strangely it only includes WIRED Apple CarPlay and android auto. There’s also a 4.2-inch driver information screen which would seem small in the age of digital clusters, but hey at this price point it gets the job done. And when driving, the Speed readout makes you feel like you’re moving at warp speed… whoooaaaaaa.

The Forte has some premium charms but can a 6’4” adult like myself can fit inside and enjoy it? Let’s see how that goes. (Front and rear seat demo)

In any car, I always prefer the driver’s seat, so let’s get this Forte on the road.

You’ll be happy to know that standard safety features include lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and driver attention warning. However, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist starts on the higher LXS trim, while that feature comes standard on the Nissan Sentra.

I’ll add that the adaptive cruise control works great, and the lane following assist which keeps you in the middle of your lane isn’t too grabby.

Lower Forte trims are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0L 4 cylinder (graphic: 147 hp/ 132 lb-ft) linked to a CVT which Kia calls their IVT (intelligent Variable Transmission), while the GT trim gets a 1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (graphic: 201hp/ 195 lb-ft) mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The DCT on the GT shifts quickly and the sound coming out of that sport-tuned exhaust doesn’t sound half bad. You get some gurgles every now and then that helps with the overall enjoyment of the driving experience. The CVT on lower models does simulate gears to eliminate that droning sound CVTs are known for. Nonetheless, for its sharp looks, extra power and Dual-clutch transmission, I’d spring for the GT trim.

There’s even an available manual transmission for the GT trim, but for some crazy reason… that costs more. Hmmm…

Besides, the Forte is generally fun to drive. Cabin noise is a little loud, but the seats are comfortable, steering is responsive, and I have a good time in sport mode revving this car out and throwing it into corners.

Fuel economy is impressive in the Forte with the 2.0L (Graphic: 31/41 mpg (FE), 29/39 mpg (LXS, GT Line) while the GT trim takes a ding in efficiency, especially with the manual transmission. Yikes. (Graphic: 27/35 mpg (automatic), 22/31 mpg (manual)).

Post refresh, Kia ditched the EX Trim, leaving 4 trim levels. Pricing for a base Forte FE trim comes at just over $19 grand (graphic: $19,090) not including destination and that comes with the standard safety features mentioned earlier, 3 drive modes, cruise control, and a four-speaker audio system.

Move up to the LXS Trim (graphic: $19,590) for 60/40 Split seats, 16-inch alloy wheels and upgraded interior trim.
If you want sporty looks minus real performance, the GT-Line (Graphic: $21,290) adds aggressive exterior styling, keyless entry with push button start, leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel, 10.25 inch infotainment with navigation, dual zone climate control, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist

Forte has to work hard to prove itself, and it does. With attractive looks, playful road manners, competitive pricing, and a generous standard feature list, the Kia Forte is a compelling value.

00:00 2022 Kia Forte
0:30 Exterior
1:02 Competitors
1:17 Interior
3:45 Driving Impressions
4:12 Engine