Kia Forte 2019-2024: what to know before you buy?
The Kia Forte is no more, long live the Kia K4! At least, that's what the Korean brand would have you believe, as it has decided to replace its (Mexican-built) compact car with an all-new, more modern and cutting-edge model for the 2025 model year. The K4 incorporates several elements of its predecessor, notably under the hood, and retains a front-wheel drive system only.
Inevitably, prices have gone up. If you'd rather save money and settle for a Forte instead, here's basically what you need to know about the generation on sale from 2019 to 2024...
A cousin of the Hyundai Elantra, the Kia Forte is available as a four-door sedan and a hatchback called the Forte5. In the latter case, please note that the redesign began with the 2020 model, not the 2019.
Aesthetically, the two are very similar, but the Forte5 appears more dynamic thanks to the GT Line trim package included as standard. And without mentioning its 741-liter trunk, unbeatable in its class and considerably roomier than that of the sedan (434 liters). The Forte's assembly quality is above average, and Kia has won accolades in this field.
In terms of engines, the 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder of the base versions develops 147 hp via a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously-variable automatic. The alternative is a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering 201 hp via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox - enough to compete directly and surprisingly with a Honda Civic Si or the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Jetta GLI.
Whatever the choice, regular gasoline is sufficient. Average fuel consumption is between 7 and 8 L/100 km, depending on configuration, which puts the Forte in the middle of the pack for its segment. Unfortunately, there's no hybrid variant like the Elantra mentioned above.
When you do your research, you'll see several different equipment levels. They range from the most basic to the most luxurious: LX, EX, EX+, EX Premium, EX Limited and GT. Safety-wise, the arsenal is pretty comprehensive, with lane-keeping assist and forward collision avoidance, intelligent cruise control and blind-spot detection to name but a few. The 2019 Forte won an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award in the USA, while the 2020 and 2021 received a Top Safety Pick award.
For the 2022 model year, Kia has given the Forte an aesthetic and technological update. The Forte's redesigned extremities have made it appear more modern and aggressive, while the interior has welcomed a new 10.25-inch screen as an option and new safety features have been added.
Overall, the Forte is an honest car, but not particularly exciting or satisfying. We'd rather choose it to save money at the pump and on the way from A to B. Mechanically, the main question mark is the continuously variable transmission, placing the Forte on an unenviable list of 10 vehicles with major transmission problems according to the American magazine Consumer Reports. But don't forget Kia's excellent 5-year/100,000 km warranty (vehicle and powertrain), some of which may still be left on the model you're considering.
Happy shopping!
