LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 7A)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Overall Rating
Priced at $18,000 the 2022 Kia Forte compact sedan packs in a new look with subtle changes to its exterior. It continues to be powered by the same 2.0L engine with an output of 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Forte offers an excellent value for money proposition with its efficient engine, roomy interiors, simple and crisp technology, and a long list of standard features with a stylish exterior.
As Kia's lineup continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it's now time for their compact sedan, the 2022 Forte. Kia has refreshed the exterior of the 2022 Forte and doubled the standard and optional tech features to make this a more appealing alternative. The EX has been discontinued from the lineup so the available trims are FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The 2022 Forte is available for sale at an MSRP of $19,090.
The base 147-hp 2.0L engine feels underwhelming while the optional 201-hp 1.6L engine has good passing power. On the inside, the Forte remains a spacious and comfortable sedan. The center console has been reworked for the new electronic parking brake. Kia has also updated safety features for the Forte. The closest compact sedan cars that rival the Forte are the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic, and the Hyundai Elantra.
Among the four trims offered for the Forte, we recommend the top-end GT trim. That's because the base engine feels underwhelming on a highway. This model adds LED headlights, wireless charging, a sport-tuned suspension, rear air vents, larger alloy wheels, dual chrome exhausts, and paddle shifters.
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Priced at $18,000 the 2022 Kia Forte compact sedan packs in a new look with subtle changes to its exterior. It continues to be powered by the same 2.0L engine with an output of 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Forte offers an excellent value for money proposition with its efficient engine, roomy interiors, simple and crisp technology, and a long list of standard features with a stylish exterior.
As Kia's lineup continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it's now time for their compact sedan, the 2022 Forte. Kia has refreshed the exterior of the 2022 Forte and doubled the standard and optional tech features to make this a more appealing alternative. The EX has been discontinued from the lineup so the available trims are FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The 2022 Forte is available for sale at an MSRP of $19,090.
The base 147-hp 2.0L engine feels underwhelming while the optional 201-hp 1.6L engine has good passing power. On the inside, the Forte remains a spacious and comfortable sedan. The center console has been reworked for the new electronic parking brake. Kia has also updated safety features for the Forte. The closest compact sedan cars that rival the Forte are the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic, and the Hyundai Elantra.
It’s a good value, from its warranty to its infotainment- The Car Connection
For 2022, Kia has dropped the EX trim from the Forte lineup. The available trims are FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. Pricing for the 2022 Forte starts from $19,090 and will go up to $24,490 for the GT model. Destination charges are an extra $965. Kia has facelifted the Forte with some new features and yet, its price has only bumped by $1,000 from the outgoing model.
Apart from its refreshed exterior styling, the biggest update for the 2022 Forte is its new 10.3-inch touchscreen and standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Kia has also updated the Drive Wise suite of safety features for the Forte. Besides the standard features, Kia continues to offer a few optional upgrades for some trims as well.
Model |
FE |
LXS |
GT-Line |
GT |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$19,090 |
$19,590 | $21,290 | $23,490 ($24,490 Manual) |
Key Features |
15-inch steel wheels |
Adds/Upgrades to FE trim |
Adds/Upgrades to LXS trim | Adds/Upgrades to GT-Line trim |
|
8-inch touchscreen w/ wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
16-inch alloy wheels |
17-inch alloy wheels |
18-inch alloy wheels |
|
4-speaker stereo |
Split-folding rear seats | 10.25-inch touchscreen | Paddle shifters |
|
6-way power driver's seat |
Navigation system | Wireless charging | |
|
Rearview camera | Dual-zone automatic climate control |
LED headlights |
|
|
Kia Drive Wise safety suite |
|
Proximity keyless entry | Sport-tuned suspension |
|
3 USB ports |
|
Push-button start | 8-speaker Harman Kardon stereo |
Remote keyless entry | 6-speaker stereo | Heated front seats | ||
Satellite radio | Rear parking sensors | |||
HD radio | ||||
Hands-free tailgate | ||||
Leather flat-bottom steering wheel | ||||
Cloth sport seats w/ leatherette bolstering | ||||
LXS Technology package |
Among the four trims offered for the Forte, we recommend the top-end GT trim. That's because the base engine feels underwhelming on a highway. This model adds LED headlights, wireless charging, a sport-tuned suspension, rear air vents, larger alloy wheels, dual chrome exhausts, and paddle shifters.
The base engine strikes a nice balance of satisfying performance and good fuel economy- Kelly Blue Book
The 2022 Kia Forte will continue on with its 2.0L inline-4 engine with an output of 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT transmission and the 6-speed manual is no longer available for this engine. The GT trim houses a 1.6L turbo-4 engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. This engine churns out 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. of torque.
The Forte's handling is not very impressive. Cornering control is good, but the chassis and steering feedback is limited. The lightweight body does cause some lateral movement, however. In terms of suspension, the Forte uses a strut at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The ride quality is a bit firm while the GT model with a sport-tuned suspension will tend to struggle a lot on broken pavements.
The base engine lacks refinement and punchiness and hence, it takes 8.1 seconds to complete the 0-60 MPH sprint. It further takes 16.4 seconds to cover the quarter-mile mark. The GT trim can do the same in 7.2 seconds as this engine feels more engaging and responsive. In terms of braking, the Forte's brakes are responsive and nicely weighted. It takes 118 feet to come to rest from 60 MPH.
Models |
2022 Kia Forte |
2022 Hyundai Elantra |
2022 Toyota Corolla |
2022 Honda Civic |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$19,090 |
$19,950 |
$20,075 |
$22,350 |
Engine |
2.0L Inline-4 |
2.0L Inline-4 |
1.8L Inline-4 |
2.0L Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
CVT |
CVT |
CVT |
CVT |
Power |
147 hp @ 6,200 RPM |
147 hp @ 6,200 RPM |
139 hp @ 6,100 RPM |
158 hp @ 6,500 RPM |
Torque |
132 lb-ft. @ 4,500 RPM |
132 lb-ft. @ 4,500 RPM |
126 lb-ft. @ 3,900 RPM |
138 lb-ft. @ 4,200 RPM |
0-60 MPH |
8.1 sec |
8.2 sec |
9.0 sec |
7.9 sec |
Quarter Mile |
16.4 sec |
16.4 sec |
17.5 sec |
16.0 sec |
Top Speed | 123 MPH | 120 MPH | 120 MPH | 119 MPH |
The Forte is the cheapest car in the offering with a commendable performance. The Honda Civic has become slower than the previous model but it is still quicker than the rivals. The Toyota Corolla's power outputs are the lowest here and obviously, its acceleration is very slow. The Hyundai Elantra is the cousin of the Forte and hence, its powertrain setup is the same as the Forte.
Fuel economy is excellent- Edmunds
The 2022 Kia Forte shines in this area, especially with the base powertrain. The EPA-estimated ratings are 31 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on the highway, and 35 MPG combined with the CVT transmission. The GT trim with a dual-clutch automatic returns 30 MPG combined while the manual is rated the lowest at 26 MPG combined.
All Fortes comes fitted with a 14-gallon fuel tank, which is one of the biggest in its class. This translates for a class-leading range of 490 miles in its most efficient form. With the dual-clutch automatic, the range falls down to 420 miles while the manual transmission further drops it down to 364 miles, the lowest in the lineup.
Models |
2022 Kia Forte |
2022 Hyundai Elantra |
2022 Toyota Corolla |
2022 Honda Civic |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
31 |
33 |
30 |
31 |
MPG (Highway) |
41 |
43 |
38 |
40 |
MPG (Combined) |
35 | 37 |
33 |
35 |
Fuel Capacity (gallons) |
14.0 |
12.4 |
13.2 |
12.4 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (miles) |
434/574/490 | 409/533/459 |
396/502/436 |
384/496/434 |
The Forte's cousin i.e. the Hyundai Elantra has the best fuel ratings in this segment. Although both of them share the same engine, the Elantra is a bit lighter in weight, and hence,e its fuel economy is better. The Honda Civic is right behind it at 35 MPG combined and is more efficient than the Forte. The Toyota Corolla's fuel economy is slightly less than the competition.
The interior of this car impressed us with its minimalist design and high-quality and upscale materials- CarAndDriver
The 2022 Kia Forte's cabin has a logical interior layout and better quality and finishes levels. A lot of the interior is inspired by the Forte's elder sibling, the K5 (Kia Optima). Lower trims get cloth upholstery and hard plastic surfaces, and higher trims benefit from a soft-touch dash, synthetic leather seats, matte chrome plastic inserts, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior really feels upscale for its price mark.
The seats are comfortable and supportive for long journeys. For driver's comfort, the seat can be power-adjusted in 6 directions. The front row offers excellent head and legroom while the rear row can accommodate two adults comfortably. The rear legroom is less than the competition but it's sufficient for an adult. As for visuality, the front view is good but the sloping roofline hinders the back view.Â
Models |
2022 Kia Forte |
2022 Hyundai Elantra |
2022 Toyota Corolla |
2022 Honda Civic |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
First Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.8/56.1/42.2 |
40.6/56.5/42.3 |
38.3/54.0/42.0 |
39.3/57.0/42.3 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.5/55.3/35.7 |
37.3/55.6/38.0 |
37.1/51.7/34.8 |
37.1/56.0/37.4 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.) | 15.3 | 14.2 | 13.1 | 14.8 |
Compared to its rivals, the Hyundai Elantra offers the most interior space in the class, particularly rear legroom. The Forte offers a cargo capacity of 15.3 cubic feet, which is one of the largest in the class. The rear seats can be folded flat and except for the base FE trim, other models features a practical 60/40 split design. A major upgrade to the Kia's interior comes in the form of a larger and more efficient infotainment system.
While an existing 8-inch touchscreen is standard, a new 10.3-inch touchscreen is optional. Also, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay debut this year for better connectivity. Note that the larger screen comes with wired smartphone integration. Both the touchscreens have a straightforward interface and responses to touch controls are quick without any lag. The stereo speakers have decent output. Some other features include:
The Forte looks like a more premium, expensive car than it really is- Kelly Blue Book
The Kia Forte's exterior styling has been refreshed this year. At the front, the car now sports a new headlamp design, with new parallel LED DRL styling of three discontinuous lines at the top and the bottom. The grille is slimmer, wider, and the redesigned KIA logo sits proudly on the bonnet. The front bumper has been tweaked as well, with nearly vertical slots that seem like air intakes. Some of the styling cues on the Forte have been taken from the K5.
As the design update is more of a facelift and nothing a complete restyling, the Forte maintains most of its side profile. The wheels range from 15 to 18 inches with new wheel designs. The Forte's wheelbase is tighter than the Elantra and hence, it offers less space in the rear row. At the rear, the taillights have been redesigned, and now feature a continuous design. To summarise, the overall curvy profile has given way for sharper styling with the facelift.
Models |
2022 Kia Forte |
2022 Hyundai Elantra |
2022 Toyota Corolla |
2022 Honda Civic |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2,769 |
2,725 |
2,910 |
2,877 |
Length (in) |
182.7 |
184.1 |
182.3 |
184.0 |
Width (in) |
70.9 |
71.9 |
70.1 |
70.9 |
Height (in) |
56.5 |
55.7 |
56.5 |
55.7 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
5.3 |
5.3 |
5.3 |
6.3 |
Wheelbase (in) |
106.3 |
107.1 |
106.3 |
107.7 |
All the four cars are quite similar dimensionally, and there are very few changes between them. To pinpoint, the Hyundai Elantra is the longest car, with a length that's 1.4 inches longer than the Forte. In terms of ground clearance, the Honda Civic has the most ground clearance. The heavyweight of the Toyota Corolla is the reason for its sluggish performance. Some exterior features on the Forte are:
Kia offers a handful of standard and optional driver-assistance features- CarAndDriver
The 2022 Kia Forte is rated with 4 stars overall by the NHTSA whereas the IIHS gave a rating of 'Good' in all crash tests. It also received a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention. However, it misses the Top Safety Pick award as the headlights were not rated. But still, the Forte is convincingly safe enough for the passengers.
The Forte is very well-equipped with a mix of active and passive safety features, including a set of six airbags. For 2022, Kia updated the safety features for the Forte. Lane following assist is now a standard feature while a new navigation-based adaptive cruise control is optional. Some other features include:
The Forte and the Toyota Corolla both offer an impressive package of features for an affordable price. Both the cars have excellent reliability, but the Corolla has a higher resale value. The Corolla's engines are not lively and hence, the performance offered is not good. However, it delivers a smooth ride and more standard safety features. Still, the Forte is a better pick as it offers better trunk volume and a longer warranty.
The Honda Civic is the most direct competition of the Forte. Redesigned for 2022, the Civic offers a more powerful engine lineup, with engaging driving dynamics, and a spacious and comfortable interior. The Forte, on the other hand, is more affordable, has simple technology, boasts excellent reliability, and gets a longer warranty as well. Despite being a hard choice, we recommend going with the Civic.
Both these cars share the same platform and powertrains. Moreover, they are similarly priced. If closely observed, they are a few differences. The Hyundai Elantra offers more rear-seat space and better fuel economy than the Forte. Driver aids are more standard on the Elantra. The Elantra N offers brisk acceleration and liver handling. Overall, choose the Elantra for better performance and fuel economy.
The 2022 Kia Forte, with a refreshing style quotient, will offer an irreplaceable option for buyers in the compact sedan segment. And for a price that will largely go up by $1000 compared to the previous model, it adds real value for the money spent. The Forte is a comfortable, stylish, and spacious sedan upon its update, however, it still needs a lot of improvement on the engine and performance front to crack a strong deal.