2022 Kia Forte Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Key Features
- Starting at $19,090 MSRP*
- 2.0-Liter DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder engine with 147 horsepower or available 1.6-Liter Turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower
- Up to 31 City / 41 Highway / 35 Combined MPG**
- Available UVO eServices, Voice-Command Navigation System, 10.25-inch Color Touch-Screen Display, SiriusXM® Traffic, and HD Radio
- Standard Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ smartphone integration
- GT and G-Line trims with race-inspired styling
- Remote Keyless Entry with Trunk Opener
- Standard Cloth Seat Trim or Optional Two-Tone SOFINO Leatherette Seat Trim
About the Kia Forte
Now in its third generation, the Kia Forte offers everything you’ve come to love and expect from this stylish compact sedan. Those who crave athletic styling combined with potent performance should look no further than Forte GT-Line and GT trims. The bold exterior appearance of the Forte was inspired by the award-winning Stinger sports sedan. An intuitive interior puts you in complete control of an array of advanced technology features. Optional two-tone SOFINO leatherette seat trim offers an eye-catching complement to an already ergonomic interior layout. An 8-inch touchscreen provides seamless access to available UVO eServices in addition to standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration. You’ll enjoy confidence and peace of mind from a collection of available Kia Drive Wise safety technologies.
What’s New for 2022
Several big changes have been made to the dynamic Kia Forte for the 2022 model year. The Forte receives a bold styling refresh including an updated “tiger-nose” front grille along with new headlights, taillights, and fog lamps. Last year’s 3.5-inch gauge cluster display has been replaced by a larger 4.2-inch unit and a larger 10.25-inch center display makes its debut as an available option. Finally, drivers can now equip their Forte with an optional adaptive cruise control system for enhanced confidence behind the wheel.
What The Critics Say
"Kia put forth a solid effort with the new Forte. It's refreshing to see this at a time when many others are treating sedans as second fiddle to their crossover lineups." -- Autoweek
“When shopping for a compact sedan, it's easy to default to the segment stalwarts. Those are fine vehicles, and offer specifications, features, and pricing competitive with the Kia Forte. But the Forte's sporty styling, upscale interior, excellent safety scores, five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, and available performance model keep it worth consideration against those options." -- Motor Trend
Kia Forte Features
Bold Styling
Inspired by the Kia Stinger, the exterior design of the Forte is now more athletic and bolder than ever. Its sporty front fascia with available gloss black accents cascades gradually with flowing curves and chiseled lines along the side. Optional 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels and an available rear spoiler deliver an unmistakably sporty look. Available LED lighting complements the striking style of the Forte while providing exceptionally crisp illumination to help you see what's ahead. A variety of expressive exterior colors help your Forte reflect a personality as unique as your own. The GT trim adds red grille inserts, rear diffuser accents, glossy black mirror caps, side sills, and rear lip spoiler. Inside the Forte GT, you’ll find SOFINO leather upholstery featuring red contrast stitching, ambient cabin lighting, and an illuminated “GT” logo on the dashboard.
Optimized Performance
Proving the Kia Forte is a force to be reckoned with, drivers will experience better control, confident handling, and improved acceleration as compared to previous iterations. Giving you a perfect balance of performance and efficiency, the Forte comes standard with a 2.0-Liter DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder engine with 147 horsepower. Step up to the Forte GT and you’ll receive a more potent 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces a muscular 201 horsepower. Unlike traditional CVTs with a rubber band-like feel, the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on the Forte has an adaptive style shift logic with a chain-type belt. GT trims also add a Sport-Tuned Suspension and High-Flow Dual Exhaust for greater performance. Thanks to dedicated drive modes including Sport and Comfort, you have the ability to customize every drive.
Impressive Interior
A spacious interior with generous legroom and cargo capacity gives the Kia Forte the perfect amount of space to unwind. Premium features like an available power sunroof and optional two-tone SOFINO leatherette seat trim contribute to the cabin’s upscale feel. This cargo space is one of the largest in its class with 15.3 cubic feet to help fit all your gear. Optional 60/40 split-folding rear seats let you carry longer items like a snowboard along for every big adventure. Cool down or warm up with available heated and ventilated front seats. Available Dual Zone Automatic Temperature control allows every passenger to stay comfortable.
Technology & Safety
Driving a Kia Forte means that you'll always stay in sync with your world thanks to standard Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ support on the available 10.25-inch Touch-Screen Display. Available UVO eServices lets you make calls, send texts, navigate to your destination, and so much more. Staying charged up has never been easier thanks to an optional wireless phone charging pad. Get real-time traffic updates from SiriusXM® Traffic or use optional advanced Voice Command Navigation to ensure you'll arrive at your destination on time.
When it comes to safety, few compact sedans offer more advanced technologies than the Kia Forte. Standard Lane Departure Warning (LDW) provides an audible alert if you begin to drift outside of detected lane markers. Available Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) relies on a sonar sensor system to detect obstacles in your blind spots. Other optional technologies include Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW).
Trims & Specs
Forte FE
- Starting at $19,090 MSRP*
- 2.0-Liter DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder Engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque
- 8-inch Rear-Camera Display
- 6-Way adjustable front seats
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
- Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®
Forte LXS
- Starting at $19,590 MSRP*
- Intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission (IVT)
- 16-inch Machine Finish Alloy Wheels
- Available Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat optional
- Remote Keyless Entry with Trunk Opener optional
Forte GT-Line
- Starting at $21,290 MSRP*
- Sport Grille
- Black Gloss Heated Outside Mirrors and Rear Trunk Lid Spoiler
- D-Shaped Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with white stitching
- Sport Seats with SOFINO and Cloth Seat Trim
- Perimeter Approach Lighting
Forte GT
- Starting at $23,490 MSRP*
- 1.6L Turbocharged, Inline 4-Cylinder Engine with 201 horsepower
- 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT) with Paddle Shifters or 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- 18-inch GT Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
- GT Ambient Lighting
- Sport-tuned Dual Exhaust
Forte GT Manual
- Starting at $24,490 MSRP*
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Power Sunroof
- Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 Summer Tires
- Harman Kardon® Premium Audio w/ Clari-Fi™
- Sport Seats with SynTex Seating Materials and GT-Exclusive Stitching
*Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes $965 destination charge, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
**EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle's condition.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.