2022 Kia Forte

The entry-level Kia Forte is the FE. It comes with 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, and rear disc brakes. Step up to the LXS for 16-inch alloy wheels and the option for the LXS Technology Package with heated side exterior mirrors. The extra sporty GT-Line adds LED fog lights, LED running lights, and LED taillights. It also comes standard with the heated side mirrors and has 17-inch alloy wheels. The GT-Line Premium adds a sunroof, or you can step up to the GT, which has 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and a sport-tuned exhaust. This model also has LED headlights and offers the option for a sunroof.

Most Kia Forte trims get power from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine that puts out 147 horsepower that works with Kia's continuously variable automatic transmission, and every model has front-wheel drive. The GT has more power by way of a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. It develops 201 horsepower and works with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.

The base engine provides the Forte with plenty of power for getting around town, and it has a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The GT's turbo engine is more energetic, and when combined with the larger brakes and multilink rear suspension, it gives other compact sports cars a run for their money.

The Forte fits in the compact car segment, but it has plenty of room for its five passengers. The cargo space fits up to 15.3 cubic feet of gear with the rear seats up, which is more than most others in its class. The base model comes with cloth upholstery and cruise control, but if you step up to the GT-Line, you'll get dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth-covered sport seats, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel. There's an 8-inch touch screen in the base Forte, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A four-speaker stereo system, a USB port, and Bluetooth round out the standard tech features. The GT-Line gets the new 10.25-inch touch screen, and it comes with a wired version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation also comes in the GT-Line, along with a six-speaker stereo.

Every 2022 Forte has a forward-collision warning system, automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. A driver attention warning system is another standard safety feature for this sedan. The optional LXS Technology Package adds a blind-spot monitor, a safe-exit system, and rear cross-traffic alert to the LXS. Step up to the GT-Line to make these standard and add the option for a navigation-based adaptive cruise control system and pedestrian and cyclist collision avoidance.