Segment: Compact
Production years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
The third generation of the Forte was introduced at the 2018 North American International Motor Show and it included cues inspired by the Stinger.
The Forte was the Elantra's sibling built by Kia and designed by Peter Schreyer. The Forte was launched as a 4-door sedan or a 5-door fastback, featuring the same shape as the Hyundai Elantra Fastback from other continents. Thus, the two twin vehicles covered most of the body versions for the compact segment, apart from a station-wagon and a convertible.
The sedan version of the compact Forte was the Kia equivalent for the Elantra, but with a sportier look. The headlights design showed the inspiration from the Stinger. The “tiger-nose” grille was already a signature design for the Kia brand and it was successfully applied on the Forte as well.
Inside, the Forte featured a spacious interior, due to an increase in the cabin height and a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. In order to receive higher grades from the IIHS, even the base model was fitted with features such as automatic emergency braking and active lane control. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and automatic high-beam headlights were optional. For the infotainment system, an 8” touch-screen display was on the options list.
For the powertrain, the 2018 Forte sedan was offered with only one engine in Atkinson Cycle mated to a 6-speed manual for the base model, or a CVT (named IVT by KIA) for the rest of the trim level.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L GDI 7AT (201 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1591 cm3 |
Power: | 147.8 KW @ 6000 RPM 201 HP @ 6000 RPM 198 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 195 lb-ft @ 1500-4500 RPM 264 Nm @ 1500-4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14 gallons (53.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | P195/65R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 182.7 in (4641 mm) |
Width: | 70.9 in (1801 mm) |
Height: | 56.5 in (1435 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.5x61.9 in (1562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.3 in (135 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.3 cuFT (433 L) |
Turning circle (curb to curb): | 34.8 ft (10.6 m) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 6MT (147 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1999 cm3 |
Power: | 109.6 KW @ 6200 RPM 149 HP @ 6200 RPM 147 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 179 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14 gallons (53.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | P195/65R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 182.7 in (4641 mm) |
Width: | 70.9 in (1801 mm) |
Height: | 56.5 in (1435 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.5x61.9 in (1562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.3 in (135 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.3 cuFT (433 L) |
Turning circle (curb to curb): | 34.8 ft (10.6 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2707 - 2721 lbs (1228 - 1234 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3638 lbs (1650 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 27 mpg US (8.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 36.8 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 31 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L CVT (147 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1999 cm3 |
Power: | 109.6 KW @ 6200 RPM 149 HP @ 6200 RPM 147 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 179 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 14 gallons (53.0 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | CVT |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | P195/65R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 182.7 in (4641 mm) |
Width: | 70.9 in (1801 mm) |
Height: | 56.5 in (1435 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.5x61.9 in (1562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.3 in (135 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 15.3 cuFT (433 L) |
Turning circle (curb to curb): | 35.4 ft (10.8 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2762 - 2903 lbs (1253 - 1317 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3792 lbs (1720 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 41.3 mpg US (5.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 35 mpg US (6.7 L/100Km) |