KIA Forte 5 Door 2016-Present Photos, engines & full specs

Kia introduced the second generation of the Forte lineup in 2016 for the 2017 model year, and, along with the sedan, it also offered a fived-door version named Forte5.

Designed as an affordable vehicle, the Forte5 was made by Kia on the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra and the European Kia Ceed. Thus, the carmaker was able not only to provide a lower-priced vehicle but also a well-equipped one, which could have offered enough features for an economical transportation solution.

Its design followed the renewed version of the "Tiger nose" concept imagined by Peter Schreyer when he took over Kia's design department. It resembled a similar look as Forte5's bigger sibling, the Optima. The angular headlights swept back offered a sporty look for the hatchback. Moreover, the front bumper featured a broad lower grille flanked on the sides by the foglights.

Inside, the carmaker tried to provide the vehicle with everything a modern person needed in 2017. Thus, it installed as an option an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible infotainment system. Even though the latter was not available at the car's launch. Kia offered the Forte5 in three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX, the latter being the sportiest in the stable. It offered bolstered bucket seats at the front and a split-folding bench in the rear. Even though the trunk was not something to brag about, it had a decent size for regular, two-people use.

Under the hood, Kia installed a choice of two engines. One was the older 2.0-liter GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) unit, and the most potent version was the 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI. Both units were paired as standard to a six-speed manual, with an option for a six-speed automatic or a seven-speed (dual-clutch), respectively.