Photo: Kia
Back in October 2021, the Kia Forte was refreshed with snazzy design cues, plenty of new convenience features, and improved safety tech. The compact sedan used to retail at $19,090 sans destination charge, but for this model year, Kia has added $400 to the base LX grade with the base 2.0L engine.
$20,585 after the $1,095 destination charge is pretty good value considering what’s in the offing. For starters, the naturally-aspirated lump features multi-point injection, which eliminates any likelihood of carbon buildup.
With 147 horsepower and 132 pound-foot (179 Nm) of torque on tap, it’s more than adequate for the daily commute as well. The Kia Forte uses a so-called Intelligent Variable Transmission, a type of continuously variable transmission that promises automatic transmission-like gear shifts. Capable of 34 miles per gallon (6.9 liters per 100 kilometers) on the combined test cycle, the compact sedan comes with dependable steelies and full covers.
An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also worthy of your attention, together with auto headlight control and high-beam assist, emergency automatic braking, lane following and keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Moving on, the LXS builds upon the LX with a few additions, including alloys and 60/40 folding rear seats.
The GT-Line slots right in the middle of the range, adding even larger alloys, leather on the steering wheel, alloy pedals, LED everything, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio, Kia Connect, six audio speakers, push-button start, a smart key, dual-zone automatic climate control, and safe exit warning. The GT is where it gets interesting, for it switches to a direct-injected turbo four-pot. The 1.6L engine develops 201 horsepower and 195 pound-foot (264 Nm) of oomph.
Connected to either a dual-clutch transmission or a row-your-own manual, the GT features a sportier exhaust, a sportier rear suspension setup, 18-inch alloys, SynTex and cloth for the sport seats, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, a wireless charging pad, a rear USB charging port, and a rear A/C vent. Last, but certainly not least, it should be noted that the 2022 model year GT Technology Package has been discontinued for MY23.
With 147 horsepower and 132 pound-foot (179 Nm) of torque on tap, it’s more than adequate for the daily commute as well. The Kia Forte uses a so-called Intelligent Variable Transmission, a type of continuously variable transmission that promises automatic transmission-like gear shifts. Capable of 34 miles per gallon (6.9 liters per 100 kilometers) on the combined test cycle, the compact sedan comes with dependable steelies and full covers.
An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also worthy of your attention, together with auto headlight control and high-beam assist, emergency automatic braking, lane following and keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. Moving on, the LXS builds upon the LX with a few additions, including alloys and 60/40 folding rear seats.
The GT-Line slots right in the middle of the range, adding even larger alloys, leather on the steering wheel, alloy pedals, LED everything, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio, Kia Connect, six audio speakers, push-button start, a smart key, dual-zone automatic climate control, and safe exit warning. The GT is where it gets interesting, for it switches to a direct-injected turbo four-pot. The 1.6L engine develops 201 horsepower and 195 pound-foot (264 Nm) of oomph.
Connected to either a dual-clutch transmission or a row-your-own manual, the GT features a sportier exhaust, a sportier rear suspension setup, 18-inch alloys, SynTex and cloth for the sport seats, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, a wireless charging pad, a rear USB charging port, and a rear A/C vent. Last, but certainly not least, it should be noted that the 2022 model year GT Technology Package has been discontinued for MY23.
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