Autolist Rating: __4/5__
Would we buy it? __Gladly__
Price Range: __$17,790-$21,990 before options and destination fees__

## Key Takeaways
- The compact Kia Forte sedan has been completely redesigned for 2019.
- Comes well equipped in all trim levels
- Tops out under $24,000
- It’s finally a viable alternative to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla

![2019-kia-forte-image-01](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/19JevcwDnBCXpXLkN4xMsi/c1aa26350efd716f91f2a49dac73f403/2019-kia-forte-image-01.jpg)

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## What is it?

The Forte is Kia’s compact sedan and is one of a staggering six sedan models the brand offers. It has been fully redesigned for the 2019 model year to include new standard safety technology, which has made it more competitive with strong rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. The Forte replaced Kia’s previous compact car, the Spectra. 

The Forte is offered in four trims: FE, LXS, S, and EX. A special EX Launch Edition is available that groups premium options and design touches into a $3,210 package.

All models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. While the car would benefit from a few more horses under the hood, the Atkinson Cycle technology and cooled EGR system help the powertrain deliver stellar real-world fuel economy. The car uses a continuously variable transmission that has been wrapped in sound-deadening material to reduce the drone that the gearboxes sometimes generate.

Now in its third generation, Kia redesigned the Forte with more refined styling inspired by the Stinger fastback sedan. The front fascia, including the headlights and turn signal indicators, are all intended to be Stinger-like, and the look is much more grown-up than previous versions of the car. The passenger space has been moved further back, which makes the hood longer and trunk shorter. The changes were intended to make the car look more athletic and muscular.

Interior space benefits from a 3.2-inch increase in the Forte’s overall length, which allows for more back seat legroom and a larger trunk. The 15.3 cubic-feet of cargo space contained in the Forte’s boot is among the largest in the segment. The car also grew in width for the 2019 model year by nearly an inch.

![2019-kia-forte-image-02](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7g1RbNBbRx3XdG8ijWMajW/fe251a75e39b99733d937ddcb9c41e52/2019-kia-forte-image-02.jpg)

Safety is a priority in the new Forte, and as a result the base model of the car comes standard with advanced technologies that were optional even on luxury cars just a few years ago. Forward collision warnings, lane keeping assist, driver attention warnings, and lane departure warnings are all standard. The car can be equipped with adaptive cruise control, blind spot collision warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts. The IIHS gave the Forte top marks for 2019, awarding it a Top Safety Pick + designation.

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## What’s Good

__Fuel efficient.__ The Forte is a true fuel-sipper, achieving solid fuel economy numbers in all configurations. The EPA estimates it at 27/37/31 MPG city/highway/combined in base manual transmission format. Those numbers change to 31/41/35 MPG city/highway/combined for the base FE trim with a continuously variable transmission and 30/40/34 MPG for all other trim levels. In our week with the Forte, we saw a vehicle-estimated fuel consumption of 31.4 MPG.

![2019-kia-forte-image-03](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7DEeISfM9Za9bLQRmGEEtD/61270db3e501125a6bcdec9b50bc5a48/2019-kia-forte-image-03.jpg)

The Forte’s notable fuel economy numbers are due in part to the engine’s Atkinson Cycle technology. The engines are rarely seen outside of the hybrid vehicle space, prioritizing efficiency over power delivery. 

__Comfortable.__ The Forte’s front seats are supportive and well-padded – enough to remain comfortable for longer trips. The synthetic leather upholstery in our Kia Forte EX test car never felt sticky or fake, which is more than can be said about many vehicles in the segment, where the leatherette feels much closer to vinyl than a natural material.

Rear seat passengers are treated to generous head and legroom, thanks to the Forte’s newly-enlarged proportions. While the car is rated to carry five people, four adults can ride comfortably – though there will be a tug of war between front passengers’ comfort and rear seat legroom.

![2019-kia-forte-image-04](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3xZZ5X2bt78Z3vMqbWXihp/5bc6f3b9e646ee4d02fb966e811be90d/2019-kia-forte-image-04.jpg)

__Well-equipped.__ The least expensive FE trim comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane keeping assist, forward collision warnings, a driver attention warning, and dual-zone automatic climate controls. These are standout features in a car that starts under $18,000, and even competes with vehicles in much higher price brackets.

Under $24,000 maxed out, the Forte EX offers a long list of tech and comfort features, again chasing vehicles that cost a lot more. Kia's infotainment system is excellent, and the available Harman Kardon sound system is better than most in the segment.

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## What’s Bad

__Busy ride.__ The Forte’s ride is surprisingly firm for a budget family-hauler. All but the smallest of road imperfections are noticeable from the driver’s seat, and rough surfaces jostle the car thoroughly. At the end of the day, it's a front-wheel drive economy car, not a Kia Stinger, and should drive as such.

![2019-kia-forte-image-05](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2X6CQgfNo4j8PFk7ghPus8/acefe90692f2fe079e1ea1d492590245/2019-kia-forte-image-05.jpg)

__Lackluster power.__ Power delivery in the 2019 Forte comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. For a city cruiser, acceleration is adequate - but only just. Reaching highway speeds takes time, and passing is an exercise in timing and patience.

__Budget interior materials.__ It’s no surprise that a sub-$18,000 car will have sub-$18,000 parts. In lower trims, the Forte’s interior is awash with hard plastics, but higher trim levels benefit from soft-touch door panels and dashboard covering.

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## 5 Stars of Execution

Safety Features? __YES__

- The 2019 Kia Forte was awarded a Top Safety Pick + designation by the IIHS, but only four stars by the NHTSA, who noted side impact crash protection for rear passengers as a safety concern.

- All Forte models come with a rearview camera, forward collision-avoidance assist, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, and driver attention warnings. These features make the Forte competitive with models from competitors, like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

- The range-topping EX trim comes with blind spot collision warnings, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic warnings. Parking distance warnings and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection are optional.

Value? __YES__

- The Forte EX we tested had an all-in sticker price that landed under $24,000. That’s less than a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, whose prices can stretch to thousands more.

- The base price of $17,790 before destination charges makes the Forte a great entry level car with standout features.

![2019-kia-forte-image-06](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6LLZW6DKHT6jRgVeNph0Ru/88de668d1a473c0cea44affc90013b55/2019-kia-forte-image-06.jpg)

Efficiency? __YES__

- The Forte matches its big-name competition in fuel economy.

- EPA fuel economy estimates are sometimes aspirational, but the Forte achieves the stated numbers – even beating them in some cases.

Driving Experience? __No__

- While the Forte is enough car for most people, the drive is not exciting by any means.

- Power is lacking, even by the standards of a boring commuter car, and the ride can be rough at times.

Execution? __YES__

- Kia has moved upmarket with many of its recent vehicles, and that’s a good thing, but the Forte represents the brand’s vast experience building solid mass-market commuter cars.

- You mostly pay for what you get, but Kia has added enough content to the Forte to make buyers of all levels feel special.

![2019-kia-forte-image-07](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4KtsJEP7ggCLSHE9gnN2vg/4aad1b329cba08a305082330342cc144/2019-kia-forte-image-07.jpg)

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### Total Rating: 4 Stars

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## What’s it gonna cost me?

The __Forte FE__ has a starting price of $17,790 before destination and has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. A continuously-variable transmission is available.

![2019-kia-forte-image-08](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/48ZGSh9myRTnjb6QC5FV7F/45e5f0e9b1a211f3477667fd8d2356bc/2019-kia-forte-image-08.jpg)

Features include an 8-inch touchscreen display, four-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, forward collision-avoidance assist, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, lane keeping assist, driver attention warnings, USB inputs, two 12-volt outlets, cruise control, and power windows/door locks.

The __Forte LXS__ has a starting price of $19,190 before destination charges, and comes with chrome exhaust tips, 16-inch wheels, selectable drive modes, and folding rear seats.

The __Forte S__ has a starting price of $20,290 before destination charges, and comes with LED daytime running lights, 17-inch wheels, voice recognition, SiriusXM Radio, tweeter speakers, a folding rear center armrest with cup holders, and a leather wrapped steering wheel/shift knob. This trim can be equipped with optional advanced safety equipment and a power sunroof.

The __Forte EX__ has a starting price of $21,990 before destination charges, and comes with blind spot collision warnings, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, dual USB charging ports in the center console, keyless push-button start, rear air conditioning vents, leatherette upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and heated/ventilated front seats. This trim level is available with a power sunroof, a rear spoiler, LED headlights with high beam assist, navigation, and a Harmon/Kardon premium audio system.

Unless we were shopping for an absolute new car bargain, we’d opt for the top of the line EX trim. Maxed out, the Forte barely creeps into the mid-$20,000 range and is an awful lot of car for the money.

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![2019-kia-forte-image-09](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3VNPNmWVMdyZrgGi0MGCIC/5d05396470d7da8906444b57f02ec233/2019-kia-forte-image-09.jpg)

## Also consider

The compact sedan market isn’t just for budget buyers anymore. Most cars in the segment come standard with an array of entertainment and safety tech and the class has become even more intensely competitive in recent years as a result.

The [Toyota Corolla](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-corolla) is offered in both sedan and hatchback formats now, both of which come standard with Toyota Safety Sense and strong tech features.

The [Honda Civic](https://www.autolist.com/honda-civic) has fun styling and has Honda Sensing safety technology standard.

The [Hyundai Elantra](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-elantra) has a starting price of under $15,000, making it a true budget champion. Like the Kia, it features a 10-year 100,000-mile warranty. Buyers will have to pony up to around $24,000 to get everything the Elantra offers, but the mid-range trims bring plenty of technology and safety features for the price.

## More Photos

See more [2019 Kia Forte Photos](https://www.autolist.com/guides/2019-kia-forte-photos).

The Kia Forte is all-new for 2019 and sports a grown-up new look, excellent safety tech, and long list of standard features that rival much more expensive cars.

Kia Forte parent page

Driven: 2019 Kia Forte Review

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Here are the top Kia Forte listings for sale ASAP. Check the carfax, find a low miles Forte, view Forte photos and interior/exterior features. Search by price, view certified pre-owned Fortes, filter by color and much more. What will be your next ride?

Aquí están los mejores listados de Kia Forte a la venta lo antes posible. Verifique el carfax, busque millas bajas en Forte, vea las fotos de Forte y las características interiores / exteriores. Busque por precio, vea Fortes usados ​​certificados, filtre por color y mucho más. ¿Cuál será tu próximo vehículo?

Driven: 2019 Kia Forte Review

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