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2017 Kia Forte

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Make
Kia
Model
Forte
Year
2017
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OEM Exterior Primary
OEM Interior
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2017 LX 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $16,600
2017 LX 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $18,200
2017 S 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $19,300
2017 EX 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $21,300
2017 EX 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $22,100
2017 SX 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $26,000

Overview

Kia's popular compact sedan is known for offering plenty of upscale features to go with its snappy styling. With even more equipment on the roster this year, the Forte simply shines when it comes to content for the money.

What's New for 2017

The Forte receives a new base engine and an updated automatic transmission. The front end has been reshaped for a smoother appearance. Advanced driver-assistance technology is available for the first time, and a sport-themed S model joins the lineup. The base LX carries plusher seat fabric, while leather upholstery is now standard on the line-topping EX.

Kia Forte

Choosing Your Kia Forte

The Forte offers legitimate comfort for four adults and 14.9 cubic feet of trunk space, more than some midsize sedans. There's also a hatchback version, dubbed Forte5, with wagon-like room in back. Last year's standard 1.8-liter engine is gone, replaced by a 2-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower, matched to your choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The optional direct-injected 2-liter four-cylinder produces 164 horsepower and comes with the automatic only.

The Forte is now available in three trim levels:

Kia Forte

LX

Comes with all the expected equipment for this class, plus heated side mirrors, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio, and a four-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Models equipped with the automatic transmission are eligible for a Popular package with upgraded interior trim, a rearview camera, a display audio system with six speakers, automatic headlamps, and selectable driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport). The LX rolls on 15-inch steel wheels.

Kia Forte

S

Gets the LX's options as standard (including the automatic transmission), plus a sport-tuned suspension, LED running lights, a spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior features specific black seats with white stitching, and leather trim on the steering wheel and shift knob. The infotainment system gains a 7-inch screen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The available Technology package adds blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and front collision mitigation with automatic braking. The bundle also includes a series of convenience upgrades like exterior welcome lighting, keyless ignition, power-folding mirrors, and express up/down front windows. With those features in place, you can top off the S with a Premium package that includes heated front seats, a 10-way power driver seat with memory, a sunroof, and a built-in navigation system.

Kia Forte

EX

Carries the more powerful 2-liter engine, adjustable-effort steering, leather seating, a cooled glovebox, and 17-inch wheels—all of which are exclusive to this trim level. The Premium Plus package gets you all the contents of the S's option packages, plus ventilated front seats.

CarsDirect Tip

Even though the EX carries the highest MSRP, it's clearly the best value of the bunch. You get enhanced performance, leather, and cool goodies at a price that still undercuts less-equipped competitors.

Get your price on a Kia Forte »

Kia Forte
author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

While it’s never been a leader in sales, the Kia Forte has long done a respectable job at remaining around the middle of the pack in popularity. For 2017, Kia gave the Forte an updated look, a thriftier base engine, a new sportier S trim, and new features.

Are these changes enough to push Kia's compact past its rivals and into more buyers’ driveways? Keep reading to find out.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2017 Kia Forte starts at $17,495 for the base LX and tops out at $22,195 for the range-topping EX (both prices include an $895 destination fee). For buyers who need more cargo room, there is the Forte5 hatchback, which starts from $19,095 and tops out at $24,695 (again, including the $895 destination fee). Catering to buyers looking for a low entry price, we expect the most popular Forte to be the base LX sedan, which comes standard with:

  • Fifteen-inch steel wheels
  • Heated mirrors
  • Projector-beam headlights
  • Four-speaker audio system
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB port
  • Keyless entry

The mid-range S and top-of-the-line EX add significantly to the base LX package. While the higher price might be harder to swallow, features like Kia's Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible UVO infotainment system (standard on S) and the EX's available advanced safety features are worth the extra cost.

The 2017 Forte’s standard powertrain is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and works alongside a standard six-speed manual transmission. Buyers can swap the stick for a six-speed automatic transmission for an extra $1,000.

The EX trim gains a standard 164-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Forte5 starts with the more potent 164-hp 2.0-liter engine in the LX and EX trims. For those looking for a little more zip, there is the SX model. What we'd call a warm hatch, rather than a totally hot one, the Forte5 gets a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (a six-speed manual is a $2,200 option) alongside a number of aesthetic enhancements.

Performance Pros

Kia Forte
  • Available three-mode steering system – comfort, normal, and sport – is a nice touch
  • Engines are happy to rev with minimal vibration
  • Fuel economy is in line with its class
  • Forte5's SX trim adds much-needed zippiness to the lineup

Performance Cons

  • New six-speed auto transmission feels slow to shift
  • Outside of the SX, the Forte isn't quick by any stretch
  • Suspension can be harsh at times

Interior Pros

  • Dash is made from higher-end plastic and boasts nice metallic touches
  • Clean-looking and easy-to-operate infotainment system
  • Plenty of small cubbies to store items
  • Larger-than-average trunk at 14.9 cubic feet

Interior Cons

Kia Forte
  • Front seat lower cushions are a touch too short for taller drivers
  • With just 37.3 inches of rear-seat head room, some may find it a little tight
  • Seat bolstering is weak

The Most Pleasant Surprise

We carry more and more small items in our pockets every day, and it can be a struggle finding a place to put all this stuff in our cars. The Forte has plenty of small cubbies, including a convenient covered storage bin just in front of the gear shifter, so there's always room for your smaller stuff.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

With Kia working so hard to refine its cars, including its smaller models, buyers may expect a smoother-then-average ride from the Forte. Unfortunately, it appears as if Kia left this off the agenda altogether. This could be a big turnoff for pickier buyers.

The Bottom Line

Other than the hatchback SX, the 2017 Kia Forte is about as average as it comes for an economy car. While this likely makes it a good match for economy-car buyers just looking for a balanced vehicle, consumers that like a little liveliness to go with their economy car will likely prefer the Mazda 3 or Honda Civic (which don't require a five-door body to be fun).

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 147 HP / 132 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man w/OD
Available: 6-spd Sportmatic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 147 HP / 132 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$50
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
14.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
96 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
179.5 "
Exterior Width
70.1 "
Exterior Height
56.3 "
Front Headroom
39.1 "
Rear Headroom
37.3 "
Front Legroom
42.2 "
Rear Legroom
35.9 "
Front Shoulder Room
56.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
54.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,804 Lbs.
Wheel Base
106 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth / Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
4 / 6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2017 Kia Forte for Sale

4 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Kia
LX
Color: Gray
Price

$8,996

Mileage

97,297 mi

Map location icon

Yans Auto Group (19 mi)

Phone: (818) 455-5588
Kia
LX
Color: Black
Price

$9,395

Mileage

128,525 mi

Map location icon

Herrera Auto Sales (16 mi)

Phone: (323) 268-2868
Kia
LX
Color: White
Price

$9,995

Mileage

123,407 mi

Map location icon

Metro Auto (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 740-7244
Kia
LX Sedan 4D
Color: White
Price

$13,995

Mileage

88,080 mi

Map location icon

Quantum Auto Sales Inc (29 mi)

Phone: (714) 265-0240
See All Used Car Listings

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