hamburger icon

2019 Kia Forte

Change vehicle or year
Select a Year - Kia Forte
Preview
New
OR
Change Vehicle
Make
Kia
Model
Forte
Year
2019
GO
OEM Exterior Primary
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
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
2019 FE 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $17,790
2019 LXS 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $19,190
2019 S 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $20,290
2019 EX 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $21,990

Overview

The 2019 Kia Forte shines in a sea of bare-bones compact cars. This well-appointed four-door sedan is available in four trim levels, is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine, and introduces Kia’s first in-house Intelligent Variable Transmission in select trims. It’s not necessarily a head-turner, but the 2019 Kia Forte will take you from point A to B in comfort.

What's New for 2019

The 2019 Kia Forte sedan has been redesigned for the 2019 model year (Kia has been quiet on the hatchback Forte5 front). In addition to design tweaks, the Forte also receives a new standard eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display screen across all trims, featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The most notable upgrade is the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) – offered as standard in all 2019 Kia Forte trim levels except the base FE, where it’s a $900 upgrade. Also, a few more active safety technologies are standard, including forward collision warning and lane departure warning.

Kia Forte

Choosing Your Kia Forte

Kia focuses on simplicity for the 2019 Forte. The standard engine across all Fortes is the reliable 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard with the base FE trim, while the LXS, S, and EX trims all receive the IVT. Each Forte is front-wheel drive. With the manual transmission, the Kia Forte returns an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 combined. The IVT improves fuel economy dramatically to 30/40/34 mpg (city/highway/combined), or 31/41/35 mpg on the base model.

Kia Forte

FE

The entry-level 2019 Kia Forte is the FE, which starts at $18,585 (all prices include the $895 destination charge), or $19,485 with the IVT. The base comes with an impressive list of standard features that includes an eight-inch infotainment display, Android Auto and Apple Car Play integration, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and a driver attention warning system. Power windows and locks are also included, as is dual-zone climate control. The FE can be appointed in one of three exterior colors with a single interior color pattern available. There are no available package upgrades.

Kia Forte

LXS

The second trim for the 2019 Kia Forte is the LXS that begins at $19,985. The LXS rides on standard 16-inch alloy wheels and comes standard with the IVT transmission. The LXS also includes variable intermittent windshield wipers, projector headlights, and a drive mode selection to choose normal, sport or comfort driving styles. The LXS also includes steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and a 3.5-inch LCD meter display. There are six exterior color options and a single interior color pattern, but no package upgrades.

Kia Forte

S

Kia’s third Forte trim level is the S, which carries a $21,085 starting price. The S ups the ante by adding front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, and LED rear combination lights. The S also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power windows with driver one-touch up and down functionality. The sound system is enhanced for better high-range audio clarity, while a keyless entry system, folding center armrest, and premium cloth interior are also standard. Consumers can add a $1,200 S Premium Package that includes a power sunroof, LED headlights, high beam assist, LED lighting, and an auto-leveling dynamic bending light function.

Kia Forte

EX

The range-topping Kia Forte is the EX, which starts at $22,885. As with most premium trims, the EX focuses on creature comforts, adding a 10-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, heated and ventilated leatherette seating, smart key integration with push-button starting, dual center console USB charging ports, and several exterior color enhancement options.

Where the EX can elevate significantly is by adding the EX Launch Edition package for $3,210. It includes 17-inch graphite finish alloy wheels, UVO eServices including voice-command navigation, a Harman/Kardon premium surround sound system, a power sunroof, a rear trunk lid spoiler, wireless phone charger, LED interior lighting, alloy sport pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, high beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.

CarsDirect Tip

The sky is the limit with the value offered by the redesigned 2019 Kia Forte. Each trim offers something unique for different consumers. For the money, the S trim is quite impressive, with standard keyless entry, improved audio, and power functions. Coming in at just over $26,000, an EX with the EX Launch Edition package is also a pretty good value to consider.

Get your price on a Kia Forte »

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

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
Contributing Writer

Styling and features. All-new this year, the 2019 Kia Forte borrows a number of styling cues from the brand's Stinger performance sedan with a longer hood and shortened trunk lid. Kia doesn't skimp on the details, either, with standard projector auto on/off headlights and either 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels on all but the base FE.

Inside, it's more of the same goodness, with nicely-textured soft-touch surfaces and a dashboard dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also included are such niceties as Bluetooth connectivity, a 3.5-inch TFT display, variable intermittent wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Our tester, a range-topping EX, was finished in optional Snow White Pearl ($295) that offers a no-cost Color Package interior option with stunning red and black leatherette seating and a black headliner.

Decent cargo space. The Forte offers 96 cubic feet of passenger volume and 15 cubic feet of cargo space – average for the class but eclipsing the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and Toyota Corolla sedans. However, without a hatchback model it lacks the versatility and total cargo capacity of those variants from Ford and Chevy as well as Hyundai (Elantra GT) and Mazda (Mazda3).

Mediocre horsepower. The Forte's performance, unfortunately, doesn't match its looks. For 2019, Kia has dropped the more powerful 201-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, leaving the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp that offers only mediocre performance.

A better CVT. While the base model comes with a six-speed manual transmission, optional on that trim and standard on all others is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that's programmed to "shift" between pre-selected ratios, simulating the sound and feel of a traditional automatic. Furthermore, moving the shifter to the left, which engages sport mode, allows the driver to shift between the simulated gears.


Kia Forte

Excellent fuel economy. The upside to the four-cylinder's middling performance numbers is, not surprisingly, very good fuel economy. It ranges from an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 combined for the manually-equipped base model to 31 mpg city, 41 highway, and 35 combined for the CVT-equipped FE trim. Our EX tester came with an EPA-estimated 30/40/34 mpg (city/highway/combined), while we managed a vehicle-measured 28.1 miles per gallon in city driving.

Final thoughts. The 2019 Kia Forte offers much of the right stuff compact sedan buyers look for including sport sedan looks, excellent fuel economy, and above-average safety and infotainment tech.

On the flip side, the Forte is hardly quick, the base model comes with low-rent hubcaps and a non-split folding rear bench seat, and it lacks a hatchback's versatility.

Checking out the competition, the Mazda3 offers a more premium look inside and out, while nearly all rivals offer more exciting engine choices.

Check prices for the 2019 Kia Forte »

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: 2-spd Sportmatic CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
27 / 37 / 32 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
27 / 37 / 32 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
14.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$53
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
96 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
182.7 "
Exterior Width
70.9 "
Exterior Height
56.5 "
Front Headroom
38.8 "
Rear Headroom
37.5 "
Front Legroom
42.2 "
Rear Legroom
35.7 "
Front Shoulder Room
56.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.3 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,707 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
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
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
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
Lane Departure
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 2019 Kia Forte for Sale

7 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Kia
LXS Sedan 4D
Color: Black
Price

$11,499

Mileage

103,871 mi

Map location icon

O Cars Group (28 mi)

Phone: (714) 770-0001
Kia
LXS
Color: Black
Price

$12,999

Mileage

84,216 mi

Map location icon

Porsche South Bay (3 mi)

Phone: (888) 575-1163
Kia
LXS
Color: Red
Price

$14,450

Mileage

49,800 mi

Map location icon

Car Lux (3 mi)

Phone: (310) 818-5868
Kia
LXS
Color: Silver
Price

$15,113

Mileage

31,156 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group of Bellflower (15 mi)

Phone: (562) 302-4744
See All Used Car Listings

Insider Information

We have information you must know before you buy the Forte. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.

Sign Me Up

I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.

Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.