What's New
The 2021 Kia Forte enters another year on the market with minimal changes. The current version of the compact sedan debuted in 2019 and it added a sprightly GT model last year.
The Forte has maintained a strong sales presence despite the shift away from conventional sedans.
Choosing Your Kia Forte
The Forte is offered in five trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, GT, and EX. Pricing starts at $18,855 including destination for the base FE model and climbs to $24,055 for the EX.
Engine Choices
Most Forte models carry a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but the GT gets a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder for quick performance.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L 4-Cylinder | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft | 33 mpg |
1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 201 hp | 195 lb-ft | 30 mpg |
The base FE comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while the rest of the trims with the 2.0-liter engine get a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is a $900 upgrade on the FE.
The GT starts with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but the six-speed manual is available for $600.
Front-wheel is standard; all-wheel drive isn't available.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Forte makes the most of its compact dimension, providing legitimate room for five people. At 15.3 cubic feet, trunks space ranks at the top of this class.
Safety Features
Every Forte comes equipped with lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, driver alertness monitoring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Stepping up to the GT-Line brings blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The range-topping GT model adds automatic high beams and rear parking sensors.
Only the GT with the automatic transmission is available with adaptive cruise control, but it's hidden in the $2,000 GT2 Package.
Connectivity
The FE and LXS carry an 8-inch touchscreen, four audio speakers, one USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The GT-Line and GT get six audio speakers.
The EX emphasizes connectivity above the other trims, adding navigation, HD radio, a second front USB ports, and eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a wireless phone charger.
On the GT-Line, the GT-Line Premium Package ($1,700) includes all of those features except the navigation and wireless charger. The GT's GT2 Package ($2,000) includes all of those EX features but navigation.
The FE provides the basics, like keyless entry, cloth seating, six-way manual front seats, manual climate control, cruise control, and automatic headlights. The FE rolls on 15-inch steel wheels with full covers.
The LXS feels more like a complete car thanks to upgrades such as a split-folding rear seat, soft trim on the upper door panels, gloss black exterior accents, and 16-inch machine-finish alloy wheels.
Remote start becomes available for $495.
The GT-Line takes on a sportier appearance with black-accented 17-inch wheels and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. Other additions include LED taillights and fog lights, push button start, and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators. Seats are clad in a mix of leatherette and cloth with white stitching.
The GT-Line Premium Package ($1,700) adds a sunroof, LED interior lighting, a 10-way power driver seat, and the aforementioned infotainment upgrades.
The GT combines the appearance of the GT-Line with the turbocharged engine. To complement the extra power, the GT gets a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch two-tone wheels, and dual exhaust outlets. LED headlights, automatic high beams, and leatherette and cloth upholstery with red stitching are exclusive to the GT.
Only models equipped with the manual transmission come standard with a sunroof, Michelen summer tires, and a 4.2-inch driver information display.
On GT trims with the automatic gearbox, the GT2 Package ($2,000) includes a sunroof, the Harman Kardon audio system, adaptive cruise control, a 10-way power driver's seat, wireless charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and more.
The most luxurious member of the Forte family, the EX has a sunroof, full leatherette interior, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sliding front armrest, and rear air vents. Outside are 17-inch machine-finish wheels and chrome window surrounds.
Compare Forte Trims Side-By-Side
Most buyers will find the 2021 Kia Forte FE too austere by today's standards, leaving the LXS as the actual base model. In terms of car for the money, the EX wins by virtue of its abundant standard equipment. However, if performance really matters, only the GT will do.