What's New
The 2022 Kia Forte receives a midlife refresh, signaled by heavily revamped front and rear fascias. Newly available features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation-assisted adaptive cruise control, and safe exit warning. Lane-keeping assist is now standard on all trims. The plush EX model exits the lineup. This is the first major update for the Forte since the current model debuted in 2019.
Choosing Your Kia Forte
Kia offers in the Forte in four trims levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. Pricing starts at $20,085 including destination and tops out at $25,485 for the GT.
Engine Choices
Most Forte models run with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder is exclusive to the GT.
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 2.0-liter engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The GT comes standard with a seven-speed automatic, and a six-speed manual is available. The manual-equipped GT starts $1,000 higher because it carries more standard equipment. All Forte models feature front-wheel drive.
Note the FE trim, which is geared for efficiency, carries an elevated EPA rating of 35 mpg combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Forte provides ample room for five, despite its compact dimension. At 15.3 cubic feet, the trunk holds more than many midsize sedans.
Safety Features
Every Forte comes equipped with lane-keeping assist, driver alertness monitoring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The LXS can get a Technology Package ($500) with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, and LED turn signal indicators in the side mirrors. These items are standard starting with the GT-Line
The GT-Line Technology Package ($300) adds cyclist detection, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. These features are also available in the GT-Line Premium Package ($1,700), along with lane-centering for the adaptive cruise control system and other features.
The GT Technology Package has the same equipment and price as the GT Line's. The GT2 Package ($2,200) adds the lane-centering assist and rear parking sensors, plus other upgrades. On GT models equipped with the manual transmission, adaptive cruise control isn't available, but the other driver assistance items are standard.
Connectivity
The FE and LXS carry an eight-inch touchscreen, four speakers, a USB port, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The GT-Line gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, six speakers, satellite and HD radio, and a second USB port. The GT-Line Premium Package includes wireless device charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The GT comes standard with wireless charging and a rear USB port, and the GT2 Package provides the Harman Kardon system. All of these items are standard on the manual-equipped GT.
The economy-minded FE provides basic equipment like cruise control, keyless entry, automatic headlights, power windows and locks, and 15-inch steel wheels with covers. There are no factory options packages for the FE.
For $500 more, the LXS delivers a split-folding rear seat, soft trim on the upper door panels, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Forte GT-Line — MSRP From $22,285
The GT-Line picks up push-button start, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated side mirrors, and full LED exterior lighting. The interior features a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob, cloth and leatherette upholstery, and alloy pedals. Outside are 17-inch black-accented wheels, a rear spoiler, and gloss black trim.
In addition to its other upgrades, the GT-Line Premium Package adds a sunroof and LED interior lighting. Buyers can also select a GT-Line Sport Premium Package ($1,000) with a 10-way power driver seat, heated and ventilated front sport seats, and full leatherette upholstery with special stitching.
The GT combines the GT-Line's sporty appearance with the turbocharged engine, and then adds paddle shifters, sport-tuned dual exhaust with chrome tips, and 18-inch two-tone wheels. The GT2 Package offers the combined contents of GT-Line's Premium and Sport Premium packages.
The manual-equipped GT features summer performance tires and all the aforementioned equipment except adaptive cruise control.
Compare Forte Trims Side-By-Side
The 2022 Kia Forte GT-Line offers popular features and a dash of style at a still-modest price. That makes it just right for most buyers. Those looking for real performance, however, should head directly to the GT.