2023 Kia Forte

Even the range-topping GT trim that costs $25,285 represents good value. It comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, sport suspension, performance tires, a wireless charging pad, rear air conditioning, and high-beam assist. That trim would be our choice and we’d add the GT2 package, which brings a sunroof, a wireless charging pad, a Harman Kardon audio system, rear parking sensors, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and synthetic leather upholstery.

Drivers looking to get a lot of features for their money will be impressed with Forte’s list of features.

Good Fuel Economy. The Forte is an efficient compact car. It comes with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The combination is rated to get up to 34 mpg combined, which is a great figure for the class.

The only downside with the base engine is that it offers lethargic acceleration. Getting up to highway speeds and passing can be a chore and the CVT tends to drone, leading the cabin to be loud.

The Forte GT is available with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes a hefty 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The engine is closer to options like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI than it is to the base engine. While the base engine comes with a CVT, the turbocharged one gets its own seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It’s a clunky gearbox that hesitates at low speeds and results in a jerky ride. The GT is available with a six-speed manual, which we highly recommend.

Stylish Exterior Design. Most compact vehicles have just started to adopt upscale, sporty designs. Vehicles like the redesigned Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and Volkswagen Golf GTI preview just how stylish compact cars have become. While these competitors are just starting to look good, the Forte has always stood out as one of the better-looking vehicles in the segment.

The subcompact sedan wears the brand’s tiger-nose grille, which sits in between swept-back headlights that run nearly to the bottom of the windshield. The hood features prominent body lines and an aggressively styled front fascia with angular lines. The rear end of the Forte is more subdued with rounded taillights that are connected by a horizontal bar. The rear bumper has sharp lines, while a clear body line connects the headlights to the rear taillights. The GT trim brings an even sportier design with LED headlights, red accents, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust outlets, a modest rear spoiler, and a hefty rear diffuser.

We wish the exterior sportiness would’ve translated to a sporty cabin, but the Forte errs toward a simple design that can come off as boring.

Rivals Are Roomier. Compact cars aren’t known for being spacious, but some competitors have grown in size to be closer in size to midsize options. The Forte still firmly fits in as one of the smaller compact vehicles in the class, as it’s not nearly as new as some of its competitors. Adults will find relatively roomy accommodations in the Forte, though rivals offer more space. The front row has uncomfortable seats, but enough space to stretch out on a long drive. In the back, passengers get 35.7 inches of rear legroom and 37.5 inches of rear headroom. These figures trail rivals like the Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, and Honda Civic.

While the Forte falls behind on interior space, it has one of the roomier trunks in the class. The sedan has 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a roomy amount of space for the segment. Unlike most of its rivals, the Forte isn’t available as a hatchback model. So, if you’re looking for extra versatility, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts. The compact segment is heating up. With competitors like the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, and Volkswagen Jetta getting bigger and better, the 2023 Kia Forte struggles to remain relevant. It’s affordable, fuel-efficient, and looks good, but so are its competitors. And those go above and beyond with performance-oriented trims, more high-tech features, and roomier cabins.

The Mazda3 continues to be one of the few premium choices in the compact class. It has an upscale design, a luxurious cabin, optional all-wheel drive, and an available 250-hp turbocharged engine. The recently redesigned Honda Civic features a roomy cabin, spunky handling, a high-performance Type R trim, and available high-tech features.

Check prices for the 2023 Kia Forte