2023 Kia Forte

The 2023 Kia Forte returns without any significant updates following its refresh last year. The base FE trim is replaced by the LX trim

The Kia Forte is available in four trims, LX, LXS, GT-Line, and GT, and base prices range from $20,585 to $25,285.

The Forte is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque which is routed through a continuously-variable transmission.

The GT features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with outputs of 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. The more-powerful engine can also be paired with a six-speed manual.

The popular mid-range trims achieve an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon city, 39 highway, and 33 combined. The GT achieves 27, 35, and 30 combined which is lowered significantly by the manual transmission which achieves just 26 mpg combined. That is less than its sporty-minded competition, however, it only requires regular octane. The Forte is front-wheel drive only.

The Forte is 182.7 inches long which nearly matches others in its class and, inside, it offers 37.5 inches of rear headroom which is good but its 35.7 inches of rear legroom is a couple of inches less than the Toyota Corolla and Civic. The Forte’s 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space is good for the class but only the LXS and above trims receive a split-folding rear seatback. Forte’s 34-foot turning radius is impressive.

The base Forte features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and high beam assist. The GT-Line brings LED daytime running lights, blind-spot detection, reverse automatic braking, and safe exit warning while the GT further adds forward cyclist detection and adaptive cruise control. The GT with the manual transmission misses out on the adaptive cruise control functionality but includes rear parking sensors as standard.

The LXS offers the Technology Package for $500 to match the GT-Line’s equipment and the GT-Line offers its own Technology Package for $300 to match the GT trim’s features.
The Kia earned Good crashworthiness ratings from IIHS and a four (out of five) star rating from NHTSA.

The LX and LXS trims feature an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a USB/ Aux jack.

The GT-Line trim upgrades to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM, navigation, and remote-connected services, and gains two more speakers for a total of six. The GT adds a rear USB charging port and a wireless phone charger which are optional through the Premium Package on the GT-Line. The Premium Package also adds a Harman Kardon 8-speaker sound system that is included in the GT with the six-speed.

The LX is notable for its three exterior colors, 15-inch wheels, body-colored mirrors, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and six-way manually adjustable driver and passenger seats. There are no option packages offered.

The LXS receives 16-in alloy wheels, upgraded interior door trim, and opens up the availability of more safety equipment.

The GT-Line receives sportier exterior styling with a revised grille and lower front fascia with red accents, black rocker panel trim, a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels, gloss black door mirrors with integrated turn signals (and heating), proximity entry with remote start, and LED fog lights, headlights, and taillights. Inside, the cabin gains dual-zone climate control, sport seats wrapped in synthetic leather and cloth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and alloy sport pedals.

The Premium Package offers safety and connectivity upgrades, as well as a sunroof and LED interior lighting for $1,700.

The Sport Premium Package can be added for another $1,000 and includes 10-way heated and ventilated power seats wrapped in synthetic leather, a rear a/c vent, and additional device charging options.

The top trim features 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sport exhaust with dual exhaust tips, an upgraded rear suspension, and red stitching on the seats.

The manual transmission model further includes a sunroof, heated synthetic leather seats, LED interior lights, audio upgrades, and summer performance tires.

The automated transmission Forte offers a GT2 Package for $1,900 that adds a 10-way heated and ventilated power driver’s seat and the additional equipment highlighted in the manual-transmission-equipped car.

Compare Forte Trims Side-By-Side