- Highs: Low price, great fuel economy, plenty of standard features.
- Lows: Sluggish base four-cylinder engine, optional turbo engine is expensive, no hatchback version.
- Verdict: The Forte will save you money at the dealership and at the pump, with lots of technology that can make your drive a little more enjoyable.
Overview
With exterior styling inspired by the Stinger sports sedan,
the 2020 Kia Forte is a fashionable compact sedan with a high-value
features list. Although it's not a Stinger, the Forte is a competent and
useful small car with a low price. Unlike hatchback rivals such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza,
the Forte is offered only as a four-door sedan. It offers plenty of
in-car technology to satisfy the tech savvy, and its two engine choices
are fuel efficient. Although the base four-cylinder only puts out a
meager 147 horsepower, it is rated by the EPA for up to 41 mpg highway.
That, combined with its low price, makes this a compelling compact sedan.
What's New for 2020?
For
its sophomore year, the Forte retains much of the 2019 car's styling
and features. Kia has added two trim levels. The turbocharged GT puts out 201 horsepower, and the GT-Line
has the looks of the high-performance GT model minus the engine or
suspension upgrades. Elsewhere, the EX model gains a Special Edition
package, which includes a Harman/Kardon audio system, a gloss-black
painted rear spoiler, a power sunroof, two-tone red seat upholstery,
in-dash navigation, and a wireless smartphone-charging pad.
Pricing and Suggestion
- FE $18,715
- LXS: $20,115
- GT-Line: $21,315
- EX: $22,915
- GT: $23,215
We'd
go with the new midrange GT-Line trim to maximize the Forte's style,
and we'd add the GT-Line Premium package, which comes as a $1500 option.
It includes a Harman/Kardon audio system, a wireless phone charger, a
power sunroof, and interior ambient lighting. The GT-Line comes standard
with a number of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and
rear cross-traffic alert. Even with the Premium package, the GT-Line
drives a hard bargain for a sedan at this price.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The
Forte offers two different engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder
with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 201
horsepower. The 2.0-liter felt sluggish when tested,
and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) didn't help.
The non-turbocharged engine required 8.2 seconds to motivate the Forte
from zero to 60 mph at our test track—notably slower than the Mazda 3,
which got there in 7.0 seconds. Although we haven't tested it, the
optional turbocharged engine, which can be had with either a manual or
automatic transmission, promises to have quite a bit of pep. With a
rating of 201 horsepower, the turbocharged engine puts the Forte in the
same league as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Si.
The Forte offers a comfortable and stable ride, but its handling isn't
as exciting as its Stinger-inspired exterior styling would suggest.
2020 Kia Forte GT - Side
2020 Kia Forte GT - Rear
The 2020 Kia Forte GT-Line Is All Show and No Go
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The
Forte, specifically those equipped with the less powerful engine and
automatic transmission, will keep drivers cruising past gas stations.
With a highway efficiency of 40 mpg and a combined fuel economy of 33
mpg, this is where the Forte excels. If you opt for the GT with the
dual-clutch transmission, the combined fuel economy drops to 30 mpg. In
our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, the 2019 Forte registered 41
mpg, which is a little better than the EPA rating.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The
interior of this car impressed us with its minimalist design and
high-quality and upscale materials. The back seat is spacious enough for
two adults to be comfortable, and long road trips in the Forte can be
made without complaint. The base model offers all the basic amenities,
but things get more pleasant as you work up through the various models.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is optional, for example, as are
heated and ventilated front seats. With all the seats up, the Forte fit
seven carry-on bags, one more than both of its key rivals, the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic.
Infotainment and Connectivity
For
the price point, the 2020 Forte is a steal when looking at the
technology available, even down to the base model. Bluetooth, Android
Auto, and Apple CarPlay all come standard on all trim levels. A wireless
smartphone-charging pad is optional on the GT-Line, EX, and GT. An
8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard. The EX and GT
models get SiriusXM satellite radio as standard, but this feature is
optional on the GT-Line and unavailable on lower trims.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2020 Forte received a four-star rating
out of five from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2019. Kia offers a handful of standard and optional driver-assistance features as well. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia's
powertrain warranty sets it apart from most other manufacturers, with
most offering just 5-year/60,000-mile warranties. The Forte and the Elantra—from its corporate sibling, Hyundai—are the only compact cars that offer this much standard coverage.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance