Review and specifications
2021 Kia Forte
The Kia Forte brings simple controls and impressive fuel economy, it suffers from an overly stiff ride; passengers feel every bump. And, the car is very loud to boot. The engine pulls adequately and the continuously variable transmission provides unobtrusive progress, but the engine is raucous. At 34 mpg overall, fuel economy is excellent. Handling is responsive, thanks to the Forte's willingness to tackle corners. The drab interior is Spartan but it's nice to have automatic climate control. The seats are rather uncomfortable in the midtrim LXS. The infotainment system is simple and easy to use and is compatible with Apple CarPlay. It is commendable that forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist are standard. A sportier GT model, offering a turbocharged engine, is new for 2020. A freshening for 2022 brings updated styling, a new infotainment system, and standard forward collision detection with pedestrian detection. The Forte was discontinued and replaced by the new K4 for 2025.
- Market value
- $12,925
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Sequential, 7-speed
- Category
- Small sedans/hatchbacks
- Generation began
- 2019
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $12,925
- Retail value range
- $10,200 - $14,025
- Original MSRP range
- $17,890 - $23,390
- Trade-in range
- $7,400 - $11,385
Ratings
- Road test score
- 71/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 47%
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Expert recommendation
- Recommended
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 30 MPG
- EPA highway
- 40 MPG
- EPA combined
- 34 MPG
- Tested city
- 22 MPG
- Tested highway
- 49 MPG
- Tested overall
- 34 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,150
- Cruising range
- 475 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.6 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8.3 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 131 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 53 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 183 in
- Width
- 71 in
- Height
- 57 in
- Wheelbase
- 106 in
- Weight
- 2,805 lb
- Maximum load
- 850 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 5 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 2.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 28 in
- Luggage
- 3+1+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 1/5
- Driving
- 5/5
- Styling
- 4/5
- Value
- 3/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 7/10
- SmartWay
- Yes
Brand context
About Kia
For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento rank near the top in their respective classes for their nice interiors, ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. SUVs like the Telluride have ride comfort, interior space, and overall value that earn it regular placement near the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, ranging from compact sedans up to a three-row SUV. Kia’s reliability scores have been improving, but other brands score higher in our rankings. Specific Kia models have earned our recommendation among used cars.
Vehicle ID: 20396 First published: November 19, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.
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