2021 Kia Forte
2021 Kia Forte Review
- Plenty of features for the money
- Strong fuel economy estimates
- Generous warranty
- Easy-to-use tech interface
- Stiff ride
- Back seat lacks the room of some rivals
- Non-GT trims not much fun to drive on winding roads
- Minor equipment changes throughout lineup
- Summer performance tires now standard on manual-equipped GT models
- Part of the third Forte generation introduced for 2019
Our verdict | |
The Forte is a grown-up small sedan that's a fantastic value for the money, with above-average utility. Other highlights include a comfortable, quiet interior and an extensive list of available features. However, it lags well behind top competitors in driving dynamics, ride quality and rear legroom. | |
How does the Forte drive? | |
In routine driving, the Forte feels adequately punchy. At Edmunds' test track, our test Forte covered 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is an average time for the class. The CVT automatic generally works well but at times feels unpolished. It delivers power promptly when commanded, but it's too eager to drop revs when you ease off the throttle slightly. It can make for surging power delivery. We're also not overly impressed with the Forte's handling. The steering weight is fine but offers little feedback, and the on-center feel is vague. While the Forte corners relatively flat, it can get unsettled by midcorner bumps. | |
How comfortable is the Forte? | |
The Forte is more comfortable than most cars in the class. The seats are nicely contoured for long-distance comfort, and the headrests are soft and unobtrusive. Road noise is ably quelled, and only a mild amount of wind and ambient noise seeps through. The dual-zone automatic climate control works well. We also like that Kia offers ventilated front seats, although the cooling effect isn't especially powerful. The biggest knock against the Forte here is its stiff suspension. It's OK on rough paving or shallow imperfections, but it struggles to smooth out larger bumps. The rear suspension, in particular, is especially troubled by uneven bumps. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Kia has done an excellent job designing the Forte's interior. A mix of textures makes the well-built interior look grown-up and refined. The controls are logical and easy to find, and the infotainment is easy to navigate, with physical buttons for important features. The seating position and steering wheel both offer a wide range of adjustability. The front seat is roomy with plenty of knee and shoulder room. Taller drivers have sufficient headroom, too. Rear-seat knee room falls short compared to class leaders (and the hard plastic seatbacks don't help), but headroom is an issue only for passengers over 6 feet tall. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Overall, the Forte offers a lot of well-integrated features. The touchscreen interface is easy to use, and the upgraded audio system sounds sharp as long as you don't turn it up too loud. Our test car didn't have the optional navigation system, but standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compensate for a lot. The native voice system recognizes basic controls with little confusion, though you have to follow a structured set of commands. Every Forte comes with forward collision mitigation, and a blind-spot monitor is available on midtier trims and above. It's a little disappointing that adaptive cruise is only available as an option on the highest trim level. It's standard on many competitors. In testing, all systems worked well and avoided false alerts. | |
How’s the storage? | |
For a small sedan, the Forte offers excellent utility. The trunk has a wide, flat load floor and a generous opening. At 15.3 cubic feet, it's also among the biggest in the class. The cabin offers several small-item storage options to help you organize your things. These include a decently sized center console box, miscellaneous storage trays and accommodating door pockets. The anchor points for child safety seats are clearly marked, and the anchors sit close to the surface of the cushions, making them easy to access. The somewhat limited rear-seat room means bulky rear-facing seats might interfere with front seat movement. | |
How economical is the Forte? | |
Fuel economy is excellent, and the EPA estimates the Forte with the base engine will get 33 mpg combined (29 city/40 highway). We fell a bit short in our real-world driving tests but saw better returns in the Forte than in most competitors. | |
Is the Forte a good value? | |
The Forte makes an undeniably strong value statement. It has a slightly different equipment balance than competitors, but you'll pay less for lots of features. The quality of the interior design also belies the below-average price. Cost-cutting is not all that apparent until you really start looking. Kia and its corporate cousin, Hyundai, offer the best warranty in the business right now, with six years/60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. Roadside assistance, offered for five years/60,000 miles, is also good for the class, though Hyundai edges it out slightly with unlimited mileage over the same period. | |
Wildcard | |
The Forte is a small car that you can show off because it doesn't give the impression of being an economy bargain pick. The strength of this car is that it's an affordable vehicle that doesn't make you feel as if you've compromised. But it also doesn't exhibit the same fun-to-drive dynamics that make the Civic and Mazda 3 so rewarding to pilot. | |
The small sedan market isn't as popular as it once was. Chevrolet and Ford, for example, discontinued their respective Cruze and Focus sedans to focus on selling more SUVs. But this thinning of the herd, so to speak, has actually made it a little easier to choose. And one of our favorites is the 2021 Kia Forte.
Features & Specs
| LXS 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $19,390 |
| MPG | 29 city / 40 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| GT-Line 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,490 |
| MPG | 29 city / 40 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| GT 4dr Sedan 1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,690 |
| MPG | 27 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 201 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| FE 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $18,790 |
| MPG | 31 city / 41 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Forte safety features:
- Forward Collision Avoidance
- Applies the brakes automatically to avoid a collision with an obstacle in front of the vehicle.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Alerts the driver to the presence of other vehicles in the car's blind spots.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
- Monitors for moving traffic behind the vehicle when in reverse.
NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 4 / 5 |
| Passenger | 3 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 10.7% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Kia Forte vs. the competition
Kia Forte vs. Honda Civic
The Civic has been a perennial favorite at Edmunds since the current generation debuted in 2016. The interior is comfortable and spacious, and it has a seemingly endless number of storage bins and pockets. It's more engaging to drive than the Forte, especially in Si and Type R forms. But you get easier-to-use technology features and a longer warranty by going with the Forte.
Kia Forte vs. Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 features one of the nicest interiors in this class, with a near-luxury car look and feel. And like all Mazdas, it's sharp and engaging to drive without sacrificing comfort or refinement. Unlike the Forte, the Mazda 3 is also available in hatchback form. The sedan doesn't offer the Forte's cargo space, and the back seat is tight, even for a small sedan.
Kia Forte vs. Subaru Impreza
The Impreza isn't our top-rated small sedan, but there is plenty to like about it. It features an impressive suite of standard driver aids, and standard all-wheel drive is a boon for drivers who need extra traction in wet weather. It's also quiet and comfortable on the road. But it lacks some of the Forte's personality in terms of design and sporty feel.
FAQ
Is the Kia Forte a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Kia Forte?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Kia Forte:
- Minor equipment changes throughout lineup
- Summer performance tires now standard on manual-equipped GT models
- Part of the third Forte generation introduced for 2019
Is the Kia Forte reliable?
Is the 2021 Kia Forte a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia Forte?
The least-expensive 2021 Kia Forte is the 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $17,890.
Other versions include:
- LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $19,390
- GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $20,490
- GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $22,690
- FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $18,790
- FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $17,890
- GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $23,290
- EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,090
What are the different models of Kia Forte?
More about the 2021 Kia Forte
2021 Kia Forte Overview
The 2021 Kia Forte is offered in the following submodels: Forte Sedan. Available styles include LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M), GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT).
What do people think of the 2021 Kia Forte?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Kia Forte and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Forte.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Kia Forte and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Forte featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Kia Forte?
2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
The 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,105. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) is trending $2,710 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,710 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21,395.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) is 11.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 31 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20,510. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,339 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,339 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $18,171.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 11.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 55 2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
The 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19,010. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is trending $2,291 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,291 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $16,719.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is 12.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $21,660. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,545 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,545 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19,115.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 11.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 25 2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,505. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,696 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,696 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21,809.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 11% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 9 2021 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,705. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $2,645 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,645 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $22,060.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 10.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 6 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19,910. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,328 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,328 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $17,582.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 11.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 6 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 Kia Fortes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Kia Forte for sale near. There are currently 324 new 2021 Fortes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $19,010 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Kia Forte. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,812 on a used or CPO 2021 Forte available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2021 Kia Fortes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia Forte for sale - 3 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $10,661.
Find a new Kia for sale - 1 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $23,202.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Kia Forte?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials