2021 Kia Forte

MSRP range: $17,890 - $23,390

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Kia Forte EX Sedan Exterior Shown

7.9/10 Expert Rating

+55

5 Offers Near 20147

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MSRP	$20,115
Edmunds suggests you pay	$19,975

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Kia Forte for Sale

2021 Kia Forte Review

Reese Counts

Pros

Plenty of features for the money
Strong fuel economy estimates
Generous warranty
Easy-to-use tech interface

ConsWhat's new

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.

The Forte goes head to head with rivals such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla. Even among this all-star group, the Forte stands out. We like its handsome styling, easy-to-use tech and excellent fuel economy. It's also a good value, offering plenty of features for your money, plus Kia's great warranty.

We do wish the Forte had a bit more rear-seat legroom, and its ride can be a little too stiff at times. Still, there's much to like about the Forte, especially given its price and feature list. Check out our in-depth Expert Review to help you decide if the 2021 Forte is right for you.

Edmunds' Expert Rating^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}
Rated for you by America’s best test team
Our verdict	7.9 / 10
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?	7.0
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?	8.0
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?	8.0
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?	8.0
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?	8.5
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’s the fuel economy?	9.0
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?	9.0
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	7.0
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.

Which Forte does Edmunds recommend?

We suggest going with the midlevel GT-Line model. It combines a good list of standard and optional features with sporty styling, giving it a look that will stand out in the crowd.

Kia Forte models

The 2021 Kia Forte small sedan is available in five trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX and GT. Feature highlights include:

FE
This base-level trim comes standard with:

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft of torque)
15-inch steel wheels
Standard six-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
8-inch touchscreen display
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Four-speaker audio system

Every Forte also comes with these advanced driver safety features:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Forte back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

LXS
Stepping up to the LXS trim adds even more features, including:

Standard CVT
16-inch alloy wheels
60/40-split folding rear seats
Selectable drive modes
Upgraded interior trim

GT-Line
The GT-Line sits in the middle of the lineup and offers a good mix of features such as:

17-inch alloy wheels
Foglights
LED running lights and taillights
Heated exterior mirrors
Cloth sport seats with faux leather inserts
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Six-speaker audio system
Keyless entry and push-button start
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

Options include:

Sunroof
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Two extra USB charging ports

EX
The EX trim drops the GT-Line's sporty appearance but in return gains its optional features. It also has:

Simulated leather upholstery
Heated and ventilated front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Integrated navigation system
Wireless device charging

GT
This is the sport-oriented Forte. Compared to the GT-Line, it has:

Turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (201 hp, 195 lb-ft)
Standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or optional six-speed manual
LED headlights
Sport-tuned suspension and performance tires
Sport-tuned exhaust
18-inch wheels
Black faux leather and cloth seats with red stitching
Paddle shifter on automatic-equipped models

Options for the GT include:

Sunroof
Full simulated leather upholstery
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated and ventilated front seats
Harman Kardon audio system
Wireless device charging
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Forte and the car in front)

Compare dealer price quotes

2021 Kia Forte pricing

in Ashburn, VA

LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

LXS

2.0L 4cyl CVT

$20,564

8 for sale in 20147

GT-Line

2.0L 4cyl CVT

$22,744

14 for sale in 20147

EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

EX

2.0L 4cyl CVT

$24,382

2 for sale in 20147

FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

FE

2.0L 4cyl CVT

$19,975

GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

GT

1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM

$25,120

5 for sale in 20147

See all for sale

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2021 Kia Forte.

Average user rating: 4.5 stars

23 total reviews

See all 23 reviews

5 star reviews: 69%

4 star reviews: 22%

3 star reviews: 0%

2 star reviews: 9%

1 star reviews: 0%

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

5/5 stars, Incredible value ... I was so surprised

Brian, 01/05/2021

GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

After having my vehicle that I drive for work being totaled by some idiot I needed a vehicle. With the pretty hefty price increases of used vehicles I thought it might be better for something new. Did a lot of online searches looking for a solid vehicle. The GT with the Turbo 2 package just sounded like it could work. Test drove it and it was home with me in 3 hours. Technology for

5/5 stars, 2021 GT Manual - Impressed

Memo G., 12/17/2020

GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

First of all... #savethemanuals. Now that that’s out of the way, this car has been amazing! The manual GT version comes with standard summer tires which is an incredible value at about $21K USD. Kia really impressed me with the quality, technology and safety it offers. Some vehicles above the $30k mark don’t even come with some of the features the Forte GT offers. Not to mention the best

5/5 stars, Value value value

doug, 12/09/2020

LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

Impressive styling, roomy interior, incredible trunk space, and a nice large infotainment screen. Got a great low mileage lease price for my father to get around town in his retirement years. Lots of standard amenities for a car at this price point. First time my father had this type of backup camera and he loved it. He said the car had much more pep than he expected. In three years I

5/5 stars, Very well executed

jsd, 12/14/2020

GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

Much nicer interior than competition as well as stying cues on exterior. German feel and very good quality for the price point. Look and feels more expensive and is a great value compared to Honda SI or Volkswagen IMO

See all 23 reviews

Helpful shopping links

2021 Kia Forte video

2019 Kia Forte | First Drive

[MUSIC PLAYING] MARK TAKAHASHI: Not everyone can afford a Maybach, or even a Mustang. That's where the compact class of sedans and hatchbacks come in. Behind me here is the all-new, fully redesigned 2019 Kia Forte. And it's a great place to start. [MUSIC PLAYING] This time around, the Forte is slightly bigger overall. And as you can see, it takes a lot of [INAUDIBLE] cues from the evocative Kia Stinger. And that's a good thing. It looks sharp, sharper than you'd expect for the compact class of sedans. The question is, how does it stack up against the rest of the competition? We'll get to that in a bit. In the meantime, do us a favor and hit Subscribe below. [MUSIC PLAYING] In the compact sedan class, you sort of have to temper your expectations. But the Forte exceeds expectations in a number of ways. I wasn't all that jazzed about 147-horsepower continuously variable transmission. Those CVTs tend to suck the life out of any car. But the Kia's CVT does a really good job of being more responsive and quicker to accelerate right off the line. It doesn't have that sluggishness or rubber band feel that other CVTs have. And when you're going to pass slower traffic, it does a good job of dropping down into a lower ratio, much like an automatic transmission would, where it just drops you into a lower gear by about two or three. So you get that good punch when you need it. And that's pretty unique in the class, or unique for CVTs in general, actually. The ride quality, it's a little stiff, but not objectionable. In return for that stiffness, it handles pretty well. Not quite as well as the Mazda 3, but far better than most drivers will ever need. One thing counting against it is the rear torsion-beam suspension. And that tends to be a little nervous over mid-corner bumps. That is the case with the Forte, but again, not to objectionable levels. There is a noticeable amount of wind and road noise, though. But again, I'm driving with the radio off. And this has the premium Harman/Kardon system. Just turn it up a little. It should drown it out just fine. In the class, the Forte competes against kind of entry-level sedans. So Corolla from Toyota, Honda Civic, Mazda 3. Those are kind of my picks in the class. Not so much the Corolla, but I really like the Mazda 3. And this, well, it seems to offer quite a bit more than the Mazda, especially when it comes to advanced safety features. This comes standard with forward collision warning, blind spot monitors, and all the latest modern cars have. One thing I like about it, though, is I'm not getting a lot of false alarms. And the Lane Keep Assist on this top trim is actually really good. Comparing prices between the Civic and the Mazda 3 to the Forte, the Forte has a slight advantage just because it has a lot more features. For the base-model Forte, prices start right around 18.5, 18.6. That's manual transmission, lowest trim level. Probably not going to be a lot of people taking that. For another 1,000 or so, you get the CVT. This is the Launch edition EX. This is the EX with all the options. So all the advanced safety features, different colored wheels, sunroof, navigation. It goes on and on and on. It's just over $26,000, though. That's a bit much for this class. But the regular EX, right around $23,000. And that makes a lot more sense, because you get a lot for that, as well. And you have the option to add stuff. But you probably won't need the navigation because it comes standard with Apple Car Play, as long as you have a cell signal, obviously. And the voice recognition is still probably the best out there, in any car. Not only does the Forte draw on some of the Stinger's exterior styling, but also on the interior. It's got the wide dash, just like that, as well as these racy-looking round vents. Materials quality is really good for the class. Everything that you touch has nice, good, soft cushioning to it. So your elbows are well-padded. And elsewhere, when it is plastic, is grained really well. There's really not a whole lot of hard plastic in here to kind of take you out of the fantasy of driving a nicer car. One thing I really did like as soon as I sat down, though, was the amount of travel the steering wheel has. Now, that's quite a bit, so that means that taller drivers aren't going to have to sacrifice their driving position. You have a ton of features here, as well. The infotainment has a standard eight-inch screen. It's sharp, it's responsive, it's quick. And you have a good amount of physical buttons here, which means you won't have to dig through menus just to get some simple operations done. Also standard is dual-zone automatic climate control. That's unusual for the class as a standard feature, even on the base model. On this top trim, you also get ventilated and heated seats, which makes it really comfortable on a hot, muggy day like today. On this top trim, you also get a wireless charging pad, as well as a USB port right under it, and another one right under your center armrest. Despite being a compact sedan, the Forte doesn't skimp on rear seat space. I'm five foot 10, sitting behind the driver's seat, which is set for me. And I have plenty of leg room and knee room. And my hair's just barely brushing the headliner. That means the average adult will be just fine back here. Materials quality, as you'd expect, isn't quite as nice. A little more hard plastic. But if I didn't tap that, I wouldn't have known. I also have a nice center armrest here. I'd be comfortable back here for a road trip. Not a single complaint. And I also have vents right here for climate control. So, well done, Kia. [MUSIC PLAYING] After spending a lot of time with this Forte, I can say it gives the class-leading Mazda 3 and Honda Civic a run for the money. Honestly, I would take it over the Civic. The Mazda, in my view, is still the best driving in the class. But for a lot of people, it's not that important. What is important is stretching their dollar. And the Forte does that. It delivers a lot. A lot of advanced safety features, a lot of infotainment, a lot of just quality overall. For more information on the Forte, as well as its competition, head on over to edmunds.com. If you want to see more videos like this, hit Subscribe. [MUSIC PLAYING]

2019 Kia Forte | First Drive

NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Kia Forte, but since the 2021 Kia Forte is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

Edmunds Senior Writer Mark Takahashi took a spin in the all-new 2019 Kia Forte, the latest entrant in the affordable compact sedan class. The Forte faces some tough competitors in the class, but it rises to meet the challenge with praiseworthy driving dynamics and a value-packed list

Features & Specs

Trim

Base MSRP: $18,790

MPG & Fuel: 31 City / 41 Hwy / 35 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.0 gal. capacity

Seating: 5 seats

Drivetrain: Type: front wheel drive; Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic

Engine: Inline 4 cylinder; Horsepower: 147 hp @ 6200 rpm; Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Basic Warranty: 5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Dimensions: Length: 182.7 in. / Height: 56.5 in.; Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A; Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.9 in.; Curb Weight: 2769 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 15.3 cu.ft.

See all features & specs

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

2021 Kia Forte

2021 Kia Forte

2020 Honda Civic

2020 Honda Civic

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.

Compare Kia Forte & Honda Civic features

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.

Compare Kia Forte & Mazda 3 features

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.

Compare Kia Forte & Subaru Impreza features

People who viewed this also viewed

Honda Civic
3.85 average Rating out of 20 reviews.
Starting at $21,700

Hyundai Elantra
4.8 average Rating out of 5 reviews.
Starting at $19,850

Mazda 3
4.5333333 average Rating out of 15 reviews.
Starting at $20,650

FAQ

Is the Kia Forte a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Forte both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. You probably care about Kia Forte fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Forte gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg to 35 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Forte has 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Forte. Learn more

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?

To determine whether the Kia Forte is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Forte. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Forte's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2021 Kia Forte a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Kia Forte is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Forte and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Forte is a good car for you. Learn more

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 $22,790
FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $18,790
FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $17,890
EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,090
GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $23,390

What are the different models of Kia Forte?

If you're interested in the Kia Forte, the next question is, which Forte model is right for you? Forte variants include LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Forte models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

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), EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M), and GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Kia Forte models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine or a 1.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 201 hp, depending on engine type. The 2021 Kia Forte comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic, 7-speed automated manual. The 2021 Kia Forte comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.

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. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2021 Forte 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 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 $20,115. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $140 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $140 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19,975.

The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 0.7% below the MSRP.

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 $20,685. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $121 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $121 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $20,564.

The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 0.6% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 16 2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the 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 $22,800. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $56 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $56 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $22,744.

The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 0.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 28 2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the 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 $24,460. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $78 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $78 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $24,382.

The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 0.3% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 4 2021 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburn area.

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 $25,295. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) is trending $175 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $175 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $25,120.

The average savings for the 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) is 0.7% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 9 2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the 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 73 new 2021 Fortes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $18,980 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 $750 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 for sale - 10 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $14,024.

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.

What is the MPG of a 2021 Kia Forte?

2021 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
33 compined MPG,
29 city MPG/40 highway MPG

2021 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
33 compined MPG,
29 city MPG/40 highway MPG

2021 Kia Forte GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 7-speed automated manual, regular unleaded
30 compined MPG,
27 city MPG/35 highway MPG

EPA Est. MPG	33
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Drive Train	front wheel drive
Displacement	2.0 L
Passenger Volume	111.3 cu.ft.

Wheelbase	106.3 in.
Length	182.7 in.
Width	N/A
Height	56.5 in.
Curb Weight	2769 lbs.

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

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