more about this model The 2017 Kia Forte has been significantly refreshed for the new model year to remain competitive in the hot compact sedan market. Wider and longer but not taller, the Forte now takes a sleeker, more aggressive stance, and styling touches such as revamped headlights and taillights, a sloping beltline and Kia?s ?tiger nose? grille lend a European touch to a car from a Korean automaker that is made in Mexico.
In addition to a revamped look, the 2017 Forte gets a new, more fuel-efficient 2.0-liter base engine, a new transmission, an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a host of available safety and driver assist technologies. There?s also a sporty new S trim level with firmer suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a number of extra comfort and convenience features.
The Forte ups the ante for compact car interiors with sporty design, surprisingly good quality materials, room for real adults in both the front and back, well-placed controls and a generous amount of cargo room. Higher trim levels even include luxury touches such as heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. And an available navigation system, drive mode system (with Normal, Eco and Sport modes), and the latest infotainment and connectivity functions should help engage technophiles.
The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a newly engineered six-speed automatic transmission. Power for the top-of-the-line EX model is provided by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque and only comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Although not class-leading in acceleration or handling, the Forte performs capably on the road. The suspension is tuned on the firm side — especially in the new S model — but most buyers will likely find the ride to be comfy enough. The redesigned six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, progressive shifts, but shoppers in the market for something a bit more sporty may be disappointed that a manual gearbox and the higher-output engine are not available in the S.
Fuel economy for the entry-level 2017 Forte equipped with the base engine and automatic transmission is EPA rated at a combined 32 mpg (29 city/38 highway). Move up to the EX model and the rating drops to a combined 28 mpg (25 city/33 highway).
The base Forte LX is equipped to compete well with its compact sedan rivals, and its emphasis on technology features is sure to strike a chord with many shoppers. The S trim level provides a firmer ride, as well as a number of sporty interior and exterior touches, while the EX adds a slew of luxury and convenience features. Consumers in the market for a hatchback or coupe will also find Forte models to suit them. Whatever your preferences, let Edmunds help you find the right 2017 Kia Forte to meet your needs.
2017 Kia Forte Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Kia Forte and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 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.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Kia Forte and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Forte 4.2 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 2017 Forte.
Vehicle
LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Review
Bought a 2010 Forte LX (5 speeds manual) back in 2010. 160K miles later, I had to trade it in for a 2017 Forte LX (manual 6 speeds). What an improvement ! First of all, not one problem, itch or snooze on my previous Kia. Never opened the hood. All oil changes done by professionals. I already had great mpg, but this new one ? Even better. Manual says 32 city/39 Highway. I get 41 city/45 Highway. Of course, my commute (120 miles per day - 20% city and 80% Thruway) is pretty much on flat road (no hills) and the temperatures are constantly over 40 degrees. Good dry conditions. Speed of 70-75 mph when Tach read 2,750 rpm. This car purrs and swallows the miles one by one. Comfort is what you can expect from a "small" car. Everything being new, you need some time to get used to it, or for the car to get used to you. Now, odd enough, no spare tire nor donut in the back trunk. Just some kind of fix-your-flat-yourself-kit with a plug-in pump (and patch?), enough for 50 miles to get to a station (?).The dash boards illuminates nicely and I still have not figured out why the outside temperature reading starts flashing when it get under 40 degrees F (or everytime it drops under 30, 20 etc...). Acceleration is nice, although there seem to be a soft spot when starting in 1st gear which obliges you to push and reach 4,000 rpm or shift into second very quickly. The sound is definitely not premium. Automatic windows is a nice upgrade from my previous Kia and the electronic lock/unlock is also a nice addition. I hope to have it last a long time. From previous experience, it will. Update after owning this Forte for 7 Months: Winter is over. No special tires, just the ones this car came with and no problem on the snow (and God knows that Rochester, NY, can have plenty of it). No sliding. Really happy about the mileage per gallon. Constantly hitting the 47.5 mpg, although this little car doesn't seem to like the rain (or the cold). At 2,500 rpm, on highway, you should easily get 50 mpg without pushing your gears too much (of course, no extra weight/passengers/luggage). Still a "dead spot" when starting in 1st gear and I suspect a "bad" electronic distribution, but not enough to put that car through computer testings. So far so good. Reliable it is
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Kia Forte
Edmunds Value
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
The 2017 Kia Forte earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 5.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Kia Forte 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan, Hatchback, Coupe, Koup
Available Trims: LX, EX, S, Koup EX, Koup SX, SX, Forte5 EX, Forte5 SX
Exterior Colors: Aurora Black, Silky Silver, Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Clear White, Steel Blue, Crimson Red, Ebony Black, Titanium, Currant Red, Graphite Steel, Titanium Bronze, Spicy Red, Desert Sand, Garnet Red, Abyss Blue, Gravity Blue, Phantom Gray, Corsa Blue, Bronze, Dark Cherry, Metallic Bronze, Metal Bronze, Racing Red, Gunmetal Grey
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Gray cloth, Black premium cloth, Gray premium cloth, Black leather, Stone cloth, Coffee cloth, Gray leather, Stone premium cloth, Black Sport leather
Popular Features: Aux Audio Inputs, USB Inputs, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Bluetooth, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Trip Computer, Back-up camera, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Post-collision safety system, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Cooled Seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-collision safety system, Navigation, Remote Start, Upgraded Headlights, Upgraded Engine
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL, AUTOMATED_MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
