The 2018 Kia Forte is a compact car available as a sedan or hatchback that offers an impressive list of available features. Last year, the Forte was updated with new infotainment technology, more active safety features and driver aids, a more powerful and efficient base engine, and improved interior design and materials. For 2018, access to some of those updates was expanded to more of the Forte lineup.
On top of those updates, the compact Kia carries over its comfortable and spacious rear seat, accommodating trunk and quiet ride. All in all, the Forte is easy to use and easy to live with, making it a compact competitor worth checking out.
The base Forte LX sedan and Forte5 LX hatchback are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic is an optional upgrade. Also standard are 15-inch steel wheels (16-inch with the Forte5), heated mirrors, air conditioning, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seat, and four-speaker stereo system with a CD player, satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming and USB connectivity. Opt for the automatic transmission and you also get cruise control.
For 2018, Kia's Uvo infotainment system is available as an optional upgrade to the LX, adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also a slew of interior upgrades as part of the Popular and Popular Plus packages.
Moving up, the sedan-only S trim upgrades to a sport-tuned suspension, alloy wheels, LED running lights, a rear spoiler, a chrome exhaust outlet, adjustable drive modes (including steering effort), distinctive cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the 7-inch Uvo touchscreen system. Kia offers added active safety features including lane departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking as optional extras.
The EX sedan ditches the S trim's sporty suspension and styling cues, while the EX hatchback holds onto them. Otherwise, both Forte EX styles receive a 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED turn signal indicators on the mirror housings (and puddle lamps underneath), LED taillights, proximity entry and push-button ignition, ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear vents.
There's a package for the EX that adds ventilated front seats, navigation, HID headlights, a sunroof and extra safety features.
Finally, for hot-hatch enthusiasts, there's the hatchback-only Forte5 SX, which comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder rated at 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. This trim also comes with an appearance package that upgrades both the interior and exterior look.
Make sure to check out our full review to find out more, and take advantage of our shopping tools to find the best deal on a 2018 Kia Forte near you.
2018 Kia Forte Overview
The 2018 Kia Forte is offered in the following submodels: Sedan, Hatchback. Available styles include LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), and LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M). Forte models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 Forte comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual. The 2018 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 should I pay for a new 2018 Kia Forte?
2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20295. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3250.9 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3250.9 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $17044.1.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 16% below the MSRP.
We are showing 16 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $18795. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $4765 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4765 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $14030.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 25.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 31 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
The 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $17820. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is trending $2721 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2721 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $15099.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is 15.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 5 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $18970. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3930 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3930 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $15040.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 20.7% below the MSRP.
We are showing 11 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20420. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3236 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3236 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $17184.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 15.8% below the MSRP.
We are showing 9 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20470. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3930 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3930 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $16540.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 19.2% below the MSRP.
We are showing 8 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $18920. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $2982 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2982 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $15938.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 15.8% below the MSRP.
We are showing 6 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22120. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3368 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3368 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $18752.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 15.2% below the MSRP.
We are showing 5 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19920. The average price paid for a new 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3012.8 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3012.8 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $16907.2.
The average savings for the 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 15.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 5 LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2018 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Kia Forte a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Kia Forte and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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 All of our reviews are 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 do people think of the 2018 Kia Forte? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Kia Forte and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Forte a 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 2018 Forte.
Vehicle LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Review It's work the money compared to other vehicles in this same class.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2018 Kia Forte
2018 Kia Forte inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Kia Forte for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 282 new and 569 used and CPO 2018 Fortes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 16149 and mileage as low as 0. 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 vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Kia Forte. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 5477 on a new, used, or CPO 2018 Forte available from one of 2633 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? 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
Is the 2018 Kia Forte safe? The 2018 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 4.5 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.
MPG
2018 kia forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), 6-speed shiftable automatic, regular unleaded 32 combined MPG 29 city MPG/37 highway MPG
2018 kia forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), 6-speed shiftable automatic, regular unleaded 32 combined MPG 29 city MPG/37 highway MPG
2018 kia forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M), 6-speed manual, regular unleaded 28 combined MPG 25 city MPG/34 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2018 Kia Forte?
Available Kia Forte 2018 Submodel Types: Sedan, Hatchback, Koup, Coupe
Available Kia Forte 2018 Trims: LX, EX, S, SX, Koup SX, Koup EX, Forte5 EX, Forte5 SX
Exterior Colors: Aurora Black, Silky Silver, Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Steel Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Crimson Red, Garnet Red, Clear White, Phantom Gray, Desert Sand, Titanium Bronze, Currant Red, Graphite Steel, Ebony Black, Titanium, Abyss Blue, Gravity Blue, Spicy Red, Racing Red, Corsa Blue, Metallic Bronze, Gunmetal Grey, Metal Bronze, Dark Cherry
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Gray cloth, Gray premium cloth, Black premium cloth, Black leather, Black Sport cloth, Stone cloth, Gray leather, Stone premium cloth, Coffee cloth
Popular Features: Aux Audio Inputs, USB Inputs, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Back-up camera, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Post-collision safety system, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Keyless Entry/Start, Auto Climate Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Cooled Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-collision safety system, Navigation, Upgraded Headlights, Automatic Emergency Braking, Remote Start, 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.
