Used 2018 Kia Forte EX Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Kia Forte EX Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Starting issue
Christine, Sheffield Lake, OH, 02/16/2020
2018 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
My car is only two years old and I am having issues with the alternator on my car . It wouldn’t start for three days and needed a jump to start . Took the car in and they could not find the issue till the second visit ...
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2018 Kia Forte EX Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Feels roomy inside for a compact car
- Pro:Many desirable standard and available features
- Pro:Easy-to-use controls and straightforward touchscreen interface
- Pro:Lengthy warranty coverage
- Con:The EX returns lackluster fuel economy for the class
- Con:Ride quality can be overly firm at times
Which Forte does Edmunds recommend?
Kia offers several Forte variants, so picking one largely depends on what you're looking for. But for a practical and well-equipped car, we'd simply opt for the LX. It's the Forte's base model yet delivers strong value. Ideally, get it with the Popular package, which adds the Uvo infotainment system (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration) and some interior upgrades.
Full Edmunds Review: 2018 Kia Forte Sedan
Driving
8.5Whether it's the strong acceleration, satisfying brake pedal feel or ability to transition from open road to city traffic, the Forte5 is a genuine surprise. Real development went into this car, and Kia should be applauded for no half-measures. And it comes with a great manual transmission.
Comfort
8.0Compact cars generally scrimp on something, be it seating surfaces, seat construction or even adequate climate control. Yet the Forte5 leaves very little to be desired, even for the rear passengers. It's hard to ask for more from a car in the class.
Interior
7.5The Forte5's simple and straightforward cabin is a virtue because it means there are no tricks to figuring out its controls or all of its technology. It's hard to beat the traditional gauges in the instrument panel, too.
Utility
8.5A hatchback should be practical, and this little Kia checks all the boxes. It makes good use of space, not only for the passengers but their stuff as well. It's practical enough with the seats up, and with the seats down there's plenty of room for larger objects. But we wish the seats folded flat.
Technology
7.5There's a lot of equipment in the Forte5, and at the SX trim level, much of it is standard. Kia has embraced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it's refreshing to see when cars costing twice this much still go without. Only the lackluster audio system hurts it here.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2018 Kia Forte in Ohio is:
not availableLegal