2022 Kia Forte Prices, Reviews, and Pictures

Good

The 2022 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.

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Certified Pre-Owned Forte

10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty

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10-year/100,000-mile
Powertrain Limited Warranty

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Pros

Loaded with features at lower price than most competitors
High fuel economy
Easy-to-use tech and infotainment system
Generous warranty

Cons

Stiff ride
Back seat lacks the room of some rivals

What's new

Restyled front and rear ends
Additional standard and optional safety features
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto now come standard
Part of the third Forte generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Written by automotive expert Dan Frio

12/14/2021

The compact sedan market might be shrinking, with Chevrolet and Ford recently abandoning the class to focus on compact SUVs, but that just makes it easier to consider the segment's standouts. The 2022 Kia Forte ranks high on that list with its sharp style, impressive fuel economy and a string of standard features at a lower price than rivals.

The Forte lineup ranges from the fuel-thrifty base model to the sporty 201-horsepower GT top trim and its optional six-speed manual transmission. New for 2022 are restyled front and rear ends, with a sleeker grille and headlights, and revised taillight designs for a more aggressive look. New safety features and driver aids have been added as standard equipment, including navigation-based adaptive cruise control and a lane-centering system. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now make smartphone connections easier and cable-free for front occupants.

The Forte once got by on its low price and generous feature list, but it's no longer just a value alternative. An array of standard and optional features, solid power and improving refinement make the Forte a legitimate consideration among the standard bearers in the class, including the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. The Forte is still a bit rough around the edges in terms of ride quality and handling, and its rear seat is a bit small for the class. But as an overall value play, the Forte holds its own against the best. Read our Expert Rating below to see if the Forte is right for you.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2022 Kia Forte on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

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.

Comfort

8/10

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.

Interior

8/10

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.

Technology

8/10

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 control isn't standard on any trim level. It's standard on many competitors. In testing, all systems worked well and avoided false alerts.

Storage

8.5/10

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 backseat room means bulky rear-facing seats might interfere with front seat movement.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Fuel economy is excellent, and the EPA estimates the Forte with the base engine will get 33 mpg combined (or 35 mpg for the FE trim). We fell a bit short in our real-world driving tests but saw better returns in the Forte than in most competitors.

Value

9/10

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

7/10

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.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2022 Kia Forte
GT Sedan
$15,000
great price
$3,046 below market
- 77,025 miles
- 27 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- 9 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
2022 Kia Forte GT Aurora Black Pearl FWD 1.6L 4-CylinderRecent Arrival!• Touch-screen navigation with voice control helps you find routes easily, w...
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (27 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3KPF44AC9NE434107
Stock:
NE434107A
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
07-12-2026
2022 Kia Forte
GT-Line Sedan
$19,055
fair price
$185 below market
- 32,020 miles
- 29 City / 39 Hwy MPG
- 42 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Bowie, MD
FUEL EFFICIENT 39 MPG Hwy/29 MPG City! CARFAX 1-Owner. GT-Line trim, Gravity Gray exterior and Black interior. KEY FEATURES INCLUDENavigation, Back...
Features and Specs:
33 Combined MPG (29 City/39 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3KPF54AD0NE492127
Stock:
NE492127
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-26-2026
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Certified Pre-Owned Forte
10-year/100,000-mile
Powertrain Limited Warranty
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2022 Kia Forte trim level differences

The 2022 Kia Forte is offered in four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line and GT. The lineup ranges from the fuel-sipping FE to the sporty GT, the latter equipped with a more powerful engine and an available six-speed manual transmission. Compare the 2022 Kia Forte trim levels in-depth.

Which Forte trim does Edmunds recommend?

It's hard to go wrong with the GT-Line model. It provides an impressive list of standard features and a new larger infotainment display, plus two option packages and sportier styling thanks to larger wheels and LED accent lights.

Kia Forte Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

36 reviews

5(72%)

4(19%)

3(6%)

2(0%)

1(3%)

See all 36 reviews of the Kia Forte

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

My GT Line is just fine

Scott D., 01/10/2022

2022 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

My Forte is a very good (but not great) little car. It's well made, stylish and comfortable. Which makes my work commute a more pleasant experience. I like how it keeps the road noise down, making it feel like a more expensive car. Overall I am very happy with it thus far. But it isn't a "muscle car", so if that's what you crave, then buy something else. I like that it has a "sport mode" …

Better Than You Would Expect

RandyM, 04/29/2022

2022 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

I traded in my midsize Sonata for the compact 2022 Forte LXS and I thought I would dislike the Kia. I expected a tiny and noisy interior, sluggish acceleration, and a general poverty level feeling. Didn't happen. I'm finding the Forte to be as comfortable as the larger car (in the front seats at least) and more than adequate acceleration. Gas mileage is very good at 44 mpg highway …

Very good purchase for me!

seeburg220, 07/07/2022

2022 Kia Forte GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

After riding in a friend's 2022 GT-Line a month ago, I went out and bought the exact same car. The two biggest things that sold me on it, were the price and the mpg. My friend is getting 42 hwy. That's all I needed to hear. My 21 year old Tahoe was getting 15mpg on a good day, and costing me $92 to fill it. I have about 800 miles on my Forte now, and I'm getting 40 mpg, which …

18 year old Mazda6...2022 Kia Forte LXS

Jeffrey, 01/05/2022

2022 Kia Forte LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

My Mazda6i was a little quicker, handled a little better, but the Forte excelles in driver comfort, quiet ride...and almost twice the gas mileage! Yes, I'm aware of the age difference, but I paid $15,000 for the Mazda in 2003 and only $20,000 for the Forte 18 Years later! I got a good deal then, but a better deal with the Kia...cars have come a long way! Still like new after 2 years and …

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2022 Kia Forte video

2019 Kia Forte | First Drive

NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Kia Forte, but since the 2022 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 of standard features. Mark covers everything that shoppers need to know in his drive…

2022 Forte Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Est. Market Value	$16,335
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	35 MPG
Cost to Drive	$145/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Reliability

The 2022 Kia Forte has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2022 Kia Forte

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

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Kia Forte vs. Honda Civic

But for a few spotty patches in its celebrated history, the Civic has set the pace for other compact sedans. That remains true today with the redesigned 2022 Civic, which has traded its earlier wild style for a more conventional small sedan look. The Civic costs more than the Forte, but you get more rear legroom, more dynamic handling and a zestier engine. The Forte counters with a bit more trunk space and a longer warranty.

Compare Kia Forte & Honda Civic features

Kia Forte vs. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 rises a notch above its rivals with an interior that feels more like a premium European sedan than a mainstream economy car. Like other Mazdas, the 3 is quick and responsive to driver input thanks to a buttoned-down suspension and strong standard engine (an optional turbo engine makes the 3 even quicker). The Mazda doesn't offer the Forte's cargo space, though, and its back seat is tight even for a small sedan. A Mazda 3 hatchback version offers an alternative for those who need more room.

Compare Kia Forte & Mazda 3 features

Kia Forte vs. Subaru Impreza

The Impreza might lack a bit of personality with its slabby, unremarkable exterior style and plain interior, but there's still plenty to like. An impressive suite of standard driver aids and standard all-wheel drive is a boon for drivers in wet weather climates. It's also quiet and comfortable on the road, offers slightly more rear legroom than the Forte, and even offers a manual transmission on its lower trims for budget buyers who prefer shifting gears themselves.

Compare Kia Forte & Subaru Impreza features

Safety

Our experts like the Forte models:

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.

FAQ

Is the Kia Forte a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 Forte both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 Forte gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 36 reviews) 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 2022 Kia Forte?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Kia Forte:

Restyled front and rear ends
Additional standard and optional safety features
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto now come standard
Part of the third Forte generation introduced for 2019

Learn more

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 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2022 Kia Forte a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Kia Forte is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 Forte and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 Forte gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 36 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 Forte is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2022 Kia Forte?

The least-expensive 2022 Kia Forte is the 2022 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $19,090.

Other versions include:

FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $19,090
LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $19,590
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $21,290
GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $23,490
GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $24,490

Learn more

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 FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), LXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and GT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). For a full list of Forte models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more