2022 Kia Forte Review
Price Range: $14,990 - $20,998
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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.
Price & Payment
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Average price: $16,641
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to$
Price
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
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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
1,313 listings
- $17,990fair price$349 above market
- 29,649 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 29 City / 39 Hwy MPG
- Carvana - Richmond (95 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Apple Carplay/Androi...
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Located in Richmond, VA
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
33 Combined MPG (29 City/39 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3KPF24AD7NE500877
Stock: 2004460349
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-31-2026 - $16,900fair price$462 below market
- 29,119 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 29 City / 39 Hwy MPG
- Passport INFINITI of Alexandria (25 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
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Located in Alexandria, VA
Why BUY from Passport Infiniti of Alexandria? When you choose this Aurora Black 2022 Kia Forte LXS with 29,119 miles, you are not...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
33 Combined MPG (29 City/39 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3KPF24AD2NE476875
Stock: K8294
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-23-2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$100/mo for Forte FE
Forte FE
vs
$153/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2022 Kia Forte has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #13 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#13 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$394/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
0.96x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
10.3%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 22V304000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC235
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 30
- Defect Description:
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
- Defect Consequence:
- Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
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
Kia Forte Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(74%)
4(20%)
3(2%)
2(0%)
1(4%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
My GT Line is just fine
4 out of 5 starsScott 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" … that allows the driver to shift gears but would prefer the paddle shifters like the Forte GT has instead of having to keep your right hand near the shift know. Whether it is in sport mode or not, acceleration from a complete stop is lackluster at best. Once rolling though, it's a lot more fun to drive. On the highway, it holds its own in traffic, lane changes and passing is better than I expected. Exterior lighting, brakes and forward visibility are very good. Rear visibility, not so much. I don't smoke so it took me a while to realize that it doesn't have ash trays (love it!). My top 3 likes; build quality, ride comfort and value for the money. 3 main dislikes; lackluster off the line acceleration, 17" Kuhmo tires follow road imperfections, infotainment system turns off after 10 minutes if engine isn't running (listening to music during lunch break is a challenge).
Bottom line, the 2022 Forte GT line is very nice car but could use a few tweaks to make it a great car. I give it 4.5 stars
Better Than You Would Expect
5 out of 5 starsRandyM, 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 … and the handling is much more nimble than my old family sedan. I only gave up one cubic foot of trunk space from the Hyundai, so packing for a long trip is easy. Owned car now six months and everything works and no problems. Parked by a BMW three-series this morning and the similarity in appearance between the cars was gratifying. I owned a 2008 Kia Optima and came to respect that car. The 2022 Forte is on the same path with me. My only regret is that I should have looked at the turbo GT.
Very good purchase for me!
4 out of 5 starsseeburg220, 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 … is mostly highway style driving, but includes going up and down a mountain 3x a week to work (which it handles just fine).
My only complaints to date, are the lane-assist system and the cruise control.
I notice that on a 6 lane divided roadway, I'll be driving in the middle lane at 65-75 mph, and the car will constantly want to hug the right side of the lane, to the point where it was making my hands tired of countering it. Also, the cruise control is REALLY sluggish in acceleration if it had previously slowed down for a slower car ahead. Also, I have the distance to the car in front of me system (I forget the real name) set at 1, which is supposed to be the closest. But, it is still super far back from the car I'm following. I've owned several Fords that had this same system, and they all did a lot better job in both spacing and speed adjustments. I will just avoid using the two features most of the time and drive it manually, which is fine.
18 year old Mazda6...2022 Kia Forte LXS
5 out of 5 starsJeffrey, 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 … 14,000 miles.
2022 Forte Features & Specs
Sedan
FE
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,090 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $100/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.3 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
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.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedPoor
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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