2015 Kia Forte review

1. Lots of variety 

With the 2015 Kia Forte, you’ll find a lot of variety on the used car market. The 2015 model carries the base Forte, a four-door sedan, as well as a two-door coupe (Koup) and a five-door hatchback (Forte5). Within those body styles are several trim packages offering a wide variety of comfort, tech, and audio upgrades. In addition, all trims offer either manual or automatic transmission and have different engine options (more on that below). 

2. Decent fuel economy and engine choice 

The base trim comes with a 1.8L engine that achieves an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined on sedan models.

The optional 2.0L direct injection engine gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined in the sedan. Finally, the SX trim — which is only available on the Koup and Forte5 — trades up to a 1.6L, four-cylinder turbo direct-injection engine, which gets 24 mpg combined.

3. Roomy interior 

All three body types offer identical legroom (42.2 inches in the front seats) and similar headroom (the front seats have 38.2 inches on the Koup and 39.4 inches on the Forte5). The legroom in the back is fine for adults, at 35.9 inches. When it comes to cargo space, the sedan and Koup have 14.9 cu-ft and 13.3 cu-ft, respectively. On the Forte5, cargo space expands to 23.2 cu-ft thanks to the additional cabin height. That versatility means the 2015 Forte offers something for every type of household.  

4. Well-rounded suite of features 

The base LX trim on the 2015 Kia Forte offers a fairly complete set of features when it comes to audio. The LX trim comes standard with AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth^® connectivity, aux and USB ports, and SiriusXM^® integration, along with a four-speaker sound system. The LX adds an option for two tweeters, while those come standard on the EX and SX. For more options, the higher-end trims provide more back-row comforts, like a center armrest with cupholders. The EX and SX also offer a power sunroof, more powerful headlights, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.  

5. Good handling  

The 2015 Kia Forte’s ride will satisfy most drivers. The Kia Forte EX sedan can go from zero-to-60 in 8.1 seconds, while the manual Forte SX Koup can do it in a sporty 7.0 seconds. The suspension uses MacPherson struts and monotube shocks, delivering stiff, responsive handling on smooth roads. If you live in an area with variable road quality, you may notice a bumpier ride — but at least the responsive steering will let you skirt potholes with ease.