2017 Kia Forte review
Kia Forte highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Easy-to-use tech
- Good looking exterior design
- Front seats feel roomy for a compact sedan
Cons
- Ride comfort could be better
- Base engine isn't that powerful
- Rear seats lack legroom
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 33 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Kia Forte years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Forte generation from 2012 to 2024
What is new for the 2017 Kia Forte?
- The Forte is available in a new trim called the S.
- The SX trim has been discontinued for 2017.
- Forte trims have been upgraded with Leather Seats, Front Seat Heaters, Rear Spoiler, Bluetooth Technology, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- Memory Seat(s), Blind Spot Monitor, and Lane Departure Warning features are now available as options on select trims.
- The EX trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
Kia Forte photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Kia Forte
1. Sporty styling
Kia freshened up the look of the 2017 Forte with sporty accents that stand out on the road. The car features a “tiger nose" grille that seamlessly connects with updated headlights for a more fluid look, along with newly designed taillights. For an even edgier appearance, the S trim is equipped with a chrome exhaust tip and rear spoiler. You should also keep an eye out for your choice of a dozen different exterior color options.
2. Helpful features
The 2017 Kia Forte has several available driver-assistance tools that can boost your confidence behind the wheel, including a rear-camera display, lane departure warning system, and lane keep assist system. Regardless of the trim, the Forte also comes with a variety of other helpful systems, as well. This includes a brake assist system that can reduce the overall stopping distance in an emergency situation, hill-start assist control to prevent you from rolling backward on a steep hill, and an anti-lock braking system that offers more control on wet or slippery roads.
3. Stuffed with gadgets
The 2017 Forte gives you a royal welcome by lighting up the door handles and outside mirror when you approach with your smart key (available on the S trim and above). Infotainment is also a treat in this car. Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™ connectivity is available on the LX trim and standard on the S trim and up, making it easy to stream your favorite driving music, look up directions, and send text messages.
4. Designed for comfort
The 2017 Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride for both drivers and passengers. Look out for your choice of a standard six-way manually adjustable driver's seat or an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat (available on the S trim and up). The interior feels roomy, too, with a minimum of 95 cu-ft of space and an available power sunroof (S trim and up). And whether you're driving during a scorching summer day or cold winter morning, you can set just the right climate with the dual-zone automatic temperature control system (EX trim only).
5. Spacious cargo area
Whether picking up groceries or going golfing, the 2017 Kia Forte sedan offers ample storage space for your lifestyle. It has 14.9 cu-ft of cargo volume and a trunk light to make it easy to pack up at night. You can also fold down the 60/40 split-folding rear seats if you need more space for a special trip, like a weekend of snowboarding.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4 out of 5
22 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 12 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 6 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 3 |
RepairPal gave the Kia Forte an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Forte 6th out of 46 among Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia ForteKia Forte features and specs
Curious how Kia Forte trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
S 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cloth Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Power Seat(s)
- Remote Start
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
147
Torque (ft-lbs)
132
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
106.3"
Overall length
179.5"
Width
70.1"
Height
56.3"
Leg room
F 42.2"/R 35.9"
Head room
F 39.1"/R 37.3"
Front tires
P205/55HR16
Rear tires
P205/55HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Kia Forte FAQ
The 2017 Kia Forte is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- S: 29 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- EX: 25 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- LX: 29 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
The Kia Forte received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Forte as 5 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2017 Kia Forte has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2017 Kia Forte, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2017 Kia Forte Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2017 Kia Forte:
- S
- Leather Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Rear Spoiler
- Bluetooth Technology
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

