The perfect choice for tech-savvy urbanites and empty nesters, the 2019 Kia Forte is well-equipped offering things like optional full LED head and taillights and a 320-watt premium Harman Kardon® stereo. It's also fun to drive. A punchy 2.0L engine produces a healthy 147-hp and can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or Kia's own Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
2019 Kia Forte
Research, photos, specs, and expertise
Kia Forte highlights
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5
RepairPal reliability rating†
4.5 out of 5
Mileage (EPA estimate)
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
A dapper compact sedan.
All Kia Forte years
New this year
- The Forte is available in a variety of new trims, including the FE and LXS.
- Forte trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning, Power Seat(s), Leatherette Seats, and A/C Seat(s) as standard equipment this year.
- Remote Start, Automated Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, and Harman Kardon Sound features are now available as options on select trims.
- The LX trim now comes with Rear View Camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.
Explore Kia Forte details
LXS 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
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- UnMapped
- Unsure Research
Optional Features
†- Remote Start
- UnMapped
Drive type
2WD
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
147
Torque (ft-lbs)
132
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
14
Wheelbase
106.3"
Overall length
182.7"
Width
70.9"
Height
56.5"
Leg room
F 42.2"/R 35.7"
Head room
F 38.8"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P205/55HR16
Rear tires
P205/55HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Kia Forte
1. Smart, sporty appearance
You'll love this vehicle's elegant, performance-oriented looks. The signature Tiger Nose grille serves as the centerpiece, complemented by a long hood and sloping rear window providing a fastback silhouette. The higher S and EX grades receive 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the SS gets 16-inch alloys and the base FE dons 15-inch steel wheels with covers. Full LED head and taillamps are available on S and EX trims.
2. Sophisticated transmission
Instead of a traditional continuously variable transmission (CVT), Kia introduced its first Intelligent Variable Transmission on the 2019 Forte. A couple of differences include adaptive shift style logic mimicking the feel of traditional gears and the use of a chain-type rather than a push belt, resulting in smoother acceleration. Also, special insulation is designed to reduce droning noise.
3. Purposeful interior
Again, drawing inspiration from the Stinger, the driver-focused cabin features a horizontal theme as evidenced by the single strip of aluminum running across the entire dashboard. Not just for aesthetics, the clean symmetrical nature of the inside space gets rid of any clutter. A bit of aeronautical styling is seen in the outer circular air vents, mimicking airplane turbines. And engineers have installed additional lumbar support and denser foam in the seats helping to provide more support than before.
4. Agile handling
Whether you're a city dweller or from the suburbs, you will appreciate the nimbleness of the Forte. The excellent on-road manners are courtesy of a strengthened underlying platform. Built with 54-percent advanced high-strength steel and taking advantage of a new subframe design, lateral responsiveness has been greatly enhanced. Upgrades to the motor-driven power steering offer a more natural feel to turning the wheel.
5. Technology in spades
Several driver-assistance systems—part of the Drive Wise suite—are standard on all trim levels. The suite is made up of technologies that mitigate forward collisions and keep the Forte centered in the middle of the lane. It also features driver attention warning, which monitors operator inputs so that if anything amiss is detected with the driver, both visual and audible warnings are activated. The top-of-the-line S grade also bundles lane-change assist, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2019 Kia Forte, you should also check out these similar vehicles from previous model years.
The Honda Civic is now in its tenth generation (2015 to present) and has been a venerable contender in the small to compact car class for many years. In recent years, the Civic has grown to be considered a mid-size vehicle.
New to the tenth-generation Civic which debuted in 2015 is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 174 horsepower in the coupe and sedan models and is bumped up to 180 horsepower in the hatchback. If you're looking for something sporty, the Civic Si is available only with a manual transmission and a performance suspension while the Type R is one of the hottest performance compacts on the market with its 2.0L turbocharged engine that is rated at a healthy 306 horsepower for the 2015 model year. There's a Civic out there for everyone, regardless of whether you want a comfortable daily driver or something that can provide a little more excitement on a daily basis.
The first generation of the Toyota Corolla was released in 1966, and this compact sedan has stood the test of time on the market. Offered in six well-equipped trim levels, the 2019 Toyota Corolla is part of the 11th generation that began in 2014. Available sport seats on the SE trim in the 2019 model are designed to cradle your body comfortably on both long and short rides. This sedan is loaded with style and tech features, like a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen display, integrated back-up camera, and Toyota's Entune™ audio system. And with 13 solid cubic feet of cargo volume, you can pack in the groceries, work supplies, or sporting equipment as you need in a 2019 Toyota Corolla. Opt for the available paddle shifters to up your fun quotient.
Nissan Sentra
Aimed at young professionals, the 2019 Nissan Sentra exudes class. The 2019 Sentra sports the latest design language, evidenced by the attractive black and chrome V-Motion grille, boomerang-shaped head and taillights, and chrome door handles and window accents. A long, 106.3-inch wheelbase affords the sedan one of the largest interiors in its class at 110 cubic feet of total volume. Trunk capacity is equally practical at 15.1 cubic feet. Every 2019 Sentra comes with air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, push-button start, and a back-up camera.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.7 out of 5
13 customer reviewsThe 2019 Kia Forte is a compact car that is great for commuting and has excellent gas mileage. The car has a sport mode that makes it go fast and tight. The car has a touch screen message center and lane assist.
| 5 Stars | 10 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal reliability rating†
Excellent
RepairPal gave the Kia Forte an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Forte 6th out of 45 among Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Forte2019 Kia Forte trims
FE
Six-speed manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels with covers, projector low-beam halogen headlights, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.
LXS
Intelligent Variable Transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tip finisher, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, soft-touch interior panels, and more.
S
17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, satin chrome inside door handles, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and more.
EX
Heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn-signal indicators, puddle lamps, sliding armrest, Dual USB charging ports, 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and more.
More about 2019 Kia Forte
Color options
Exterior colors
Clear White (FE, LXS, S)
Gravity Grey (FE, LXS, S)
Aurora Black Pearl (FE, LXS, S)
Currant Red (LXS, S, EX)
Deep Sea Blue (LXS, S, EX)
Silky Silver (LXS, S, EX)
Snow White Pearl (EX)
Fire Orange (EX)
Interior details
The 2019 Kia Forte is a five-passenger compact sedan. In the back is either a fixed folding bench (base FE) or 60/40-split-folding seats (LXS, S, and EX). Woven fabric upholstery is standard on all trims except the grade-topping EX, which receives Sofino leatherette trim.
* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.
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