2019 Kia Forte review
Kia Forte highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Great looking four-door sedan design
- Thrifty base engine
- Impressive tech
Cons
- Only one engine option, and it's a bit slow
- Rear seats aren't that substantial
- Ride experience can be harsh
Mileage (EPA estimate)
27 city, 37 highway, 31 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $12,998*
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A dapper compact sedan.
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).
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 2019 Kia Forte?
- 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.
2019 Kia Forte trims
Curious how Kia Forte trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesFE
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.
Kia Forte photos
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.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.5 out of 5
19 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 13 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 3 |
| 3 Stars | 3 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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
EX 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Automated Cruise Control
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Spoiler
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (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
P225/45HR17
Rear tires
P225/45HR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2019 Kia Forte FAQ
The 2019 Kia Forte is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- EX: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- LXS: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- S: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- FE: 31 MPG City and 41 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 2019 Kia Forte has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Kia Forte, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Kia Forte Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Kia Forte:
- FE
- LXS
- Power Seat(s)
- Leatherette Seats
- A/C Seat(s)
More about the 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.
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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.