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2020 Kia Forte review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Kia Forte highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Balanced power from the standard engine
  • Optional turbo power
  • Intuitive technology interface

Cons

  • Ride comfort can be subpar
  • Non-turbo engine isn't particularly exciting
  • Rear seat room is lacking

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
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A stylish sedan with plenty of comfort

Welcoming in-cabin comforts for both daily and extended trips plus innovative technology at every trim level, the 2020 Kia Forte is an attention-grabbing compact sedan. Expect a stylish exterior, spacious interior, and plenty of trim and tech options that'll turn heads when you drive by and keep people asking when it's your turn to carpool. New additions to the Kia Forte for 2020 are two exciting sport trims: the GT-Line and GT.

All Kia Forte years

What is new for the 2020 Kia Forte?

  • The Forte is available in a variety of new trims, including the GT and GT-Line.
  • The LX and S trims have been discontinued for 2020.
  • Forte trims have been upgraded with Leatherette & Cloth, Parking Sensors, Sunroof(s), Rear Spoiler, Turbo Charged Engine, CD Audio, and Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear Sunshade features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 Kia Forte trims

Curious how Kia Forte trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

FE:

  • Includes cruise control with steering-wheel controls, Bluetooth wireless technology, a rearview camera with dynamic parking guidance, woven-cloth seat trim, auto emergency braking technology, optional automatic transmission, and more.

  • View all Kia Forte FEs in stock

LXS:

  • Adds 16-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, five paint options, black gloss sport bumper accents, and more.

  • View all Kia Forte LXSs in stock

GT-Line: 

  • Adds 17-inch graphite-finish alloy wheels, sport grille, rear spoiler, smart key with push-button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport seats with black SOFINO-leatherette and cloth trim, six-speaker audio system, and more.

  • View all Kia Forte GT-Lines in stock

EX:

  • Adds SOFINO-leatherette trim in three colorways, heated and ventilated front seats, Smart Trunk, additional USB inputs, wireless charging option, dual-zone automatic temperature control, six paint options, a space-saving spare tire, and more.

  • View all Kia Forte EXs in stock

GT:

  • Adds 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission options, sport-tuned multi-link rear suspension and dual exhaust, LED projection headlights, alloy sport pedals, high beam assist, and more.

  • View all Kia Forte GTs in stock

Kia Forte photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Kia Forte

1. Plenty of options

Kia Forte: Engine | CarMax

You'll love all the choices you have when shopping for a 2020 Kia Forte, like choosing between a standard 2.0L engine or the 1.6L turbocharged engine. You'll also have to keep an eye out for the three different transmission types, eight paint colors, the new-for-2020 sport seating option, and plenty more. The 2020 Forte also offers you an impressive selection of trims with features to keep the whole family entertained during the weekend and your commute classy throughout the week.

2. Driver-focused technology

Kia Forte: Tech Dash | CarMax

Practicality meets innovation with no fewer than five Kia Drive Wise technology features as standard on all 2020 Kia Forte trims. Standard across all trim levels, you can set the lane-keeping assist to apply a slight steering correction to bring your vehicle back into the proper lane when you drive, giving you a bit of confidence behind the wheel of your 2020 Forte. There are seven driver-assist features that come standard or available across the mid- and top-tier trims. Smart cruise control—available as an option on the GT trim—uses radar technology to make keeping your distance from the car ahead easier.

3. Trunk space

Kia Forte: Backseats | CarMax

For a compact sedan, the decidedly-roomy 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space you'll get to enjoy makes running errands and grocery shopping a breeze. Planning to travel further or longer? The rear seats fold down, opening up extra space for luggage and longer pieces of sporting or gardening equipment, so no need to leave any belongings behind when it's time for you to get behind the wheel.

4. Enjoy every drive

Kia Forte: Front Seats | CarMax

Thanks to its spacious interior and connectivity options, the 2020 Kia Forte is as fun as it is free, and not just for you but your passengers too. For the on-the-go family, there are cup holders, storage compartments, and generous legroom in the front and rear (42.2 inches and 35.7 inches respectively). For longer journeys on the road, it has still got you covered with four-, six- or eight-speaker stereo systems, steering-wheel-mounted cruise control and audio control, Bluetooth® wireless hands-free technology, and smartphone integration. For carpool commuting and family adventures during the weekend, the 2020 Kia Forte is a terrific companion.

5. Good looks

Kia Forte: Trunk Cargo | CarMax

Since its 2019 redesign, the Kia Forte will add plenty of style to your daily commute. Taking its inspiration from the sleek and sporty lines of the Kia Stinger, the long hood and short deck give the 2020 Kia Forte an equally sporty look. The 2020 GT-Line and GT trims take it a step further—the exterior gets a sport grille, side sills, and rear spoilers as standard and is sure to have onlookers staring every time you pull out of your driveway.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2020 Kia Forte, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Hyundai Elantra

With three engine options available across all 2017–2019 models, you may find an Elantra to suit you. There's a punchy little 1.4L turbo available on the Elantra Eco (from 2017) but it has a trick up its sleeve with a drive mode selector; switch to Sport mode and you may be surprised how much fun you can have with this little engine. There's also a standard 2.0L engine and a 1.6L turbo that's available on the Sport model. Inside all 2017 models onwards, you get abundant tech features and a comfortable cabin.

Look out for these standard features on all 2017–2019 Hyundai Elantra Limited models:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels

  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror

  • Heated front seats

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity

  • Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Excellent

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 Forte

Kia Forte features and specs

GT-Line 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Air Conditioning
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Cloth Seats
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Parking Sensors
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • 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

2020 Kia Forte FAQ

More about the 2020 Kia Forte

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Aurora Black Pearl

  • Clear White (FE, LXS, and GT-Line)

  • Currant Red (LXS, EX, and GT)

  • Deep Sea Blue (LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT)

  • Fire Orange (GT-Line, and GT)

  • Gravity Grey

  • Silky Silver (EX)

  • Snow White Pearl (EX and GT)

Interior details

  • Eight-inch touchscreen display as standard and UVO eServices and voice-recognition capability on EX and GT trims

  • Front center console with two cup holders, armrest, and storage box as standard on all trims

  • Maximum cargo volume of 15.3 cubic feet

  • Six-way adjustable driver and front-passenger seating as standard

  • Seating for five passengers

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