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2021 Kia Forte review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Kia Forte highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Great technology integration
  • Good looking sedan exterior
  • Optional turbocharged power

Cons

  • Rear seat is a bit small
  • Ride comfort isn't always great
  • Base engine isn't particularly entertaining

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

All Kia Forte years

What is new for the 2021 Kia Forte?

  • Forte trims have been upgraded with Leather Seats and Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
  • Running Boards, Tow Hitch, and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The GT trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The GT-Line trim now comes with Auxiliary Audio Input as standard equipment.
  • The EX trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Harman Kardon Sound, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2021 Kia Forte trims

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

FE:

  • 147-hp, 132-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Cruise Control
  • View our Kia Forte FE inventory

LXS:

EX:

  • Includes all features available on the LXS
  • Sunroofs
  • Power Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Smart Key
  • A/C Seats
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • View our Kia Forte EX inventory

GT:

  • Includes all features available on the EX
  • 201-hp, 195-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • View our Kia Forte GT inventory

GT-Line:

Kia Forte photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Kia Forte

1. Lots of features

Kia has been very generous with its features in the 2021 Forte. The ideal commuter car, the 2021 Kia Forte is a pleasure to drive and includes an eight-inch touchscreen display as standard, with additional easy-to-use physical controls below. Even the base sound system comes with four speakers, and there are plenty of entertainment options thanks to Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto connectivity. The Forte also includes cruise control and a USB charging port, making life even more comfortable on those long drives.

2. Generous space

For a compact car, the 2021 Kia Forte has an impressive amount of space, making it a strong choice for shopping trips or filling with luggage for a weekend away. You've got a total passenger volume of 96 cu-ft to stretch out in and 15.3 cu-ft of trunk space. Front headroom is 38.8 inches and front legroom is 42.2 inches. The vehicle also seats up to five people across two rows, and the seats are well-cushioned and supportive for long drives.

3. A delightful drive

One of the biggest selling points for the 2021 Kia Forte is its mpg. Besides the GT trim, all other Forte models feature a 2L four-cylinder engine that produces 147 hp. This engine achieves an EPA-estimated 35 combined mpg, which means you can rest easy even when commuting to and from the city.

4. Five appealing trims

There are five versions of the 2021 Kia Forte to choose from: FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. The four lower trims come with a 147-hp, four-cylinder engine, while the GT achieves 201 hp with its turbocharged engine. The LXS trim and above come with continuously variable automatic transmission as standard, while higher trims add increasing levels of sophistication to interior materials and features. Each version of the Forte is great for commuting, shopping, and carpooling thanks to its space and comfort.

5. Comfort as a priority

Kia has defied the compact nature of the 2021 Forte by ensuring that it's as comfortable and spacious as possible. Not only is it a comfortable ride, but even the base trim comes with heated front seats, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. All of this is designed to ensure you and your passengers enjoy each and every ride.

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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

FE 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats

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

P195/65HR15

Rear tires

P195/65HR15

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2021 Kia Forte FAQ

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