2018 Kia Forte5 review
Kia Forte5 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Standard Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ integration
- Manual and automatic transmission options
- SX trim packs powerful engine for a compact car
Cons
- Ride can be stiff
- Seating comfort features are additional add-ons
- Fuel economy could be better
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 29 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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A handy hatchback
The 2018 Kia Forte5 is a sporty hatchback with good infotainment integrations, some basic driver-assist features, and a whole lot of comfort-forward flourishes undoubtedly designed with the driver in mind, ranging from heated seats to steering wheel-mounted controls. The three trims — LX, EX, and SX — each have their own set of interesting features, allowing buyers to consider their must-haves.
All Kia Forte5 years
What is new for the 2018 Kia Forte5?
- Forte5 trims have been upgraded with Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
2018 Kia Forte5 trims
LX:
- 147-hp, 132-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Rear Defroster
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Automatic Transmission
- Satellite Radio Ready
EX:
- Includes all features available on the LX
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
- Power Seats
- Alloy Wheels
- Apple CarPlay
- View our Kia Forte5 EX inventory
SX:
- Includes all features available on the EX
- 201-hp, 195-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
- Sunroofs
- Memory Seats
- A/C Seats
- Manual Transmission
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Navigation System
- View our Kia Forte5 SX inventory
Kia Forte5 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Kia Forte5
1. A zippy engine
The 2018 Kia Forte5 is a hatchback that means business. The LX and EX trims deliver 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, while the SX top-tier trim amps it up to 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Those gains are thanks to SX’s 1.6L turbocharged engine with gasoline direct injection — an improvement in terms of power over the LX and EX’s 2.0L four-cylinder engine.
2. Modern stereo
All trims of the 2018 Kia Forte5 carry a six-speaker sound system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integrations, Bluetooth® connectivity, AM/FM radio, satellite radio compatibility, aux and USB ports, and a seven-inch touchscreen. The thoughtful use of electronics also makes for modern, driver-friendly controls — for instance, standard remote keyless entry, a smart key and push-button start on the EX and SX, plus power windows and locks, heated power mirrors, and automatic headlights.
3. SX trim adds luxurious touches
The 2018 Forte5's base LX trim is reasonably well-equipped, but the SX does even better. This trim comes standard with heated leather seats in the front and back, air-cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power adjustable driver’s seat, power sunroof, 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, alloy pedals, and high-intensity headlights. As for driver-assist features, the SX comes standard with blind spot detection and lane-keep assist.
4. Comfortable and stylish interior
The 2018 Kia Forte5 has style and substance. A well-lit instrument panel, handy steering wheel controls, and a logical center console that doesn’t overly rely on the touchscreen will let you keep your focus on the road. The front seats have 42.2 inches of legroom and 39.3 inches of headroom — enough for drivers of most heights. Back-seat passengers get 35.9 inches of legroom and a rear center armrest with cup holders to help make them more comfortable. As for cargo space, the back row folds down entirely with a 60/40 split, expanding the cargo hold from 23.2 cu-ft to 56.4 cu-ft.
5. Reasonable fuel economy
Fuel economy across the range of 2018 Kia Forte5 engines is reasonable. On the LX and EX’s 2.0L engine with automatic transmission, you can expect an EPA-estimated economy of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Kia Forte5 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Forte5 4th out of 46 among Compact Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Forte5 is $454, compared to an average of $453 for Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Kia Forte5 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.5 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 10% for the Kia Forte5, compared to an average of 12% for Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Kia Forte5 features and specs
EX 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Power Seat(s)
- Remote Start
- 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
171.3"
Width
70.1"
Height
57.1"
Leg room
F 42.2"/R 35.9"
Head room
F 39.4"/R 38.7"
Front tires
P215/45HR17
Rear tires
P215/45HR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Kia Forte5 FAQ
The 2018 Kia Forte5 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- EX: 25 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- SX: 25 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- LX: 25 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
The Kia Forte5 received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Forte5 as 3 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2018 Kia Forte5 has received an average 1.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Kia Forte5, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Kia Forte5 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Kia Forte5:
- Rear Spoiler
- Navigation System
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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