What's New
- A new GT-Line trim offers sportier looks with 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, and gloss black accents on the front grille, side mirrors, side sills, and rear decklid spoiler
- A new GT trim offers real performance upgrades with a turbocharged engine, a manual or dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and a sport-tuned exhaust
- An EX Special Edition Package includes a gloss black rear decklid spoiler, a power sunroof, two-tone red seats, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, wireless charging, and navigation with a built-in modem
Pros & Cons
- Composed ride and smooth powertrain
- Sporty exterior inspired by Stinger sports sedan
- New GT models with turbo engine adds some fun
- Competitors offer sportier versions
- Rear seats do not fold down on base trim
- No hatchback version sold in the U.S.
Kia Forte Overview
The Forte is one of Kia’s key pillars, and the 2020 model is the sportiest it’s ever been. The car was completely reimagined for the 2019 model year, and with new trims for 2020, it has something for the enthusiast-minded as well as affordable, safe and efficient choices.
The Forte is available with a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four or a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four. The 2.0 can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission, a rare option these days, or a continuously variable transmission, while the 1.6 can link with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A tuned suspension and exhaust give the turbo more character, but it’s not a fully hot upgrade. Without a sunroof, the Forte has 96 cu ft of passenger space, and the trunk offers 15.3 cu ft of space.
Trim Specifications
The base-level Forte FE comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a CVT is available for $900 extra. The same is not the case between the GT and GT Manual, as the GT uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the GT Manual is a fully different trim with different equipment. The pricier GT Manual trim adds a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, a wireless phone charger, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a power sunroof, several advanced driver and safety systems, and LED interior lighting. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires are available on GT and GT Manual for $200.
Warranty
5 Years/60,000 Miles
10 Years/100,000 Miles
5 Years/100,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles