2019 Kia Forte EX: A Value Packed Compact with the Size and Heart of a Midsized Vehicle

Highlight: The vehicle offers one of the largest standalone infotainment screens we’ve seen in the compact segment.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $26,515 (Base Model: $18,685)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; daytime running lights; a rearview camera; electronic stability control; a hill start assist system; a vehicle stability management system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a tire mobility kit; a forward avoidance collision system; a lane departure warning system; and a lane keep assist system

Standard Equipment (Base FE Model): 15-ich wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; automatic on/off headlights; body colored exterior mirrors; body colored bumpers; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a front center console with an armrest; sliding vanity mirrors with a ticket holder; cloth manually adjustable front seats; a dual zone automatic ventilation system; rear heat ducts; and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Standard Equipment (EX Model): 17-inch wheels; a CVT transmission; a temporary spare tire; foglights; door handle pocket lights; body color exterior mirrors; heated power operated outside mirrors; a windshield wiper de-icer; body color front bumpers with gloss black accent; chrome door window belt line garnish; a chrome exhaust tip finisher; a chrome black and white chrome radiator grille; a sliding front center armrest; a power driver seat with lumbar support; heated and ventilated front seats; a soft touch dash; pseudo leather seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a leather wrapped gearsift knob; an automatic defog system; satellite radio; a 6-speaker audio system; USB charger; a push button ignition start system; a variety of driving modes; a blind spot collision warning system; and a rear cross traffic collision warning system

Options: a premium exterior paint color; carpeted floor mats; and EX Launch Edition: a Harmon Kardon audio system, a touchscreen 8-inch navigation system, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a power sunroof, a wireless phone charger, a forward collision avoidance assist system, a parking distance warning reverse system, a radar-activated cruise control system, a rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels

Trims:

FE
LXS
S

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 4-speaker AM/FM   

AppleCar Play/Android: Yes

USB Jacks: Available

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/147-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
30-city/40-hwy

What’s New: The third generation Kia Forte, which is arguably the Korean brand’s best compact to date, has gone through a major overhaul this year.

Why: At first glance, it’s quite obvious that the Forte takes its front end styling cues from the brand’s halo vehicle, the hatchback-like Stinger GT, with its tiger grille nose. Also the circular interior vents and the large infotainment screen mimics that of the sporty Stinger GT, too.

The refreshed Forte is an affordable value package. The well-equipped vehicle is available in a variety of trims. The fuel-efficient, front wheel drive vehicle is powered by a more than capable 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine. The Forte is available in a manual or an automatic transmission, depending on the trim level.

The seemingly well-built vehicle offers a great ride, a supersized interior for a compact and a number of safety driving aids as standard equipment.

Buyers will also be amazed at the array of near luxury features available on the Forte. Even with the features, Kia keeps the price in an affordable range. Some of those premium features that can be found on the Forte include a power driver’s seat, a variety of driving modes, illuminated vanity mirrors, a sliding front center armrest with storage, a rear center armrest with cupholders, ventilated and heated front seats and a power sunroof.

Moreover, like all Kias, the infotainment is relatively easy to operate. It’s not complicated like the Mazda3 which relies on a BMW-like iDrive system.

And, new for 2020 a more aggressive version of the Forte will be joining the line up.

But: While the Forte offered an upgraded Harman-Kardon audio system that can be found in such premium luxury brands as Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, it didn’t sound as pristine and pure as the audio systems on those higher-end brands. And, yes we realize that the vehicle we reviewed is a non premium, mainstream vehicle. Well, as one can tell, we have high standards for this vehicle.

And, we’ve become spoiled with Kia’s Forte with all of the bells and whistles. We were disappointed that the vehicle didn’t include a heated steering wheel.

Lastly, its too bad the manual transmission isn’t available on the higher end trims.

Verdict: While the ‘Detroit Three,’ which consists of General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, is walking away from building compact cars, Kia continues to give those who are seeking a roomy, midsize vehicle that disguise itself as a compact. The Forte should be classified as a midsize sedan because of its interior cabin and the array of premium amenities the vehicle offers.

Overall we found the compact to be a stylish and an extremely affordable value buy. The Forte shares a platform with the Hyundai Elantra, which also offers one of the best new-vehicle warranties in the compact segment.

Competition: Honda Civic; Hyundai Elantra; Mazda3; Nissan Sentra; Toyota Corolla and Subaru Impreza