2011 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2011 Kia Forte is the arrival of an all-new 5-door hatchback alongside the sedan and Koup coupe. The sedan and Koup also receive upgraded six-speed transmissions, while automatic SX models gain paddle shifters.

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About the 2011 Kia Forte

1st generation Forte (TD), early-cycle expansion year; the sedan and Koup are in their second model year, and the 5-door hatchback joins for its first year.

Kia positions the Forte as a compact car that gives shoppers a lot of style, safety, and useful technology without feeling stripped down. The big draw is choice: a traditional sedan, a more flexible 5-door hatchback, or the sportier Koup coupe, all built around the same value-focused formula. In Kia’s messaging, Forte stands out by combining sharp design, a roomy cabin, standard Bluetooth and safety equipment, and, in SX form, a noticeably sportier personality than many budget compacts.

The 2011 Forte ranges from the practical LX sedan to the better-equipped EX and sport-focused SX, while the new 5-door gives EX and SX buyers more cargo flexibility. EX models pair a 156-hp 2.0-liter engine with Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system, while SX versions use a 173-hp 2.4-liter engine, firmer suspension, sport seats, and larger front brakes.

What changed, by category

Structural

A new 5-door hatchback joins the Forte family in EX and SX form, expanding the lineup beyond the sedan and Koup coupe.

Powertrain

The sedan moves to six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The Koup replaces its previous automatic gearboxes with a six-speed automatic, and automatic SX models add steering-wheel paddle shifters.

2011 Kia Forte specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Kia ForteEX0 in stock	2011 Kia ForteLX0 in stock	2011 Kia ForteSX0 in stock	2011 Kia ForteKoup EX0 in stock	2011 Kia ForteKoup SX0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	26 mpg	26 mpg	23 mpg	25 mpg	23 mpg
MPG Highway	36 mpg	36 mpg	32 mpg	34 mpg	31 mpg
Horsepower	156 hp	156 hp	173 hp	156 hp	173 hp
Torque	144 lb-ft	144 lb-ft	168 lb-ft	144 lb-ft	168 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14.7–19.4 cu-ft	14.7 cu-ft	14.7–19.4 cu-ft	12.6 cu-ft	12.6 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	35 in	35 in	35 in	33.9 in	33.9 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	2	2
Safety & Security
Cruise Control
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Power Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Automatic Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Locks
Power Windows
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

How the 2012 Kia Forte compares

The biggest 2012 Kia Forte change is better fuel economy for sedan and 5-door models with the 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission, which are rated at 26/36 mpg. This is otherwise a light-update year, not a redesign.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2011 Kia Forte?

The biggest change is the addition of the Forte 5-door hatchback. It joins the existing sedan and Koup coupe, giving the 2011 Forte three body styles.

Which 2011 Kia Forte trims came as a 5-door hatchback?

The 2011 Forte 5-door came in EX and SX trims. The EX uses a 156-hp 2.0-liter engine, while the SX has a 173-hp 2.4-liter engine and sportier suspension tuning.

Did the 2011 Kia Forte get a new transmission?

Yes. The 2011 Forte sedan adopted six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions, replacing the previous lower-gear-count units. Automatic SX models also gained steering-wheel paddle shifters.

What changed on the 2011 Kia Forte Koup?

The 2011 Forte Koup received a six-speed automatic transmission. It replaced the EX model’s previous four-speed automatic and the SX model’s previous five-speed automatic; the automatic Koup SX also gained paddle shifters.

Is the 2011 Kia Forte meaningfully different from the 2010 model?

Yes, especially for shoppers who want a hatchback or a newer transmission. The 2011 range adds the 5-door body style, upgrades the sedan and Koup to six-speed gearboxes, and adds paddle shifters to automatic SX models.