2012 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

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.

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About the 2012 Kia Forte

1st generation (sedan and Koup 2010-2013; 5-door 2011-2013), later-cycle update year before the all-new 2014 sedan and Koup.

Kia positioned the Forte as a compact-car family that gave shoppers more choice than many rivals: sedan for mainstream duty, 5-door for cargo flexibility, and Koup for sleeker style. The core pitch was value without feeling bare-bones, pairing good fuel economy, useful passenger space, standard connectivity like Bluetooth and USB, and a strong safety list. It was meant for buyers who wanted practical transportation with sharper styling and more personality than the usual compact-car formula.

The Forte spans a basic LX sedan, a more comfort-focused EX, a practical 5-door, and the sleeker two-door Koup. EX models pair a 156-hp 2.0-liter engine with features such as Bluetooth and a steering wheel that adjusts for both height and reach, while SX versions use a 173-hp 2.4-liter engine, firmer suspension, and larger front brakes.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Sedan and 5-door models with the 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission improve to 26/36 mpg. The Koup EX replaces its five-speed manual with a six-speed manual, and the 5-door is automatic-only for 2012.

Tech

EX models gain a standard steering wheel that adjusts for both height and reach. The Koup EX receives the same steering-column upgrade.

2012 Kia Forte specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Kia ForteEX1 in stock	2012 Kia ForteLX0 in stock	2012 Kia ForteSX0 in stock	2012 Kia ForteKoup EX0 in stock	2012 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
Heated Mirrors
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
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

How the 2013 Kia Forte compares

The 2013 Kia Forte is a light-update year, not a redesign. Its most meaningful change is extra sound-deadening for a quieter cabin, while the engines and transmissions carry over.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2012 Kia Forte?

The biggest change is improved fuel economy for 2.0-liter sedan and 5-door models with the automatic transmission. Their rating rises to 26/36 mpg for 2012.

Is the 2012 Kia Forte a redesign?

No, the 2012 Forte is not a redesign. It remains part of the first generation and receives only modest fuel-economy, transmission, and equipment updates.

Does the 2012 Kia Forte 5-door have a manual transmission?

No, the 2012 Forte 5-door is automatic-only. Its 2.0-liter automatic version is rated at 26/36 mpg.

What changed on the 2012 Kia Forte Koup EX?

The 2012 Koup EX replaces the previous five-speed manual with a six-speed manual. It also gains a standard steering wheel that adjusts for both height and reach.

How is the 2012 Kia Forte different from the 2011 model?

The differences are modest. The 2012 model improves fuel economy on 2.0-liter automatic sedan and 5-door versions, makes the 5-door automatic-only, gives the Koup EX a six-speed manual, and adds a height-and-reach-adjustable steering wheel to EX models.