2013 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

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.

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About the 2013 Kia Forte

First US Forte generation, final year before the all-new 2014 redesign.

Kia marketed the Forte family as a stylish, value-focused compact that gave shoppers a lot of features for the size and price class. The lineup covered three uses with one basic formula: a practical sedan, a cargo-friendly hatchback, and a sporty coupe. Across the range, Kia leaned on sharp styling, good fuel economy, Bluetooth/USB connectivity, generous standard safety equipment, and a more upscale feature mix than many small-car rivals.

The 2013 Forte lineup covers a basic LX sedan, comfort-focused EX sedan and hatchback models, sporty SX versions, and the two-door Koup. EX models emphasize everyday conveniences such as cruise control, Bluetooth, and power-folding mirrors, while SX models use a stronger 2.4-liter engine, a firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels, and sport-themed cabin trim.

What changed, by category

Tech

Every trim gained a washer-fluid warning lamp and an illuminated glove box. Power-folding side mirrors became standard on EX and SX models.

Styling

Some EX models received a new 16-inch wheel design. LED daytime running lights became standard on SX sedan and hatchback models.

Structural

Kia added sound-deadening across the lineup to reduce cabin noise.

2013 Kia Forte specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Kia ForteEX1 in stock	2013 Kia ForteLX0 in stock	2013 Kia ForteSX0 in stock	2013 Kia ForteKoup EX0 in stock	2013 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	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic	Auto, 6-Spd w/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 Daytime Running Lights
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
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 2014 Kia Forte compares

The 2014 Kia Forte is a full redesign and the start of its second generation. The whole family gets a larger, roomier platform and fresh styling, while SX hatchback and coupe models gain a 201-hp turbo engine.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2013 Kia Forte redesigned?

No. The 2013 Forte is the final model year of the first-generation U.S. Forte, with only light equipment and refinement updates before the all-new 2014 redesign.

What changed on the 2013 Kia Forte compared with the 2012 model?

The 2013 Forte gained extra sound-deadening, a washer-fluid warning lamp, and an illuminated glove box across the lineup. EX and SX models also received standard power-folding mirrors, with minor wheel and lighting updates on certain trims.

Did the 2013 Kia Forte get a new engine or transmission?

No. The existing engines and transmissions carried over for 2013. Most LX and EX versions use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while SX models have a stronger 2.4-liter four-cylinder.

Which 2013 Forte trims have the sportier setup?

The SX sedan, hatchback, and Koup are the sportier 2013 Forte models. They pair a 2.4-liter engine with a firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels, and sport-themed interior details; the SX sedan and hatchback also have standard LED daytime running lights.

Is the 2013 Kia Forte meaningfully different from the 2012 model?

Only slightly. The 2013 model is mainly worth distinguishing for its quieter cabin and small convenience updates; it does not bring a new platform, engine, or transmission.