2014 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

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.

0 in stock at Carvana

About the 2014 Kia Forte

Second-generation Forte family, redesign year in the U.S.; the sedan launches first, and the new Forte5 hatchback and redesigned Koup join during the same 2014 model year.

Kia positions the Forte as the heart of its small-car lineup: a compact car for everyday driving that aims to feel more polished and better equipped than shoppers expect in this class. The brand leans on European-influenced styling, a roomy cabin for five, and upscale touches that move it beyond a basic commuter. The hatchback and Koup versions add either cargo flexibility or sportier style, but the core Forte idea is a practical compact with a more premium look and feel.

The LX sedan is the straightforward commuter, while the EX adds a stronger 173-hp 2.0-liter engine, a rear-view camera, and a more polished cabin. The Forte5 SX and Koup SX are the performance standouts, pairing a 201-hp turbo engine with a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The redesigned LX sedan uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, while EX and Koup EX models move to a 173-hp 2.0-liter engine. Forte5 SX and Koup SX models receive a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, along with sport-tuned suspension and larger front brakes.

Styling

The sedan, Forte5 hatchback, and Koup coupe all receive new bodywork with a lower, more mature look. Their cabins are also redesigned with a more driver-focused layout and improved materials.

Tech

Rear-view cameras become standard on EX, Koup EX, Koup SX, and Forte5 SX models. Proximity keyless entry and push-button start become standard on the two SX models.

Structural

A new, larger platform brings a longer wheelbase, more passenger room, and greater cargo capacity. Revised chassis and steering tuning give the Forte a more composed, sportier feel.

2014 Kia Forte specs and features by trim

Feature	2014 Kia ForteEX0 in stock	2014 Kia ForteLX0 in stock	2014 Kia ForteSX0 in stock	2014 Kia ForteKoup EX0 in stock	2014 Kia ForteKoup SX0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6L	4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6L
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic & Active ECO System	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic & Active ECO System	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic & Active ECO System	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic & Active ECO System	Auto, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic & Active ECO System
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	24 mpg	25 mpg	21 mpg	25 mpg	22 mpg
MPG Highway	36 mpg	36 mpg	29 mpg	34 mpg	30 mpg
Horsepower	173 hp	148 hp	201 hp	173 hp	201 hp
Torque	154 lb-ft	131 lb-ft	195 lb-ft	154 lb-ft	195 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14.9–23.2 cu-ft	14.9 cu-ft	23.2 cu-ft	13.3 cu-ft	13.3 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	35.9 in	35.9 in	35.9 in	35.9 in	35.9 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	2	2
Safety & Security
Automatic Headlights
Cruise Control
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Rear Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2015 Kia Forte compares

The biggest change for the 2015 Kia Forte is the removal of the Koup EX and SX trims. Otherwise, this is a light update, with a stronger sedan body structure, small sedan fuel-economy changes, and revised EX camera packaging.

See the full 2015 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Kia Forte fully redesigned?

Yes. The 2014 Kia Forte begins the model’s second generation with a new, larger platform, more cabin room, fresh exterior styling, a redesigned interior, and updated engines.

How is the 2014 Kia Forte different from the 2013 model?

The 2014 is a major step beyond the 2013 model because it is a full redesign rather than a light update. It has a larger body, more rear legroom, new styling, a more polished cabin, revised engines, and newly standard equipment on several upper trims.

What engine does the 2014 Kia Forte Koup SX have?

The 2014 Forte Koup SX has a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It also has a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes, 18-inch wheels, and more aggressive exterior details.

What is the difference between the 2014 Forte LX and EX sedans?

The LX is the simpler sedan with a 1.8-liter engine, while the EX has a stronger 173-hp 2.0-liter engine and more upscale equipment. The EX also has a standard rear-view camera, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Was the 2014 Kia Forte5 also redesigned?

Yes. The 2014 Forte5 arrives in all-new hatchback form with a sharper design, a more flexible cargo area, and a turbocharged 201-hp SX version with sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes.

2014 Kia Forte Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2014 Kia Forte.

3.5

2014 Kia Forte

(19 reviews)

5 stars (5)

4 stars (5)

3 stars (5)

2 stars (3)

1 star (1)

“I love the Kia Forte. It is stylish and great on gas. It's a great sedan that gets up and goes. I love driving it!!”

DMDeborah M.
2014 Kia Forte LX Sedan

“My Kia does all the things that I need it to do! Gets me through my work commute daily!”

JGJacob G.
2014 Kia Forte EX Sedan

“I love the style and handling. It looked in perfect condition. Two weeks after I purchased, the brakes were done. Took it to a mechanic; brakes were at 0. Needed to replace all rotors and pads, $1580. Warranty did not cover any of it.”

JGJacqueline G.
2014 Kia Forte EX 4 Dr Hatchback