2015 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

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.

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About the 2015 Kia Forte

2nd generation Forte family, early-cycle year after the 2014 redesign rollout for sedan, Forte5 hatchback, and Koup coupe.

Kia positions the Forte as a compact car line that blends sharp, European-inspired styling with a roomy cabin, a long feature list, and strong value. The big differentiator is variety: buyers could get the same basic Forte formula as a practical sedan, a more versatile hatchback, or a sportier coupe, with stronger engines and nicer features than many entry-level compact rivals.

The LX remains the practical sedan, with a 1.8-liter engine, Bluetooth, air conditioning, and a split-folding rear seat. The EX adds a stronger 2.0-liter engine and a more polished cabin, while the Forte5 SX is the performance model with a turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, larger front brakes, and a touchscreen system with a rear-camera display.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The sedan LX improves from 25 to 26 mpg city and from 36 to 39 mpg highway. The sedan EX improves from 24 to 25 mpg city; its highway rating varies from 33 to 36 mpg depending on version, compared with 36 mpg for 2014.

Structural

The sedan receives reinforcement around the windshield pillars and lower side sections of the body, improving crash performance and helping it earn a five-star NHTSA overall safety rating.

Tech

The rearview camera changes from standard to optional on the EX.

2015 Kia Forte specs and features by trim

Feature	2015 Kia ForteEX1 in stock	2015 Kia ForteLX1 in stock	2015 Kia ForteSX0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl. Turbo, GDI, 1.6L / 4-Cyl, GDI, 1.6T
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
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	25 mpg	26 mpg	21–22 mpg
MPG Highway	33–36 mpg	39 mpg	29–30 mpg
Horsepower	173 hp	145 hp	201 hp
Torque	154 lb-ft	130 lb-ft	195 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	13.3–23.2 cu-ft	14.9 cu-ft	13.3–23.2 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	35.9 in	35.9 in	35.9 in
Seats	5	5	5
Doors	2–4	4	2–4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
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
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
LCD Instrument Cluster
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 Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2016 Kia Forte compares

The biggest change for the 2016 Kia Forte is the addition of an LX trim to the Forte5 hatchback lineup. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with small equipment changes rather than a redesign.

See the full 2016 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2015 Kia Forte?

The biggest change is the removal of the Koup EX and SX trims. The remaining Forte lineup receives only modest updates, led by sedan body reinforcement and small fuel-economy changes.

Is the 2015 Kia Forte a redesigned model?

No. The 2015 Forte is an early carryover year for the second-generation model introduced for 2014, not a full redesign.

Did the 2015 Kia Forte sedan become safer?

Yes. Kia reinforced the sedan around the windshield pillars and lower side sections of the body, improving crash performance and helping it earn a five-star NHTSA overall safety rating.

Does the 2015 Kia Forte get better fuel economy than the 2014 model?

The sedan LX does, rising from 25 to 26 mpg city and from 36 to 39 mpg highway. The sedan EX rises from 24 to 25 mpg city, while its highway rating varies by version rather than improving across the board.

Is the rearview camera standard on the 2015 Forte EX?

No. The rearview camera is optional on the 2015 Forte EX after being standard for 2014.

2015 Kia Forte Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2015 Kia Forte.

4.1

2015 Kia Forte

(202 reviews)

5 stars (80)

4 stars (73)

3 stars (38)

2 stars (7)

1 star (4)

“I love my car because it looks great and it's what I really wanted for my first car.”

JBJeannie B.
2015 Kia Forte LX Sedan

“Did not know and am not happy with the soft trim on the bottom of the Forte. Would not have purchased it if I had known.”

JCJosephine C.
2015 Kia Forte LX Sedan

No rating

“It's our little commuter car and making runs to Walmart. But, we are starting to drive the Forte everywhere... it's a fun car to drive. MY ONLY PROBLEM is the alarm button on the POD (?). I've accidentally hit this button about a half dozen times. You need to fix this issue... maybe pressing the button twice but the way it is now, it is too sensitive. It has really pissed me off, alarm going off.”

GCGregory C.
2015 Kia Forte SX 4 Dr Hatchback