2016 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 13, 2026

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.

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About the 2016 Kia Forte

2nd generation Forte family, late-cycle year before the 2017 refresh.

Kia positioned the Forte as the core compact car in its small-car lineup, with three personalities under one name: a practical sedan, a more versatile hatchback, and a sportier coupe. Across the range, the pitch centered on sharp European-influenced styling, generous feature content for the class, useful passenger space, and a choice between straightforward commuting trims and the turbocharged SX for drivers who wanted more punch.

The LX serves as the straightforward everyday trim, while EX models add a stronger 2.0-liter engine, a standard rear camera, and more upscale cabin details. The Forte5 and Koup SX are the sporty versions, pairing a 201-hp turbo engine with firmer suspension tuning, larger brakes, and 18-inch wheels.

What changed, by category

Styling

The Forte sedan and Forte5 hatchback in EX trim moved to 17-inch alloy wheels. Other appearance changes were limited to minor trim-level wheel and lighting updates, not a family-wide redesign.

Safety

A rear-camera display became standard across the EX family and spread to more of the lineup, though it was not standard on every 2016 Forte.

Tech

LX models gained standard remote keyless entry. Kia also reshuffled audio and convenience equipment, including Audio 3.0B, while the Forte5 EX gained power-folding mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2016 Kia Forte specs and features by trim

Feature	2016 Kia ForteEX2 in stock	2016 Kia ForteLX7 in stock	2016 Kia ForteSX0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, GDI, 1.6T / 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
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	24–25 mpg	25–26 mpg	21–22 mpg
MPG Highway	33–35 mpg	33–39 mpg	29–30 mpg
Horsepower	173 hp	145–173 hp	201 hp
Torque	154 lb-ft	130–154 lb-ft	195 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	13.3–23.2 cu-ft	14.9–23.2 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
Automatic Headlights
Cruise Control
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
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
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2017 Kia Forte compares

The 2017 Kia Forte gets a meaningful mid-cycle refresh, led by updated styling for both the sedan and Forte5 hatchback. It also gains a new S sedan trim, broader safety and smartphone tech, a new base sedan engine, and added standard equipment on upper trims.

See the full 2017 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2016 Kia Forte redesigned?

No. The 2016 Kia Forte received a light update rather than a redesign, with no major change to its engines, platform, or basic structure.

What changed on the 2016 Kia Forte5 hatchback?

The main Forte5 change was a new LX trim below the EX and SX. The Forte5 EX also gained 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a standard rear camera.

Does every 2016 Kia Forte have a rear camera?

No. A rear-camera display became standard on EX models, but it was not standard across every 2016 Forte trim.

Is the 2016 Forte sedan meaningfully different from the 2015 model?

Only slightly. The 2016 LX gained standard remote keyless entry, while the EX gained a standard rear camera and 17-inch alloy wheels; the core engines and structure carried over.

Did the 2016 Kia Forte get new engines?

No. The sedan LX retained its 1.8-liter engine, the EX retained its 2.0-liter engine, and the sporty Forte5 and Koup SX retained their 1.6-liter turbo engine.

2016 Kia Forte Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2016 Kia Forte.

4.0

2016 Kia Forte

(325 reviews)

5 stars (106)

4 stars (137)

3 stars (69)

2 stars (9)

1 star (4)

“The Kia Forte is fine, gets the job done. However, had I realized what a hassle it would be to keep the vehicle insured I would not have chosen it. State Farm dropped my coverage shortly after I purchased the vehicle due to how easily this vehicle can be stolen, so I had to find alternative coverage at a much higher cost. Will be trading it in as soon as possible.”

CLCharles L.
2016 Kia Forte LX Sedan

“Kia Forte is a very well made car where you get a bang for your buck. Not over the top flashy but looks and made very well.”

RJRoger J.
2016 Kia Forte EX Sedan

“The 2016 Kia Forte handles all my basic needs, gets great mileage, and runs smoothly.”

MLMaxwell L.
2016 Kia Forte LX Sedan