“Pretty sure I got a flood car so not entirely happy. Like the car itself but not all the problems associated with it. Doubtful it will last thru even half my loan.”
2018 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Kia Forte is mostly a carryover, not a redesign. The most important change is that the Forte sedan EX gains standard blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
About the 2018 Kia Forte
2nd generation, final model year before the all-new 2019 Forte sedan; also the final US model year for the Forte5 hatchback.
Kia positions the Forte as a small car that gives shoppers more than basic transportation: easy-to-use tech, a roomy cabin for the class, and a choice between a traditional sedan trunk or the more flexible Forte5 hatch. Its core job is everyday commuting and errands, but Kia markets it with a little extra style and usefulness so it feels less plain than many compact-car rivals.
The 2018 lineup covers the straightforward LX sedan and hatchback, the sportier S sedan, the more upscale EX, and the Forte5 SX hot hatch. EX models emphasize comfort with leather-trimmed heated front seats and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Forte5 SX adds a 201-hp turbo engine, sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels.
What changed, by category
Safety
The Forte sedan EX gains standard blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hatchback EX does not receive the same standard-equipment change.
Tech and convenience
The Forte sedan LX with the automatic transmission gains standard cruise control.
Styling
The Forte S sedan receives a new 16-inch alloy-wheel design.
2018 Kia Forte specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sportmatic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 33–34 mpg | 34 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 164 hp | 147–164 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | 132–151 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.9 cu-ft | 14.9–23.2 cu-ft | 14.9–23.2 cu-ft | 23.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.9 in | 35.9 in | 35.9 in | 35.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| 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 | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Kia Forte?
The biggest change is added standard safety equipment for the Forte sedan EX. It gains blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Was the 2018 Kia Forte redesigned?
No, the 2018 Kia Forte was not redesigned. It mostly repeats the 2017 model and is the final year of the second-generation sedan before the all-new 2019 Forte arrived.
What changed on the 2018 Forte LX and S sedans?
The LX sedan with an automatic transmission gains standard cruise control, while the S sedan gets a new 16-inch alloy-wheel design. These are small trim-level updates rather than a broader refresh.
Did the 2018 Kia Forte get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2018 Forte does not receive a confirmed lineup-wide engine or transmission change. The sedan and Forte5 hatchback continue with the same engine families and transmissions used for 2017.
What is the sporty 2018 Forte5 model?
The sporty 2018 Forte5 is the SX. It has a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a sport body kit with red accents.
2018 Kia Forte Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Kia Forte.
3.9
2018 Kia Forte
(177 reviews)
“Hatch is bad and won't close. Weak link. Headlights aren't bright enough and don't show enough.”
“I really love my vehicle. No bells and whistles, but does everything I need it to do and worth the value.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Forte / 2018
- kiamedia.com — Models / Forte5 / 2018
- kiamedia.com — Models / Forte / 2017
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 11093 / 2017 Forte5 Overview
- kiamedia.com — Models / Forte / 2019
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / Brochure Forte5 2018
- kiamedia.com — Forte / 2018 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Forte5 / 2018 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Forte / 2018 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Forte5 / 2018 / Specifications