“It is a great, safe, reliable car. Super smooth to drive. Very comfortable and great trunk space. Love driving it every time I get in the car. This is my 2nd Kia Forte and it would take a lot to switch”
2019 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Kia Forte is fully redesigned, marking the start of its third generation. The new sedan is roomier and stiffer, with updated styling, better fuel economy, and more standard safety and phone-friendly tech.
About the 2019 Kia Forte
3rd gen, first year of the redesign (2019-2024 before the 2022 refresh).
Kia positions the 2019 Forte as a small sedan that does more than basic commuting. The main appeal is a stylish fastback-like shape, a roomy cabin and trunk, strong fuel economy, and a generous list of standard tech and safety features. It is aimed at everyday drivers who want a compact car that feels more polished and more connected than the usual entry-level sedan without giving up ease of use.
The FE serves as a practical starting point with dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and key crash-avoidance features. The LXS adds everyday polish, while the S uses 17-inch wheels, LED lighting, and fog lights for a sportier look. The comfort-focused EX has synthetic leather, a power driver’s seat, and heated and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new intelligent variable automatic transmission is used on most trims, helping improve fuel economy across the lineup.
Styling
The Forte receives a complete Stinger-inspired exterior redesign, including a longer body and a more sculpted look.
Safety
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning become standard across the lineup.
Tech
Every trim gains a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX also makes its power driver’s seat and ventilated front seats standard.
Structural
The redesigned body is longer and stiffer, with more rear-seat room and a larger trunk.
2019 Kia Forte specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, i-CVT | Automatic, i-CVT | Automatic, i-CVT | Automatic, i-CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 27 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 37 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.7 in | 35.7 in | 35.7 in | 35.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Kia Forte a new generation?
Yes. The 2019 Forte is the first year of the third generation and is a full redesign rather than a minor update. It has a longer, stiffer body, more interior and trunk space, and new exterior styling.
What safety features became standard on the 2019 Kia Forte?
Automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning became standard across the 2019 Forte lineup. Every trim also has forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning.
Does every 2019 Kia Forte have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2019 Forte trim has an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
How did the Kia Forte trim lineup change for 2019?
The FE joined the lineup, the previous LX continued under the LXS name, and the SX was dropped for 2019. The returning S and EX trims moved to the redesigned third-generation body.
Is the 2019 Kia Forte meaningfully different from the 2018 model?
Yes. The 2019 Forte is a full redesign with more passenger and trunk room, a stiffer body, improved fuel economy, and a higher level of standard safety and infotainment equipment than the 2018 model.
2019 Kia Forte Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Kia Forte.
4.2
2019 Kia Forte
(126 reviews)
“Buy it! Great ride! Sleek details inside, smart capabilities. drives fast! But be careful with that :)”
“The clutch went out and put a hole in the transmission (2019 Kia Forte) less than a year after owning the car. Other than the engine issue, the car has been great.”