2022 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2022 Kia Forte gets a mid-cycle refresh led by updated front and rear styling. Kia also expanded its screen, phone-connectivity, and driver-assistance equipment while dropping the EX trim.

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About the 2022 Kia Forte

3rd-generation Forte sedan (introduced for 2019), mid-cycle refresh year.

Kia positions the Forte as a right-sized compact sedan that mixes sharp styling, strong value, and more driver-assist tech than many shoppers expect in this class. In FE and LXS form it is an efficient daily commuter with easy phone-friendly infotainment, while GT-Line adds a sportier look and GT adds real turbo performance. That wide spread—from practical commuter to small sport sedan—is a big part of the Forte’s identity.

The FE is the mileage-focused commuter, while the LXS adds practical touches such as alloy wheels and a split-folding rear seat. The GT-Line pairs sportier looks with a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, and the GT is the performance model with a 201-horsepower turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, and dual exhaust.

What changed, by category

Styling

Kia refreshed the front and rear design, including revised grille and bumper treatments.

Safety

Lane-centering assistance became standard on every trim. The GT-Line gained upgraded blind-spot and rear cross-traffic systems with braking assistance plus a safe-exit warning, while blind-spot monitoring changed from standard to optional on the GT.

Tech

Every trim gained a larger 4.2-inch driver display. FE and LXS moved to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through an 8-inch touchscreen, while GT-Line and GT gained a standard 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen. Push-button start became standard on GT-Line and GT; GT-Line also made remote start and satellite radio standard, while GT added standard dual-zone climate control and wireless phone charging.

Lineup

The EX trim was dropped, leaving FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT.

2022 Kia Forte specs and features by trim

Feature	2022 Kia ForteFE2 in stock	2022 Kia ForteGT11 in stock	2022 Kia ForteLXS12 in stock	2022 Kia ForteGT-Line8 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, IVT	Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic	Automatic, IVT	Automatic, IVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	31 mpg	27 mpg	29 mpg	29 mpg
MPG Highway	41 mpg	35 mpg	39 mpg	39 mpg
Horsepower	147 hp	201 hp	147 hp	147 hp
Torque	132 lb-ft	195 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
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED Headlights
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Folding Rear Seat
Rear Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2023 Kia Forte compares

The 2023 Kia Forte is mostly a carryover, and its biggest change is that the GT with the dual-clutch automatic gains a previously optional safety and driver-assistance bundle as standard equipment. There is no redesign or major technology overhaul.

See the full 2023 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2022 Kia Forte fully redesigned?

No. The 2022 Forte is a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation sedan introduced for 2019, with revised front and rear styling plus technology and safety updates.

What is the biggest technology change on the 2022 Kia Forte?

The biggest technology change is the screen upgrade. Every trim has a 4.2-inch driver display; FE and LXS use an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while GT-Line and GT have a standard 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen.

Did the 2022 Kia Forte gain more standard safety equipment?

Yes. Lane-centering assistance became standard across the 2022 Forte lineup. The GT-Line also gained enhanced blind-spot and rear cross-traffic systems with braking assistance and a safe-exit warning, though blind-spot monitoring became optional rather than standard on the GT.

Which Kia Forte trim was dropped for 2022?

The EX trim was dropped for 2022. The remaining lineup consists of FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT.

Is the 2022 Kia Forte meaningfully different from the 2021 model?

Yes, although it is not a full redesign. Compared with 2021, the 2022 Forte has refreshed styling, larger displays, wider use of wireless phone integration, more standard lane-centering assistance, and a simplified trim lineup without the EX.

2022 Kia Forte Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2022 Kia Forte.

4.4

2022 Kia Forte

(174 reviews)

5 stars (91)

4 stars (60)

3 stars (21)

2 stars (2)

1 star (0)

“Very fun to drive, sleek styling, advanced technology, and enough USB ports and wireless charging.”

RWRob W.
2022 Kia Forte GT

“I purchased a 2022 Kia Forte Lxs and I don't have any issues. I'm not a fan of the seat color (cream color) so I put seat covers on to keep seats from getting dirty. The drive is smooth, sound system is just ok. The overall appearance of car is great.”

TMTakesha M.
2022 Kia Forte Sedan

“The Kia Forte has great styling, exceptional value, great warranty, excellent gas millage, and is easy and affordable to maintain (very few mechanical issues) just make sure you change the oil when required as you should with any vehicle. It also comes in different packages if you want me styling and performance. I have a Forte GT Line and my son has a standard Forte and I love driving them both.”

DLDanielle L.
2022 Kia Forte Sedan