“Kia Forte looks great, drives great, gets good gas mileage and is a safe driving experience.”
2023 Kia Forte: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2023 Kia Forte
3rd generation (2019-2024), second year after the 2022 refresh.
Kia positions the Forte as a compact sedan that blends daily-driver efficiency with sharper styling and more tech than a plain commuter car. The core appeal is straightforward: easy-to-use infotainment, strong fuel economy on the 2.0-liter trims, a useful list of driver-assist features, and a lineup that stretches from simple commuter duty to a genuine turbo performance model. That broad spread is what makes the Forte stand out in a shrinking small-sedan class.
The LX is the straightforward commuter, while the LXS adds practical touches such as a split-folding rear seat. The GT-Line pairs sporty styling with the regular 2.0-liter engine and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The GT is the performance model, with a 201-horsepower turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, and either a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The FE trim name was replaced by LX, with no notable equipment change tied to the new name.
Powertrain
The 2.0-liter engine in the LX, LXS, and GT-Line received a stricter emissions certification. The engines and transmissions did not otherwise change.
Safety
Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring became standard on the GT. GT models with the dual-clutch automatic also made the former GT Technology Package bundle standard, adding cyclist-detecting forward collision assist, an electronic parking brake, highway driving assist, and navigation-linked cruise control.
Tech
Push-button start was no longer standard on the GT and became optional equipment.
2023 Kia Forte specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & Sportmatic | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, IVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 41 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 195 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 | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| 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 2023 Kia Forte?
The biggest change is on the 2023 Forte GT with the dual-clutch automatic, which makes the former GT Technology Package’s safety and driver-assistance features standard. The rest of the lineup receives only minor updates.
Is the 2023 Kia Forte a redesign?
No, the 2023 Kia Forte is not a redesign. It is part of the third generation introduced for 2019 and carries forward the updates from the 2022 refresh.
Did the LX replace the FE in the 2023 Forte lineup?
Yes, LX replaced the former FE name for 2023. The change did not bring a notable equipment revision, so LX remains the straightforward entry trim with a 2.0-liter engine and an 8-inch touchscreen.
What safety equipment changed on the 2023 Forte GT?
The 2023 Forte GT made adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring standard. On GT models with the dual-clutch automatic, cyclist-detecting forward collision assist, an electronic parking brake, highway driving assist, and navigation-linked cruise control also became standard.
Did the 2023 Kia Forte get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2023 Kia Forte did not get a new engine or transmission. The 2.0-liter engine in the LX, LXS, and GT-Line received an emissions-certification update, while the GT retained its 201-horsepower turbo engine and manual or dual-clutch transmission.
2023 Kia Forte Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Kia Forte.
4.3
2023 Kia Forte
(191 reviews)
“The Kia Forte is the best vehicle for all the following: technology, performance, reliability, exterior, and interior design.”
“It is reasonably priced for all the features and new technologies. I was afraid the seats would not be comfortable as in my previous Nissan which were leather and very comfortable, but I was very mistaken I have had my new Kia Forte for 4 months and still I am amazed at how comfortable they are.”