“Overall, the 2017 Kia Forte is a nice car. It's got up to date features, including a backup camera and plenty of charging ports for wireless devices. My biggest issue is the electrical system that controls the headlights, signal lights and tail lights. They seem to blow bulbs fairly quickly.”
Kia Forte: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan built for affordable everyday transportation, with useful technology, a roomy trunk, and straightforward controls. Recent versions range from efficient commuter models to a quicker turbocharged GT.
The Forte has consistently paired practical small-car basics with more style and technology than buyers might expect. Earlier generations also included coupe and hatchback versions, while the final generation focused on the sedan. Across its run, the formula stretched from simple, efficient transportation to sportier models without losing its everyday focus.
Strengths
- Its simple daily-driver focus makes the Forte easy to understand and easy to live with.
- The trunk is generous for a compact sedan, measuring 15.3 cubic feet in 2024.
- Recent models combine straightforward touchscreen controls with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Safety and driver-assistance features became a stronger part of the package, especially after the 2019 redesign and 2022 refresh.
- The lineup covers both efficient commuting and livelier driving, with the 2024 GT making 201 horsepower.
- Older coupe and hatchback versions give used-car shoppers alternatives to the sedan-focused final generation.
Who it's for
The Forte suits commuters, first-time buyers, and small families who want a manageable car with a useful trunk and easy-to-use technology. The GT-Line fits someone who likes a sportier look, while the GT is for a driver who wants noticeably more punch without moving away from a practical compact sedan.
Kia Forte lineup
In recent years, the LX has been the straightforward entry point for shoppers focused on basic daily transportation. The LXS is the next step for buyers who want to move above the base model without adopting the sportier theme. Pick the GT-Line for its more athletic appearance and stronger technology focus, but step up to the GT when actual performance matters; its turbo engine made 201 horsepower in 2024. Older Forte lineups also used EX for a more comfort- and technology-focused experience, while SX commonly marked sportier versions.
Kia Forte generations
From 2010 to 2024, the Forte spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2019, following the 2nd Generation (2014–2018).
3rd Generation (2019–2024)
The Forte became a sedan-only model in the U.S. after the Forte5 ended with 2018. This generation brought a longer, roomier body, updated styling, better fuel economy, and more standard touchscreen and safety technology.
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2024
GT-Line gained its former optional driver-assist bundle as standard equipment. This was the final Forte model year before the Kia K4 replaced it.
2023Trim changes
The FE trim continued under the LX name. Automatic GT models also gained more standard driver-assist features.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling arrived with larger displays and broader driver-assist technology. The EX trim left the lineup.
2021
The EX gained standard navigation, upgraded audio, a sunroof, and wireless phone charging. Automatic GT models added blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning.
2020Trim changes
The GT-Line and GT joined the lineup. The GT added a 201-hp turbo engine and sportier suspension and braking hardware.
2019New generation
A full redesign brought a longer, roomier body, a stiffer structure, improved fuel economy, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and standard collision and lane-keeping features.
2nd Generation (2014–2018)
This generation used a larger platform with a roomier cabin, fresher styling, and updated engines. It included the Forte sedan, Forte5 hatchback, and Koup coupe, with a turbo engine in the sportier Koup SX.
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2018
The sedan and Forte5 mostly carried over from the 2017 refresh with small equipment adjustments. This was the final U.S. model year for the Forte5.
2017Mid-cycle update
The sedan and Forte5 received updated front and rear styling, broader safety technology, and improved phone connectivity. A new S sedan trim also joined the lineup.
2016
A new LX trim expanded the Forte5 hatchback lineup. Other changes were limited to added convenience equipment on certain trims.
2015Trim changes
The sedan received small fuel-economy changes and added structural reinforcement. The body styles, engines, and trim structure otherwise carried over.
2014New generation
The Forte family was fully redesigned with a larger, roomier sedan, a new Forte5 hatchback, and a redesigned Koup coupe. The Koup SX gained a turbo engine.
1st Generation — TD (2010–2013)
The first U.S. Forte replaced the Spectra sedan and introduced sedan and Koup coupe body styles. A Forte 5-door hatchback expanded the family for 2011.
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2013
Minor updates included more sound insulation, power-folding mirrors on EX and SX models, and small lighting and wheel changes.
2012
Fuel economy improved on certain 2.0-liter automatic models. Several versions also gained updated steering columns or six-speed transmissions.
2011
The new Forte 5-door hatchback joined the sedan and Koup. The sedan and Koup also adopted updated six-speed transmissions.
2010New generation
The all-new Forte replaced the Spectra sedan. It debuted as a four-door sedan and Koup coupe with four-cylinder engines, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Kia Forte.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Forte a sedan or a hatchback?
The Kia Forte is mainly a compact sedan, especially in its final 2019-2024 generation. Older used examples also include the Forte5 hatchback and the two-door Forte Koup, so body style depends on the era.
Does the Kia Forte come as a hybrid?
No. U.S.-market Kia Fortes use gasoline four-cylinder engines; the model was not offered as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Does the Kia Forte have AWD?
No. The Kia Forte is a front-wheel-drive compact car, and AWD is not part of the final-generation lineup.
What is the Kia Forte known for?
The Kia Forte is known for efficient daily driving, simple infotainment, useful safety features, and a roomy trunk for a compact sedan. Sport-styled GT-Line and turbocharged GT models give the lineup more variety than a basic commuter car.
Who is the Kia Forte a good fit for?
The Kia Forte suits commuters, small households, and shoppers who want an easy-to-use compact car with five seats and a useful 15.3-cubic-foot trunk. The GT also serves drivers who want stronger acceleration without moving to a larger car.
How many generations of the Kia Forte are there?
The U.S. Kia Forte has three generations: 2010-2013, 2014-2018, and 2019-2024. The 2024 model was the final Forte before the Kia K4 took over its compact-sedan role for 2025.
How different are newer Kia Fortes from the older ones?
Third-generation Fortes from 2019-2024 are roomier and more technology-focused than earlier cars. They launched with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, forward-collision assistance, and lane-keeping assistance across the sedan lineup.
Kia Forte Reviews
What owners are saying about the Kia Forte.
4.1
Kia Forte
(1,989 reviews)
“The Kia Forte is an overall decent vehicle. The interior is comfortable and the mpg is phenomenal. However, the exterior is cheaply made and the ride is not smooth.”
“I love my Kia. It's comfortable, cute, and gets moving well. I would highly recommend the Forte for anyone who wants comfort with some bells.”
“I would tell them if you are looking for a bare bones type car this is it. But I would warn them that the technology car should have being a 2021 is a big disappointment for example connecting the blue tooth technology and using certain features is impossible.”
“Reliable, affordable and safe vehicle with good safety features. Considering car cost it a good value.”
“VERY GOOD ACCELERATION, FUEL ECONOMY, HANDLING. AT A FAIR PRICE WITH A 10 YEAR WARRANTY.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Forte / 2024 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 21237 / Kia Announces 2024 Forte Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Forte / 2024 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Forte / 2022
- kiamedia.com — Models / Forte / 2019
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 21990 / Introducing The All New 2025 Kia K4 Elevating The Compact Sedan With More Room Segment Above Tech And Available Turbocharged Fun
- kiamedia.com — Forte / 2024 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Models / Forte / 2023
- kiamedia.com — Forte / 2023 / Features
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / Forte 2023 Brochure
- kiamedia.com — Forte / 2022 / Features
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / 2022 Sedans Brochure