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It's tough to stand out in the crowded compact sedan market, but Kia is making a name for itself with quality cars at reasonable prices. The all-new Forte has unusually good streamlining to aid fuel economy.
In 2011 Kia hit one out of the park with the redesign of its Optima full-size sedan. The Optima was a surprisingly large leap in sophistication, but Kia maintains that it was the launch of the 2009 Forte that actually signaled the brand's emergence as a main player; however, its significance was unfortunately lost in the depths of the Great Recession. Now Kia is already releasing another all-new Forte, and this time the message will be tough to miss, even in the crowded compact sedan market.
Model lineup
Kia has consolidated their Forte sedan trims to two levels, the entry-level LX and the more upscale EX. The LX is available only with the more basic 1.8-liter engine, while the EX is solely powered by a direct-injected 2.0-liter unit.
The EX trim's exterior receives fog lights and chrome door handles, and has the option of HID headlights, LED taillights, puddle lights and larger aluminum wheels.
The LX interior is well appointed for such an inexpensive compact. Sirius XM satellite radio is standard, as is Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for good pass-through cargo loading.
The EX trim adds a few niceties, including a rear-seat center armrest and a standard rear camera, but it's main claim to fame is the ability to option up with distinctly non-entry-level items such as a 10-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel. Choosing the Premium package is the quick way to getting a full suite of these near-luxury features.
The Forte's forward-looking design includes an upgraded infotainment system that utilizes the driver's smartphone to enable Google-based navigation, voice-activated music management and hands-free phone service, among many other capabilities. Because the system is run by the customer's existing smartphone and access plan, Kia's UVO is fee-free and easily updateable.
Forte LX rolls on standard 15-inch steel or optional 16-inch aluminum wheels; the EX offers a 17-inch optional aluminum upgrade.
Watch Video: 2014 Kia Forte first drive
Under the hood
Good, basic motivation is the EX's 1.8-liter 4-cylinder calling card. The engine, a conventional double-overhead-cam design, uses industry-standard multipoint fuel injection to make 148 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 131 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm. It is paired to a 6-speed manual or optional automatic transmission with the same number of gears.
Moving up to the EX's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine shows Kia is not afraid to bring the latest technologies to the price-slashing compact car sales competition. A gasoline direct-injection engine, the 2.0 hustles up 173 horsepower at 6500 rpm with 154 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm. It is paired with the 6-speed automatic.
All Fortes are front-wheel drive; there is no all-wheel-drive option.
