Specifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 | 31 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.59 | 9.05 |
| 2023 | 22 | 31 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.59 | 9.05 |
| 2022 | 22 | 31 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.59 | 9.05 |
| 2021 | 25 | 32 | 28 | 9.41 | 7.35 | 8.4 |
| 2020 | 25 | 32 | 28 | 9.41 | 7.35 | 8.4 |
| 2019 | 27 | 37 | 31 | 8.71 | 6.36 | 7.59 |
| 2018 | 25 | 33 | 28 | 9.41 | 7.13 | 8.4 |
| 2017 | 25 | 33 | 28 | 9.41 | 7.13 | 8.4 |
| 2016 | 24 | 35 | 28 | 9.8 | 6.72 | 8.4 |
| 2015 | 25 | 36 | 29 | 9.41 | 6.53 | 8.11 |
| 2014 | 24 | 35 | 28 | 9.8 | 6.72 | 8.4 |
| 2013 | 23 | 31 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.59 | 9.05 |
| 2012 | 23 | 31 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.59 | 9.05 |
| 2011 | 23 | 31 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.59 | 9.05 |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | sedan | 4 | 1.6 | Regular | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2023 | sedan | 4 | 1.6 | Regular | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2022 | sedan | 4 | 1.6 | Regular | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2021 | sedan | 4 | 1.6 | Regular | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2020 | sedan | 4 | 1.6 | Regular | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2019 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2018 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2017 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2016 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2015 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2014 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2013 | sedan | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2012 | sedan | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2011 | sedan | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Trim | Series | Base price | pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | GT | — | — | Trim: GT |
| 2023 | — | LX, LXS | — | Series: LX, LXS |
| 2022 | — | GT Line | — | Series: GT Line |
| 2021 | — | GT Line | $23,090 | Base price: $23,090, Series: GT Line |
| 2020 | — | EX | $21,990 | Base price: $21,990, Series: EX |
| 2019 | — | EX | $21,990 | Base price: $21,990, Series: EX |
| 2018 | EX PREM, SX | — | $18,300 | Base price: $18,300, Trim: EX PREM, SX |
| 2017 | EX Premium, SX | EX Premium, SX | $22,100 | Base price: $22,100, Series: EX Premium, SX, Trim: EX Premium, SX |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | Keyless ignition | GVWR | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | Turbo | Valvetrain | bodyAndInterior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard |
| 2023 | 5 | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg) | Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg) | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 |
| 2022 | 5 | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 |
| 2021 | 5 | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 106.3 | 17 | 17 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 106.3 | 18 | 18 | Yes | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | 421 | 15.3 | Standard | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 106.3 | 17 | 17 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | — | — | Optional | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 106.3 | 17 | 17 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Optional, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2017 | 5 | 5 | — | — | Optional | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 106.3 | 17 | 17 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Optional, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 5 | 4 | 480 | 16.9 | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 5 | 4 | 415 | 14.7 | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 5 | 4 | 416 | 14.7 | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | blindSpotIntervention | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | rearAeb | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | laneCenteringAssist | parkAssist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2024 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2023 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2022 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | optional | — | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2021 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2021 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2020 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2020 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | optional | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2019 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2019 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | — | — | standard | standard | — | — | — | standard | — | optional |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | optional | — | optional | — | optional | optional | — | — | — | standard | — | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | optional | — | optional | — | optional | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | 5 | 4 | 2016 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2015 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2014 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2013 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2011 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2024
NewestThe 2024 Kia Forte presents a compelling value for used car shoppers, offering excellent reliability and strong safety scores.
2023
The 2023 Kia Forte offers decent fuel economy and safety scores, but significant recalls impacting steering and suspension components warrant careful pre-purchase inspection.
2022
The 2022 Kia Forte presents a generally good reliability record, but a critical steering recall demands thorough inspection.
2021
The 2021 Kia Forte presents a mixed reliability picture.
2020
The 2020 Kia Forte presents an excellent reliability profile, boasting a public verdict of 'Excellent' and an LLM score of 8.5.
2019
The 2019 Kia Forte offers a good reliability score with excellent fuel economy, but buyers must confirm the completion of a recall for a potentially fracturing axle shaft.
2018
The 2018 Kia Forte presents a mixed reliability picture.
2017
The 2017 Kia Forte presents an average reliability profile.
2016
The 2016 Kia Forte offers average reliability, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial.
2015
The 2015 Kia Forte presents an average reliability profile, but a critical engine fire recall demands immediate attention.
2014
The 2014 Kia Forte presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2013
The 2013 Kia Forte presents a mixed reliability picture.
2012
The 2012 Kia Forte presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2011
The 2011 Kia Forte presents an average reliability profile, but critical safety recalls related to fire risk and airbag systems warrant thorough inspection.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Kia Forte?
Carfocal currently has 14 published Forte reports, covering 2011 through 2024. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2024 Kia Forte presents a compelling value for used car shoppers, offering excellent reliability and strong safety scores.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
Is the Kia Forte reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Kia Forte. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2024 kia forte presents a compelling value for used car shoppers, offering excellent reliability and strong safety scores. and the 2024 kia forte is a smart used car buy, especially for budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing reliability and low running costs. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
14 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Kia Forte?
Across Carfocal's published Forte guides, recurring problem areas include Steering Knuckle, Lower Control Arm, and CVT Transmission. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Steering Knuckle, Lower Control Arm, and CVT Transmission.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 14
- Years tracked
- 14
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints