Engine Type

The 2022 Kia Forte comes with four trim levels - FE, LXS, GT-Line and GT. Powering the majority of the lineup is a 2.0-liter DOHC I4 engine, optimized with multi-point fuel injection, and able to generate 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Powering the GT trim is a turbocharged 1.6-liter DOHC I4 engine, able to generate 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Driving and Handling

An intelligent variable transmission (IVT) with Sportmatic for optional manual shifting transfers power from the 2.0-liter to the wheels, whereas a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters for optional manual shifting controls the power of the turbocharged engine. Compared to the previous year’s fuel economy of 31/45 mpg city/highway for the FE trim, the latest EPA rating is 41 mpg on the highway. The rest of the trims with the 2.0-liter engine have a fuel economy of 29/40 mpg city/highway. The last EPA rating for the GT trim was 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Exterior Features

Across the lineup, consumers will find several standard features, including solar control glass, projector beam headlights, and automatic headlights. Found on the GT-Line and GT trims, the 2022 Kia Forte will also come with LED fog lights, an LED taillight/rear combination lamp design, and heated exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators. Last model year, the FE came with 15-inch steel wheels, the LXS had 16-inch alloy wheels, and 17-inch alloy wheels were on the GT-Line and GT trim. This year, new 16-inch and 17-inch dark metal gray alloy wheel designs are available for the GT-Line and GT trim.

Interior Features

We can expect the same setup per trim level in the cabin – the FE and LXS trims come with cloth upholstery, artificial leather in the GT-Line, and real leather in the GT trim. Standard across the lineup is a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a six-way adjustable passenger’s seat, with a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat available on the GT. The entire lineup except the base comes with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Features like dual-zone automatic temperature control, LED interior lighting (ambient lighting on the GT), heated and ventilated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are most likely exclusive to the GT trim but may be available on the GT-Line as well.

Entertainment

The standard features across the lineup are Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay abilities, Bluetooth wireless hands-free tech, and steering-wheel mounted audio and hands-free phone controls. An 8-inch touchscreen  with UVO comes standard on the FE and LXS trims, whereas a 10.25-inch wide touchscreen with navigation/infotainment comes standard on the GT-Line and GT trim. Last model year, the Kia Forte came with a 4-speaker audio system as the standard, with a six-speaker system on the GT-Line, and a Harman Kardon premium 8-speaker audio system with a subwoofer optional on other trims.

Safety Features and Warranty

The standard safety features on the 2021 Kia Forte are dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a rollover sensor, an anti-lock brake system, stability and traction control systems, a rear occupant alert system, LATCH child-seat ready anchors, and a rear camera display. Advanced safety features that come standard are forward collision warning, and forward collision avoidance assist, a driver attention warning system, rear cross-traffic avoidance, lane keeping assist, and lane departure warning. Available on select trims is highway driving assist, navigation based smart cruise control, and safe exit warning.

All Kia models are backed by an industry leading warranty. The Kia Soul is backed by a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a 5-year or 100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty.