2023 Kia Forte

Engine Types

The 2023 Kia Forte has five trims – LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT, and GT Manual. The LX, LXS, and GT-Line are all powered by a 2.0-liter I4 cylinder engine optimized with a multi-point injection gas delivery system, able to generate 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The GT and GT Manual, on the other hand, are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter I4 engine optimized by a gasoline direct injection, able to generate 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Driving and Handling

The LX, LXS, and GT-Line come equipped with an intelligent variable transmission (IVT) to transmit power to the wheels. A 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters is standard the GT trim. The GT Manual trim, of course, comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Although the LX, LXS, and GT-Line all share the same powertrain, the LX has a fuel economy of 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, the LXS and GT-Line have a fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The GT trim has a fuel economy of 27/35 mpg city/highway, and the GT Manual has a fuel economy of 22/31 mpg city/highway. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the standard drivetrain.

Exterior Features

Heated side mirrors are standard past the LXS (optional) and come with integrated turn signals. Solar control glass is a lineup standard, along with automatic headlamp control, and high beam assist. A sunroof is available on the GT-Line and GT, standard on the GT Manual trim. The GT series comes with a Smart Trunk™ and LED headlights, DRLs, tail lights, and fog lights. The LX comes with 15-inch steel wheels, the LXS rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, the GT-Line is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, and the 18-inch alloy wheels are standard on the GT and GT Manual trims.

Interior Features

Inside the cabin, a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way manually adjustable passenger’s seat are the lineup standard, but a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment is available for the GT series. A dual-zone automatic climate control system is standard on the GT series, plus rear a/c vents on the GT and GT Manual. Woven cloth is the upholstery on the LX and LXS, with sport seats trimmed with SynTex and cloth on the GT-Line and GT trims, sport seats with SynTex upholstery on the GT Manual, optional on the GT-Line and GT

 60/40 split folding rear seats are standard past the base trim. Optional on the GT-Line and GT trim are heated and ventilated front seats, standard on the GT Manual trim. The GT series comes with a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and gear shift knob.

Entertainment

The LX and LXS come with an 8-inch touchscreen, whereas the GT series comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Kia Connect, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. A 4-speaker sound system is on the LX and LXS trims, whereas the GT-Line and GT came with a six-speaker sound system. A Harman Kardon premium audio system with eight speakers and an integrated subwoofer are optional on the GT-Line and GT, standard on the GT Manual trim. Standard across the lineup are Google Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth wireless tech, and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

Safety Features and Warranty

The 2023 Kia Forte comes with many basic safety features, including 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, rear-camera display, and LATCH child-seat ready anchors. Advanced safety features are sprinkled about, such as forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection on the LX, LXS, GT-Line, and GT Manual trims. The GT-Line can opt-in for cyclist detection as well, standard for the GT trim.

Lineup standards include a Driver Attention Warning system, lane keep assist, lane following assist, a rear-view monitor with dynamic parking guidance, and a rear occupant alert system. The GT Manual comes equipped with blind-spot collision warning system and a parking distance rear warning system (optional on the GT trim). Past the base trim, blind-spot collision avoidance assist is available (optional for the LXS, standard on the GT series), rear cross-traffic collision warning on the GT Manual trim and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist available on the LX, standard on the GT series. The GT-Line and GT have navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go are also available (optional for the GT-Line, standard on the GT trim).

Kia has a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program. The Kia 10-year/100,000 mile warranty program consists of a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan.