2023 KIA Forte Redesign
2023 KIA Forte – Kia’s compact sedan will get a new look at life—and perhaps an accompanying new name.
The Korean market K3 has been revealed in an updated style inside and out, and according to the US version, currently called Forte, will adopt its global name as did its older brother when it was renamed from Optima to K5.
2023 KIA Forte
Kia has filed a trademark for the K3 name in the US; A Kia spokesman told C/D that the company does not comment on future products.
The refreshed Kia K3 / Forte 2023 benefits from exciting new headlights, slightly different taillights, and a new wheel design.
Kia’s new logo also exists. Inside, it seems to have a more extensive touchscreen infotainment system and a digital measuring cluster.
We do not expect significant mechanical changes on the Forte/K3 for the US market. It will likely maintain an inline-four 2.0-liter engine, although it may drop the basic model’s manual transmission and only offer an automatic CVT like its brother, Hyundai Elantra.
The higher-performance GT model should continue with a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine.
We expect this model to still offer manuals like the current GT, which has a six-speed manual as standard and a seven-speed dual-automatic clutch as an option.
The Kia Forte is a compact car only available in the form of a sedan. The hatchback version disappeared with the last generation. Instead, the exterior aligns with Kia’s larger model design, including the now-retired Optima midsize sedan.
The brand’s tiger nose-themed Grill dominates the forte’s front fascia. Unfortunately, the rest of his body has more character lines and spoken sculptures than expected for this class. We hope this design continues with some possible improvements with a refresher.
2023 KIA Forte Interior
Airy Forte with enough space for four or five people for a short trip. The 15.3 cubic feet rod is enormous for its class.
Only the basic models have a low-cost look. The Fortes top trim offers better quality materials, with plenty of soft-touch materials, bright frames, and improved color on sporty models.
Forte currently comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, four speakers, and multiple USB ports in the tech arena.
Six- and eight-speaker audio plans, navigation, and wireless charging pads are available. This could see some improvement if the refresh rings true.
2023 KIA Forte Engine
We expect most trims to remain governed by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Power flows to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
There is also a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.
This one works with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission found in the GT line. In addition, Kia added a multi-link rear suspension and sport exhaust system with this model.
Forte supplies automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and lane departure alerts in all trims on the safe side.
Also available are blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear traffic alerts, and rear parking sensors. This security feature will most likely remain open.
2023 KIA Forte Release Date and Price
We don’t yet know the release date for Forte 2023, but the August/September debut seems to be based on the previous year’s model.
Regardless of the anticipated update, Forte 2023 should be close to the current price range. That range runs from $18,885 to $24,385 MSRP, including destination costs.
2021 KIA Forte
Kia Forte enters 2021 with no changes to its style, powertrains, or features. Forte will accept a sharp style change for the 2022 model year and maybe renamed the K3 in 2023, but Kia has yet to confirm that.
Not only is the GT equipped with four 201 hp turbocharged cylinders, which provide faster acceleration, it also discards Forte’s standard variable automatic (CVT) transmission for a seven-speed dual-clutch or six-speed manual.
The GT also comes with all sorts of luxury and comfort, including 18-inch wheels, sports seats, ambient interior lighting, and wireless smartphone charging pads.
2021 KIA Forte Engine
Forte offers two different engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 201 horsepower. Unfortunately, the 2.0-liter engine felt sluggish when we tested it, and the continuous variable automatic transmission (CVT) didn’t help.
The non-turbocharged engine took 8.2 seconds to motivate Forte from zero to 60 mph on our test track — significantly slower than the Mazda 3— which got there in 7.0 seconds.
However, the optional 201-hp turbocharged engine puts the Forte GT in the same league as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Si.— at least in theory.
On our test track, gt test cars equipped with manual transmissions can run 6.7 seconds to 60 mph, slightly missing out on the impressive speed of both drivers.
Forte offers a comfortable and stable ride, but the handling isn’t as attractive as the Stinger-inspired exterior style, even in the sportier GT models.
When using Forte in recent comparison tests against the Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI, we found ourselves working harder at Forte to offset the rest of the package.
Fuel Economy and MPG
The Forte is equipped with a less powerful engine and automatic transmission, keeping the driver going past the gas station. With 40 mpg highway efficiency and a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg, this is where Forte excels.
However, if you choose a GT with a dual-clutch transmission, the combined fuel economy drops to 30 mpg. In our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, Forte 2019 recorded 41 mpg, which is slightly better than the EPA rating.
2021 KIA Forte Interior
The interior of this car impressed us with its minimalist design and high quality and high-end materials. The back seat is spacious enough for two adults to be comfortable, and long trips in Forte can be made without complaints.
The basic model offers all the basic amenities, but things get even more fun as you work on different models. Dual-zone automatic climate control is optional, for example, such as heated and ventilated front seats.
The Forte fits seven carry-on bags with all seats raised, one more than its two main rivals, the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Forte 2021 steals the limelight when looking at the available technology, even down to the basic model. Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are all standard at all trim levels.
The wireless smartphone charging pad is optional on gt-line, ex, and gt. However, the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard.
Ex and GT models get SiriusXM satellite radio as standard, but this feature is optional on the GT-Line and is not available on lower trims.
Driver Safety and Assistance Features
Forte received a four-star rating out of five from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it Top Safety Pick + for 2019. Kia also offers some standard and optional driver assistance features. Key security features include:
- Standard front collision warning with automatic emergency braking;
- Legal lane departure warning with lane maintenance assistance;
- Adaptive cruise control available.
2021 KIA Forte Price Starting at $17,890.
