2021 Kia Forte

The performance of the 2021 Kia Forte is quite impressive at any level, though the trim you choose will directly impact the level of performance you get. There are two different engines available for the Forte. Four trims get the standard engine, and two trims give you a more powerful option. That being said, no matter which one you go with, you are going to get a fantastic driving experience that really puts you in control of the road.

Engines, Transmissions, and More

In the standard trim of the Forte, you get a 2.0L I-4 engine that gives you up to 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque for excellent overall performance. You get a 6-speed manual transmission in the standard FE trim of the Forte; higher trims such as the LXS and EX feature the same engine with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) instead, which is an available option for the starting trim. This means if you like to have a manual transmission, then the standard trim is a great option, but if you prefer an automatic, then the LXS or higher will likely be a better choice.

If you want even more power and better overall performance, then there are two GT trims to consider that both feature a more powerful engine. In the GT trims, you get a turbocharged 1.6L I-4 engine that gives you up to 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, which you can see is quite a bit more power than the standard engine. This makes the GT models of the 2021 Kia Forte incredibly fun to drive, with surprising acceleration and maneuverability that keeps you in control.

Two different transmissions are available with this engine, depending on what kind of driving experience you prefer. The standard GT trim features a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, so you have some control, but it will also give you an incredibly responsive ride. You can also choose a GT Manual trim, which has the same fantastic turbocharged engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, giving you total control behind the wheel. With all of these options, it is safe to say that the Forte is customizable to any performance desires. 

Fuel economy with the 2021 Kia Forte depends on which trim you choose since that impacts the engine and transmission you get. With that in mind, no matter what you go with, you get excellent overall fuel efficiency that will keep you on the road with fewer stops for gas.

Fuel Efficiency by Option

If you choose the starting FE trim of the Forte, you get a 6-speed manual transmission standard, which gets an estimated 27 MPG in the city, 37 MPG on the highway, and 31 MPG combined. You can also choose an Intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission (IVT) with this trim, which gets an estimated 31 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on the highway, and 35 MPG combined. Other trims that feature this same engine and an IVT get an estimated 29 MPG in the city, 40 MPG on the highway, and 33 MPG combined.

The more powerful Turbocharged engine has slightly lower fuel efficiency but is still quite good. With the standard GT trim that includes an automatic transmission, you will get an estimated 27 MPG in the city, 35 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined. If you choose the GT Manual trim with its manual transmission, you can expect an estimated 25 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 28 MPG combined fuel efficiency. As you can see, the automatic transmissions give you a bit better gas mileage, but no matter which combination you choose, the Forte is a great car for fuel economy.

Surprisingly Spacious

Although the 2021 Kia Forte is a compact sedan, it still gives you plenty of room inside for your friends and family. You get about 96 cu.ft. of total passenger volume inside the Forte, though if you choose a model with the sunroof, then you lose a little bit of room. The trunk of the Forte offers about 15 cu.ft. of total cargo space, which certainly is not as much as you can load into an SUV, but still gives you plenty of room when shopping or for anything else you need to take with you.

Feature-Filled Interior

Inside the Kia Forte, you will find a range of excellent features and options, depending on which trim level you choose. Standard features include an 8-inch infotainment display, 4-speaker audio system, and support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. You get a steering wheel with mounted controls for audio, phone, and cruise control, as well as a 3-inch driver display, remote keyless entry, and single-zone air conditioning.

If you choose a higher trim level, such as the EX, you get a range of fantastic features, including voice-command Navigation and HD radio with the infotainment system. The EX features a Harman Kardon premium audio system with eight speakers and an integrated subwoofer, as well as a wireless phone charger and a smart key with push-button start. You also get dual-zone automatic temperature control in the EX trim, LED interior lighting, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support. The Forte is a truly spacious, comfortable, and technology-filled sedan. 

Standard Safety

Kia vehicles are well known for offering incredible safety, and the 2021 Forte is no exception, thanks in part to the Kia Drive Wise driver-assist package that comes standard on every model. You get a forward collision warning with a forward collision-avoidance assist feature, a lane departure warning system, and a lane keeping-assist feature, all standard. Every model of the 2021 Kia Forte also includes driver attention warnings that can detect when your attention might have wandered from the road, numerous airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags, and a brake assist system.

Upgrading Safety

There are also a few available safety features that come standard on higher trims of the 2021 Kia Forte. For example, the EX trim includes a blind-spot collision warning, a lane change assist function, and a rear cross-traffic collision warning. These are excellent additions that can help to keep both you and your passengers safer on the road. That said, the standard features are also quite extensive, allowing pure safety at every single level.