Forte
2022 Kia Forte Review in Peoria, AZ
MPG
City
Highway
New Kia Forte Review | All New Small Sedan
The 2022 Kia Forte is a big leap within the same generation that started with the well-equipped 2019 Forte. For one, it has a more distinctive exterior styling. For another, it has added cutting-edge technology and amenities you might not expect at these prices. Interior upgrades make it both more stylish and more contemporary.
While the 2021 Kia Forte was a good car, the 2022 Forte goes even further in its ability to balance value and pricing. This makes the Forte more competitive than ever among compact cars. In more ways than ever before, this model year demonstrates the balance of value and pricing that have become the hallmark of this small sedan. Offering more for less has never looked so good.
What’s New?
The new Kia Forte is such a big update from the 2021 model year that it has gotten quite a bit of buzz from all kinds of automotive magazines. The interior is more refined with a driver’s display and a standard touchscreen. The Smart Key now comes with a remote starter function.
You may notice that its styling choices bring it more in line with the Kia Stinger sports sedan. This is also true of its equipment choices. Kia has made its SynTex leatherette available to Forte shoppers. The largest touchscreen is now a 10.25-inch model.
There are other top features including power-ventilated seats, a must-have amenity for our tough desert summers.
The 2022 Kia Forte is the only affordable compact sedan in Phoenix AZ offering adaptive cruise control-curve. This system utilizes navigation to anticipate challenges along the route. It’s safer, smarter, and quite advanced.
Also available, Highway Driving Assist is the brand’s semi-autonomous system that makes life easier for drivers. Other bright spots are the available rear automatic braking feature and the blind-spot intervention capability. Still, the best thing of all is the number of standard driver assistance features on the entry-level model.
Performance Choices
The Forte engine generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It is a responsive unit, quick to move and easy to handle. An automatic transmission is standard.
Fuel economy is 40 mpg on the highway. It has a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg. Those are the official EPA estimates. However, Car and Driver noted that it was getting a consistent 41 mpg on the highway.
If you want the sportiest Forte, you want the GT. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder engine generates 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is 30 miles per gallon combined. A 7-speed double clutch automatic is standard, and a manual transmission is offered to satisfy diehard driving enthusiasts who aren’t content with paddle shifters.
Price: How much is a Kia Forte?
If you are looking for the latest Kia Forte incentives, keep in mind that the car is a steal due to its considerable standard technology, as Car and Driver has written. Of course, you can always check with our staff to find out if there is a Kia Forte sale or discount.
Here are the basic price tags of the models. Equipped with top technologies, the FE trim price starts around $20,115. The LXS trim price starts around $20,615. The sporty GT-Line trim price is around $22,315. The racy GT trim price is around $24,515. There are packages for the LXS and GT-Line trim editions. Keep scrolling to see what you get with each trim level or package.
Trim Levels and Tech Safety Features
The Forte is a good size for a small sedan, and that adds to its appeal. The passenger volume is 96 cubic feet, which makes it 2 cubes bigger than the Toyota Prius. The cockpit feels bigger since the designers added an electric parking brake and updated the center console.
For its low price, this car really has everything that a person must have in today’s commuter car. There’s the 8-inch touchscreen with all of its connectivity features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto are standards. The Kia Drive Wise suite includes lane keeping, lane follow, and forward collision assistance.
The EX has been discontinued, shrinking the trim list from five to four. However, there are new packages for the second-tier LXS trim, the GT-Line model and the exciting 2022 Forte GT.
LXS Trim Level
The LXS adds more goodies to the package. Soft-touch door trim helps elevate the interior style. Trim-specific 16-inch alloy wheels dress up the exterior.
LXS utility grows with a split-fold rear seat to allow for easier hauling. For all Fortes, trunk volume is 15.3 cubic feet, which is more like a midsize sedan than a small one.
An inexpensive tech package adds important driver assistance such as a rear cross traffic warning and a blind spot monitor. Safe exit assist reduces the chances that you or your children will step out into traffic.
With all of the standards and options of the previous models, the GT-Line styling sets it apart. A combination of cloth and SynTex leatherette cover the sports seats. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in leather. There’s a hands-free trunk feature, adding to utility.
Adding to entertainment and connectivity, the 10.25-inch touchscreen is front and center with all of its fine features including a navigation system. Dual-zone automatic climate controls make it easier to stay cool in the Phoenix AZ heat.
The GT-Line is the model that automotive critic Edmunds recommends if choosing from the Forte lineup. They like its larger infotainment display, its sporty new styling cues, and, of course, its long list of features.
An inexpensive technology package upgrades the forward collision system and adds navigation based adaptive cruise control. The Premium package offers the convenience of a wireless charger, the fun of a sunroof, the excellence of a Harman Kardon audio system, and the remarkable technologies of highway driving assist.
You can take things a step further and add the GT-Line Sport Premium package. This dresses up the interior with full SynTex leatherette and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The front seats gain power-heat and power-ventilation.
The stylish Kia Forte GT has the performance engine and other special equipment, such as a multi-link rear suspension and the choice of a manual or dual-clutch automatic. It is definitely the most powerful of the lineup. It’s no wonder that Car and Driver writes that they would select the GT if they were shopping for a Forte. Motor Trend calls the GT engine extroverted and eager.
This ride wears 18-inch wheels and boasts new LED headlights with smart beam assist. It has sport seats to bolster faster turns and extra tech toys, such as a wireless charger. Ambient lighting adds a touch of luxury to the cabin. For backseat passengers, Kia adds rear-seat air conditioning vents and an additional USB port.
The GT Technology package includes the same advanced features as the GT-Line Tech package. The Kia Forte GT2 package adds the many interior features of the GT-Line Premium package. With the automatic, you can get blind-spot intervention and rear automatic braking. Choosing the manual transmission upgrades the tires and adds features from the optional packages.
Is Kia Forte a good car?
Edmunds calls it “one of the segment’s standouts.” Motor Trend has written that the changes for 2022 allow the small car to step up its game and challenge top rivals in the class, such as the Honda Civic. US News and World Report gives it an overall critics’ rating of 9.1 out of 10 and an overall rating is 8.5 out of 10.
They praise the quality of its new interior design and easy-to-use technology. As Motor Trend writes, this car has “abundant safety tech” and a truly “responsive touchscreen.”
These independent new Kia Forte reviews note that the compact sedan has the edge in terms of fuel economy. That’s an important detail for budget-car shoppers who also want low ownership costs.
A long road life relies on a few key factors, and Kia really has all of them covered. It starts with reliability. JD Power gives these compact sedans an 87 out of 100. That is considered a good reliability score, especially for small cars that are so affordable.
Upkeep is easier since Kia covers the package for up to five years or a generous 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is two years more coverage than such rivals as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
Then there’s the ten-year/100-mile drivetrain warranty. It beats the Corolla and Civic by as much as five years. There’s a generous 5-year corrosion warranty (up to 100,000 miles) and a helpful 5-year roadside assistance plan (up to 60,000 miles.).
Comparison of the 2022, 2021 and 2020 Kia Forte Models
In 2019, the Kia Forte received a full redesign. It updated the styling, added safety features and introduced a more modern infotainment system. The 2020 Kia Forte continued this design and features package. This was the year that the exciting GT-Line and GT trims were introduced.
In 2021, there were not as many notable changes perhaps because 2022 was shaping up to be the big year for the Forte. Find your new Forte in our large selection and start enjoying the benefits of an affordable car with low ownership costs!
Look for Forte offers and reach out to us if you would like to be kept informed about price changes or Forte sales.
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Remote Start
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
More Details
-
$32,685 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $36,585
- No Bull Savings: $3,900
- Earnhardt Price: $32,685
-
$32,685 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $36,585
- No Bull Savings: $3,900
- Earnhardt Price: $32,685
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
More Details
-
$54,173 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $63,260
- No Bull Savings: $1,587
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $54,173
- $7,500
-
$54,173 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $63,260
- No Bull Savings: $1,587
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $54,173
- $7,500
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
More Details
-
$36,245 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $46,700
- No Bull Savings: $2,955
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $36,245
- $7,500
-
$36,245 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $46,700
- No Bull Savings: $2,955
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $36,245
- $7,500
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
More Details
-
$36,245 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $46,700
- No Bull Savings: $2,955
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $36,245
- $7,500
-
$36,245 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $46,700
- No Bull Savings: $2,955
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $36,245
- $7,500
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
More Details
-
$36,245 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $46,755
- No Bull Savings: $3,010
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $36,245
- $7,500
-
$36,245 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $46,755
- No Bull Savings: $3,010
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $36,245
- $7,500
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
More Details
-
$54,220 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $63,315
- No Bull Savings: $1,595
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $54,220
- $7,500
-
$54,220 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $63,315
- No Bull Savings: $1,595
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $54,220
- $7,500
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
More Details
-
$51,350 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $63,315
- No Bull Savings: $4,465
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $51,350
- $7,500
-
$51,350 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $63,315
- No Bull Savings: $4,465
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $51,350
- $7,500
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
More Details
-
$52,081 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $64,085
- No Bull Savings: $4,504
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $52,081
- $7,500
-
$52,081 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $64,085
- No Bull Savings: $4,504
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $52,081
- $7,500
Features
- Bluetooth®
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Automatic High Beams
- Emergency Brake Assist
More Details
-
$26,294 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $29,215
- No Bull Savings: $2,921
- Earnhardt Price: $26,294
- $750
-
$26,294 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $29,215
- No Bull Savings: $2,921
- Earnhardt Price: $26,294
- $750
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Keyless Ignition System
More Details
-
$34,212 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $41,275
- No Bull Savings: $2,063
-
- -$5,000
- Earnhardt Price: $34,212
- $5,000
-
$34,212 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $41,275
- No Bull Savings: $2,063
-
- -$5,000
- Earnhardt Price: $34,212
- $5,000
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
More Details
-
$32,560 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $36,860
- No Bull Savings: $4,300
- Earnhardt Price: $32,560
- $750
-
$32,560 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $36,860
- No Bull Savings: $4,300
- Earnhardt Price: $32,560
- $750
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
More Details
-
$43,810 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $54,010
- No Bull Savings: $2,700
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $43,810
- $7,500
-
$43,810 Earnhardt Price
- MSRP: $54,010
- No Bull Savings: $2,700
-
- -$7,500
- Earnhardt Price: $43,810
- $7,500
Actual vehicle price and payments may vary for various reasons - including but not limited to - applicable manufacturer rebates, special limited time offers, dealer incentives, taxes, fees, and buyer's credit qualifications, dealer add-ons, market product (or vehicle) scarcity and $599.00 dealer doc fee. Financing on approved credit. Must qualify for some offers. Some offers may not be available with special financing, lease and some other offers.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on our website, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Dealer cannot be held liable for data that may be listed incorrectly. While we make every effort to ensure the data listed here is correct, there may be instances where some of the factory rebates, rates, incentives, options or vehicle features may be listed incorrectly as we receive data from multiple data sources. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Not responsible for typographical errors. Equipment added by the dealer or the purchaser will increase the overall transaction amount. PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE DEALER ADD-ONS OR ACCESSORIES, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED ON THE VEHICLE DESCRIPTION PAGE.
Refer to our Privacy and User Consent for details about information we collect and various communication methods we will use to assist customers. By providing your contact information to ANY form contained in – or connected to – this website, you are hereby agreeing to receive text messages from this dealership and our affiliates or partners at the number(s) and/or information which you have provided. You are also expressly consenting to recurring contact from the aforementioned company or its business partners at the number you provided regarding products or services via live, automated or prerecorded telephone call, text message or email. You understand that your telephone provider may impose charges on you for these contacts, and you are not required to enter into this agreement/consent as a condition of purchasing property, goods, or services. You also understand that you may revoke this consent at any time by notifying the dealership in writing.
APR based on Kia Motors Financing.