The moment we’ve been waiting for is here! Kia is finally rolling out the new 2021 Kia Forte with a campaign emphasizing the Forte’s dominance over the road with improved fuel economy and powerful engine upgrades. The 2021 Kia Forte is a pleasant ride with all of the essentials you’ve come to expect from Kia, such as ample safety features, an expansive infotainment system, a wide array of standard features and options, a stylish exterior and interior, and plenty of updates. The 2021 Forte is thoroughly chic inside and out and comes packed with innovative technology that makes it just as safe and fun as it is powerful. It’s no wonder the new compact sedan is as anticipated as it is! Let’s take a look at some of the features you can expect.
2021 Kia Forte Updates
One of the most exciting aspects of new rollouts each year is the evolution from year-to-year. This year’s Kia Forte does not disappoint. While the Kia Forte‘s price hasn’t shifted much since the 2019 model, the Forte’s design was completely overhauled in 2020, the year that also birthed the performance-oriented GT and GT-Line trim options. Kia Forte’s S trim ended in 2020 but was replaced by a new line of upgraded trims. The new GT trim included a more powerful engine, while the GT-Line trim mimics the GT trim’s style without the more expensive-performance components.
The 2021 Kia Forte is all about a balance between proportion, technology, and power. The Forte will come with five trim options: FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX, GT, and GT Manual. The basic FE trim comes with a manual transmission, but it does have an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The LXS, GT-Line, and EX comes standard with a CVT, while the GT has a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and the GT Manual has (as you might expect) a six-speed manual. Overall, Kia always offers a wide array of trims and options to upgrade should you find certain aspects of trim levels lacking.
This year’s Forte is no different, which will make those opting for the base trim pleasantly surprised! The 2021 Kia Forte now offers standard features that were once just options, offering an overall upgraded experience on every trim. For example, the EX trim includes a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Technological features included premium navigation, premium audio, remote climate control, a power sunroof, and wireless charging. Available safety features include: Blind-spot Collision Warning, 911 Connect and Roadside Assistance, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. These are just a few of the biggest feature upgrades offered across the 2021 Kia Forte’s trim levels!
Driving the 2021 Kia Forte
Any driver knows that one of the most important aspects of any vehicle is its performance on the road. Kia stands by its reputation of power and reliability when its rubber hits the pavement. The new Forte sedan comes with two engines to choose from: a standard 2.0L four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder for the GT and GT Manual trims. The base engine offers 147 hp and makes up to 41 MPG on the highway, while the turbocharged option provides a thrilling 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The Forte’s competent chassis and fuel-efficient engines are its biggest assets under the hood. The GT and GT Manual trims also offer an upgraded multilink rear suspension and larger brakes to handle more spirited driving. The 2021 Kia Forte is already proving to be a strong competitor among compact sedans and offers a safe, advanced, fuel-efficient, and stylish ride that won’t break the bank. And despite its low price, the Forte has a level of build quality that is every bit the equal of its more expensive competitors!
Modern Interior and Entertainment
The 2021 Kia Forte’s design is modern and surprisingly luxurious. One of the biggest “wow” factors inside is the roominess. The Kia Forte offers a spacious cabin with a good range of driver’s seat and steering wheel adjustments. The passenger side also includes generous space in both rows. Even the trunk offers a generous 15.3 cubic feet, which is quite large for a compact sedan. The basic FE trim is packed with ample standard features, and you’ll find upgraded sports seats in the GT and GT-Line trims. You’ll scarcely find a similar compact car that offers the same level of space inside!
The 2021 Kia Forte offers an attractive entertainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth standard across all trim levels. The GT-Line, GT, and EX trims also offer an optional wireless smartphone charging pad, while the GT and EX trim levels come with standard SiriusXM satellite radio. The LXS and FE trim levels feature a 4-speaker audio system, and every other trim level comes with either a 6-speaker or Harman Kardon 8-speaker audio system. You’ll find plenty of electronic integration at every level, which makes the Kia Forte a bargain given its affordable price!
2021 Kia Forte Safety
We know that a top attribute for any car is the presence of safety features. Fortunately, the Forte is no exception to Kia’s pattern of providing some of the most robust standard safety features on the market. Every trim comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and a driver attention warning. In testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Kia Forte scored the highest possible “good” rating in all six crash test areas, and its accident-avoidance systems were rated “superior.” Together, this was enough to have the IIHS name the Forte as a Top Safety Pick.
Warranty and Roadside Assistance
We know that Kia is a highly reliable brand, and it offers the warranty to prove it. Buying a new Kia provides you with a 5 year or 60,000 mile basic warranty and a 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. This is one of the best warranties in the industry and means that you can drive off in your new car secure in the knowledge that anything that might happen is covered. However, that is not all that Kia offers. Its already excellent warranty is coupled with a 24-hour roadside assistance package for 5 year or 60,000 miles. If you break down or otherwise need help on the road, you can count on Kia to come to the rescue. Once again, the 2021 Kia Forte provides the coverage you need to enjoy the ride knowing that you’re covered on the road!
2021 Kia Forte Summary
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and stylish ride coming into the new year, then the 2021 Kia Forte deserves your consideration. Not only does it compete on its affordable price and exceptional warranty, but it also provides performance, technology, and quality every bit the equal of its competitors. It is both feature-rich and fuel-efficient, making it an excellent choice for nearly any driver. And if you are looking for a fun car that won’t break the bank, then the GT and GT Manual trims offer a turbocharged engine with over 200 horsepower. If you’re looking for a compact, safe, modern, and stylish sedan, you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Kia Forte!
