The Kia Forte is a savvy sedan for anyone looking to get a lot of car for less money. Besides the generous features included in this four-door sedan, you also gain high marks for fuel-efficiency. There is a lot to be excited about with the new 2020 Kia Forte, and each trim has features that will make owning the Forte feel like a feast of value. Want to know more about the features, options, and trims of the Kia Forte? Keep reading!
Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency
The 2020 Kia Forte has two engine options: the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, or the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Only the GT model comes with the turbocharged engine, but both engines can come with either a manual or automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the 2.0-liter is 29 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway with the automatic transmission. With the manual transmission, the numbers decline slightly with 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. For the turbocharged engine with an automatic transmission, the Forte gets 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. When equipped with the manual transmission, it gets 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. It is clear that no matter the engine or transmission, you will get really great fuel economy.
Styling
Kia designed the Forte with the Stinger in mind, their award-winning sports sedan geared for luxury. With that inspiration, the Forte brings buyers a fun sedan with lots of tech, style, and convenience. On the outside, the bold front end leads the charge, with sleek accents added to each trim level for extra flair. On the inside, Kia made bold decisions to include tech conveniences like wireless charging and voice-activated services most manufacturers don’t include without a much higher price tag.
Technology
UVO services sync your phone with your Forte. Ever forget where you parked? Your phone can show you exactly where your Forte is. Need to plan a trip? Instead of having to set the navigation in the driveway, you can now choose your route from anywhere, and it will sync with the navigation in your car. Too busy to remember when you need to schedule maintenance? The Forte’s UVO will remind you on your phone, and you can schedule a service appointment. And this is only a taste of the conveniences of all the tech onboard the Forte.
The Trims
Now we are going to look at the breakdown of trims for the Kia Forte. There are so many options, even at the lowest level. But the possibilities extend further than your imagination as we step up the ladder. Let’s take a peek.
FE
Even at the lowest-price trim, the 2020 Forte comes standard with features you might not expect. For starters, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are loaded onto every trim. The FE also comes with an eight-inch touchscreen, four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Another surprising feature is solar control glass, remote keyless entry with remote trunk entry, three driving modes, cruise control, and a rear camera.
Want driver-assisted safety, too? The Forte FE comes standard with driver attention warning, forward collision warning, forward collision assist, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Other safety features like hill start assist, electronic braking distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, and the usual suite of airbags are just a few of the Forte FE’s safety assets. The MSRP for this trim is $17,890.
LXS
All the features of the FE come standard on the LXS, with some added extras like larger wheels, soft-touch dashboard, and a chrome exhaust tip. Other exterior features like black gloss detailing on the bumper will give the LXS a sportier look. On the inside, your driving experience will change with the intelligent variable transmission, and the back seat will fold down in a 60/40 split to accommodate more cargo. The MSRP for the LXS is $19,290.
GT-Line
With a small bump in price will come quite a few extras that may be hard to resist. Starting with the exterior, the sport grille, side sills, and spoiler all gain either red and black accents, which are offset by graphite alloy wheels. Fog lights, heated wing mirrors, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and turn signal indicators, and an available sunroof will complete the fun vibe of this car.
On the inside, enjoy the sport seats with white stitching, a D-shaped leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a Harmon Kardon six-speaker audio system, a smart key with push-button start, wireless phone charger, and UVO eServices with voice recognition and Sirius XM. To the already long list of driver-assisted safety features, the GT Line trim adds blind-spot collision warning, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. The MSRP for the GT Line is only $20,490.
EX
As opposed to the GT Line’s sporty feel, the EX is going for a more refined look with a more toned-down black gloss accenting the bumpers, grille, and spoiler, but it comes standard with a powered sunroof and chrome accents around the windows. All the interior features of the GT Line come with the EX, except the seats are synthetic leather trim, with the front seats being powered, heated, and ventilated. Dual-zone climate control, a smart trunk, and extra USB ports will increase the convenience of this trim. Additionally, you gain a UVO voice-activated navigation system. The MSRP for the EX is $22,090.
GT
Now at the top tier of trims, the GT is available with the upgraded turbocharged engine, which can be had as either dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters or manual transmission. Other exterior upgrades are the sport-tuned suspension with high-flow exhaust, the sporty red and black accents, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust pipes, and LED headlights with high beam assist.
On the interior, you gain the sporty seats with red stitching, ambient interior lighting, and a high-resolution meter cluster display. This trim also gains additional safety features like engine immobilization in case of attempted theft and parking distance warning while in reverse. Smart cruise control will round out the offerings for driver-assisted safety features added to the list from the other trim levels. The GT is available for an MSRP of $22,490.
The Fantastic Kia Forte
From the base trim to the turbocharged GT, any model of the Forte offers features most manufacturers charge far more to equip on their vehicles. Kia has found a way to provide buyers with a sporty sedan that’s fun to drive, safe for families, and has the tech connectivity modern lifestyles demand. Whether you want the fully tricked-out GT that corners with sticky sport tires or prefer the more modestly-priced FE with more features than most base trims, you really can’t go wrong.
Not only can you save on the price tag, but you save in the gas tank with a fuel-efficient vehicle, regardless of the engine. Kia Forte’s upper three trims also offer the choices of customizing options to suit the vehicle more to your own needs or style. The sunroof, stereo, spoiler, and navigation are just a few of the features you can mix and match to upgrade if you feel the need for more. If you’re in the market for a sedan, this may be the perfect fit for a modern upgrade without the high price. Take a Forte out for a spin to find out just how sporty, fun, and exciting this ride can be for you.
