Kia Forte continues to climb in esteem

Roseville, Calif. – Redesigned two years ago, the Kia Forte got noticed right away. There was a lot to like – it was longer, lower and wider than previous models, and the result was a roomier interior, which is always a good thing for a compact vehicle.

Almost universally across the board, Kia keeps improving its brand. The 2017 Kia Forte, an impressive compact, is just one of the examples.

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

Many savvy car-shoppers noticed the 2014 Forte looked quite different with more curves and angular lines, a lower roofline, and new grille design. It was the sharpest looking Forte – ever! This year’s model received an updated front-end styling and the Forte hatchback is now equipped with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission, replacing last year’s more traditional automatic.

2017 Kia Forte

• Performance: 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, 147 horsepower; 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 164 horsepower; turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, 201 horsepower
• Mileage estimate range: 25-37 mpg   
• Price: $16,490 to $21,200
• Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance 5 years/60,000; corrosion 5 years/100,000

The Forte, which is offered in a sedan, coupe or hatchback, provides a generous list of standard features in the base model, including Bluetooth and an iPod interface; xenon headlights, a voice command system, keyless ignition/entry, six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and USB/iPod/auxiliary input jacks. The standard equipment also includes heated front and rear seats, a very unexpected nicety.

Although the Forte remains a commuter car, the 2017 version has fairly good performance for its class. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. For more power, the EX is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that delivers 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. A third option is the turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. However, note that none of these Forte engines excels in the fuel economy. The average tops out at 38 mpg.

Also note that there is lots of competition. The Ford Focus is much improved and the Mazda 3 continues to do well. And both offer better fuel economy. The Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta are also strong competitors, along with the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra, which is somewhat of a Forte knockoff.

Never something to be overlooked, Kia (and Hyundai) give the best warranties in the industry. The Forte has a general warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance 5 years/60,000; and corrosion 5 years/100,000.

The Forte is still not considered sporty, but it does offer a nice composed, quiet ride. The automatic transmission goes through its gear changes with efficiency and very little noise. The steering and handling will leave the driver feeling confident.

Also to be admired is the Forte interior, which is highlighted by a handsome cabin that has a fair amount of soft-touch material. There’s good leg and head room for all occupants and the trunk space is generous for the class at 14.9 cubic feet.

We’re a big fan of the 2017 Kia Forte, which features many admirable qualities. It offers comfort, solid performance, looks good, and is still a pretty good bargain, although the sticker price continues to rise. It short, the Forte delivers both economy and value.