2021 Kia Forte

History/Overview

The Forte has been Kia's compact sedan for generations, and has been, well, a forte for the company. It has offered strong value in what was once Canada's most competitive auto segment. While the car segment has cooled, Kia's efforts have not and this is still a strong contenter offering both sedan and hatchbacks (see the listing for Forte5) as well as a performance model.

What's New

New just the year before, the Kia Forte marches into 2021 with no changes of note.

Available Trims

Kia offers the Forte in six trim levels, beginning with the LX. Above that sit EX, EX+, EX Premium, GT, and GT Limited. All but the GT trims get a 147 hp four-cylinder with the LX offering a manual and the rest a CVT. GT models get a 201 hp 1.6L four and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Standard Features

Base is relative in 2021, and even Kia Forte LX offers a height-adjustable driver seat (with heating), tilt and telescope leather-wrapped wheel, AC, 8.0-inch touschscreen infotainment, keyless entyr, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

EX adds wireless phone charging and 16-inch alloys. It has a heated wheel, and adds lane keep assist, blind spot detection, collision avoidance assist, and rear cross traffic alerts. EX+ adds LED head and taillights plus a sunroof while EX Premium gets Kia UVO infoatinament and connected car tech, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, and adaptive cruise with advanced forward collision assist.

GT and GT Limited are the performance models, with the more powerful engine, 18-inch alloyws, body kit, dual exhaust, and sports suspension. GT has sports seats and sport steering wheel, while limited adds air cooled front buckets and Harman Kardon audio.

Key Options

The only options here are to pick your colour.

Fuel Economy

MT LX models are rated to get 8.6 L/100 km city, 6.4 highway while all CVT models are 7.8/5.9. GT trim cars have an estimate of 8.7/6.6

Competition

The Kia Forte competes with the Honda Civic, Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra as well as the Toyota Corolla, making this segment a fraction of what it was just a few years ago.