- The 2023 Kia Forte is one of the most stylish affordable compact cars inside and out, with cabin design elements borrowed from more expensive models
- Pricing starts at $19,690 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Kia Forte models for sale near you
There are a lot of very similar compact cars. The 2023 Kia Forte is a little more distinctive than most. With sharp looks outside and an upscale feel inside, it’s more design-forward than most.
The Forte was dramatically remodeled for the 2022 model year, so Kia hasn’t seen fit to change much for 2023. But that leaves the Forte as one of the most tasteful choices in its class.
Buyers can choose from five trim levels. LX, LXS, and GT-Line models all get the same 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. It’s a typical powertrain for the class and will efficiently get you where you’re going.
But Kia offers buyers a choice of engines – something not every affordable brand does. An optional 201-horsepower turbocharged engine comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the Forte GT. Or it’s offered with a 6-speed manual in the GT Manual.
Let’s take a look inside the 2023 Forte.
Passenger Room and Comfort
Kia kicked off a trend the last time it redesigned the Forte entirely, for the 2019 model year. They made it significantly more spacious than many rivals.
Those rivals took the hint and have caught up. Today’s Forte has largely similar cabin measurements to most of its competitors – a little more headroom than a Mazda3 and a little more shoulder room than a Volkswagen Jetta. But it’s not exceptionally spacious in any one area because most of today’s compact cars are bigger than those of prior generations.
One disappointing note – every trim level gets the same 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat as standard equipment. A 10-way power adjustable seat with lumbar adjustment is available on GT-Line and GT models.
GT Manual Fortes get heated front seats. GT and GT-Line editions get the option of heated and ventilated thrones.
Features and Tech
For an affordable compact car, the Forte has a nice list of available technologies.
Base LX models get an 8-inch central touchscreen, but other trim levels get a more impressive 10.25 inches. Better yet, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment at every trim level. In these days of easy distraction, smartphone integration is a safety feature. Kia understands that and doesn’t charge extra for it.
Wireless phone charging is available on the GT-Line and standard on the GT and GT Manual.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is included on the GT-Line, GT, and GT Manual editions.
Every Forte gets remote keyless entry with a vehicle immobilizer. Higher trims add a smart key and remote start capability.
There are three available audio systems. LX and LXS models get basic entertainment with a 4-speaker system. GT-Line and GT models get six speakers as standard equipment. They also have the option of a more impressive Harman Kardon premium setup with eight speakers, 320 watts, and an integrated subwoofer. It’s the only audio system that ships on the GT Manual edition.
Materials and Design
Kia designers have been outdoing themselves in recent years. The Forte hasn’t benefited from everything they can do – it lacks the cool twin-screen look of other new Kia designs. But it’s put together in an attractive way, and we like how the central infotainment screen is mounted high so the driver can glance at various functions without looking down from the road.
The driver gets traditional gauges instead of a modern display screen, but a 4.2-inch display set between them gives you some flexibility in what information you see.
Woven cloth seats are standard on the LX and LXS trim. GT-Line, GT, and GT Manual editions get Syntex upholstery. Syntex is Kia’s synthetic leather substitute. Kia says it’s more durable than real leather. We find it easier to clean.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The 2023 Kia Forte offers 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. That’s more than a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Designers managed to make the trunk huge without compromising on sporty looks.
Kia no longer offers a hatchback version of the Forte in America. Hatchback lovers should note that the company still builds its Forte5 hatchback for the Canadian market, so there’s always hope it may return to our shores if there’s enough demand.
Build and price your own version of the 2023 Kia Forte to see this week’s KBB Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or check out Forte models for sale near you
