2022 Kia Forte Refreshed With More Tech, Slightly New Looks

Kia is freshening up its Forte compact sedan for the 2022 model year with some light style updates, new tech and the discontinuation of the EX trim. The styling changes are minor, but the tech changes — including safety tech updates — should help the Forte compete in a still-crowded segment of compact sedans, including the redesigned Honda Civic.

Related: 2020 Kia Forte GT Review: Basically Fun

Minor Cosmetic Changes

The 2022 Forte offers four trim levels (FE, LXS, GT-Line and GT) and wears an updated version of Kia’s “tiger nose” grille, plus a new headlight design. The range-topping GT and GT-Line trims also get sportier-looking rear taillights, as well as a new foglight design. Other visual changes include new 16-inch wheels for the LXS, new 17s for the GT-Line and a new trunk lid spoiler on all models.

Same Powertrains

Forte buyers will have the same choice of two engines for the 2022 model year. The FE, LXS and GT-Line will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pounds-feet of torque; it’s paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. In the FE, that powertrain is EPA-rated at 31/41/35 mpg city/highway/combined, while the agency rates the LXS and GT-Line at 33 mpg combined.

For the sportiest experience, the Forte GT returns with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The turbo four, which makes 201 hp and 195 pounds-feet, can pair with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Combined fuel economy for the GT is 30 mpg with the automatic or 26 mpg with the manual.

New Technology, for Comfort and Safety

The Forte’s technology suite gets a boost for 2022, with a new standard 4.2-inch gauge display replacing 2021’s 3.5-inch unit. FE and LXS models retain an 8-inch touchscreen that now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Move up to the GT-Line or the GT and the touchscreen grows to 10.25 inches, but both CarPlay and Auto revert to wired operation (similar to how things work with the larger touchscreens from corporate cousin Hyundai).

As for safety tech, the standard automatic emergency braking adds standard pedestrian detection and optional cyclist detection, and hands-on lane-centering steering is newly standard, as well. Available blind spot mitigations now include selective braking, not just warnings, to help mitigate a collision. Automatic rear cross-traffic detection with automatic emergency braking is also optional.

Other newly available features include updates to the available adaptive cruise control that can adjust to posted speed limits and use the navigation system to preemptively slow the Forte before curves, plus a new safe-exit warning system that will alert occupants to approaching hazards as they attempt to exit the vehicle.

Forward collision warning, driver attention warning and lane departure warning with steering assist remain standard.

More From Cars.com:

• How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2021 Kia Forte?
• Which New Cars Have Manual Transmissions?
• Here Are the 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now
• 2021 Kia Forte Vs. 2021 Hyundai Elantra: Which Should You Buy?
• Which Compact Sedan Has the Best Value?

Pricing and Release Date

Full pricing for the 2022 Forte is below; all prices include an unchanged $995 destination fee.

• FE: $20,085 ($300 increase)
• LXS: $20,585 ($200 increase)
• GT-Line: $22,285 ($800 increase)
• GT (dual-clutch automatic): $24,485 ($700 increase)
• GT (manual): $25,485 ($1,100 increase)

Interestingly, the Forte GT is still more expensive with the manual transmission, whereas in most cars, the row-your-own choice is cheaper.

The 2022 Forte remains more affordable than both the redesigned 2022 Honda Civic, which starts at over $22,000, and the 2022 Toyota Corolla, which has a starting price over $21,000.

Related Video:

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.