2015 Kia Forte

What Is the 2015 Kia Forte?

The 2015 Kia Forte is a five-seat, front-wheel-drive compact car that competes with the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla. It is offered in LX, EX, and SX trim levels. The LX is available only as a sedan, the EX is offered as either a sedan or hatchback and the SX is hatchback-only. There is also a two-door model called the Forte Koup, covered separately.

What's New on the 2015 Kia Forte?

Both of the Forte's powertrain options have been refined to offer improved mpg ratings.

How Does the 2015 Kia Forte Compare to Other Compact Cars?

The 2015 Kia Forte's trunk is generous for a compact sedan, offering a healthy 14.9 cubic feet to outdo competitors like the Honda Civic (12.5), Ford Focus (13.2) and Hyundai Elantra (14.8). The Chevrolet Cruze (15.4) offers slightly more. In terms of features, the Forte is able to hang with the other top models in the class. But where the 2015 Kia Forte really shines is in its ride quality, which is a big step up from previous models, in addition to offering better sound insulation than the Hyundai Elantra.

What Features in the 2015 Kia Forte Are Most Important?

The 2015 Forte comes standard with a 145-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The EX comes with a 173-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 201-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder comes in the SX. A six-speed automatic transmission is available. Every Forte comes with front-wheel drive.

Significant standard features include 15-inch steel wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, heated side mirrors, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, a 60/40-split folding backseat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and a CD audio system with MP3 and USB jacks. Notable available features include high-intensity-discharge headlights, LED accent lights, fog lights, a power moonroof, a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory functions, heated front and rear seats, a ventilated driver's seat, a heated steering wheel, push-button start, a navigation system, cruise control and a 4.2-inch color screen in the instrument panel.

As required in all new cars of this model year, every 2015 Kia Forte comes equipped with an electronic stability system, front airbags and antilock brakes. The Forte also comes standard with side curtain airbags and front side-impact airbags. A backup camera is available.

Should I Buy the 2015 Kia Forte?

Don't be surprised by outdated associations of its brand name: The 2015 Kia Forte offers surprisingly good quality throughout, such that it easily competes with the biggest names in the compact class, including the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze. The generosity of its interior dimensions and features are just one more argument in favor of this car's impressive value.

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