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Kia Forte

4/5 Safety rating
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$18,764
Avg. listing price

Our Expert's Take

By Cars.com Editors

The 2023 Kia Forte is a tech-rich small sedan that's powered by a frugal 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine or zippy 201-hp, turbo four-cylinder in the GT trim. The Forte features a spacious cabin and standard safety tech like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. While performance with the base engine is mediocre, the Forte delivers great overall value. Read full review

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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX IVT
    Avg. price
    $17,250
    MPG
    30 City / 41 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • LXS IVT
    Avg. price
    $17,783
    MPG
    28 City / 39 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • GT-Line IVT
    Avg. price
    $19,674
    MPG
    28 City / 39 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • GT DCT
    Avg. price
    $20,594
    MPG
    27 City / 35 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • GT Manual
    Avg. price
    $20,594
    MPG
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs

Notable features

  • Five-seat compact sedan
  • Manual or automatic transmission
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • 201-hp, turbocharged GT trim

The good & the bad

The good

  • Interior design and materials
  • Sleek exterior design
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Many active-safety features
  • Solid value

The bad

  • Sloped roofline limits headroom
  • Modest performance with base engine
  • Difficult-to-access lower Latch anchors for car seats
See all specifications

Expert 2023 Kia Forte review

Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article

What Is the 2023 Kia Forte?

The 2023 Kia Forte is offered in four trims (LX, LXS, GT-Line and GT) and is pitted against other small sedans like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla. The standard powertrain consists of a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. It’s a good choice for fuel economy, but straight-line speed is not its (ahem) forte. A zippier 201-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder powers the GT trim, which can be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual. If you plan on toting little ones around on a regular basis, be sure to check out how the Forte fared in our Car Seat Check.

What’s New on the 2023 Kia Forte?

After receiving a design refresh and infotainment upgrade last year, the Kia Forte sees no notable changes for 2023.   

What Features in the 2023 Kia Forte Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • Cloth seats 
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Driver drowsiness monitor
  • Lane departure warning
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure steering assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

Available features include:

  • Alloy wheels
  • Power moonroof
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Simulated leather upholstery
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
  • Rear automatic braking

Should I Buy the 2023 Kia Forte?

The 2023 Kia Forte is perfect for anyone who wants an ample supply of tech and safety features without having to load on pricey option packages or climb to more expensive trim levels. While the Forte’s base four-cylinder is frugal on gas, performance on tap is mediocre; the optional turbo four, however, gives the Forte some get up and go. There’s ample space for adults in the first and second rows, and the cabin itself is filled with quality trim pieces.

2023 Kia Forte review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2023 Kia Forte?

The 2023 Kia Forte is offered in four trims (LX, LXS, GT-Line and GT) and is pitted against other small sedans like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla. The standard powertrain consists of a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. It’s a good choice for fuel economy, but straight-line speed is not its (ahem) forte. A zippier 201-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder powers the GT trim, which can be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual. If you plan on toting little ones around on a regular basis, be sure to check out how the Forte fared in our Car Seat Check.

What’s New on the 2023 Kia Forte?

After receiving a design refresh and infotainment upgrade last year, the Kia Forte sees no notable changes for 2023.   

What Features in the 2023 Kia Forte Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • Cloth seats 
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Driver drowsiness monitor
  • Lane departure warning
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure steering assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

Available features include:

  • Alloy wheels
  • Power moonroof
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Simulated leather upholstery
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
  • Rear automatic braking

Should I Buy the 2023 Kia Forte?

The 2023 Kia Forte is perfect for anyone who wants an ample supply of tech and safety features without having to load on pricey option packages or climb to more expensive trim levels. While the Forte’s base four-cylinder is frugal on gas, performance on tap is mediocre; the optional turbo four, however, gives the Forte some get up and go. There’s ample space for adults in the first and second rows, and the cabin itself is filled with quality trim pieces.

Safety review

Based on the 2023 Kia Forte base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
Combined side rating front seat
Combined side rating rear seat
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
Overall side crash rating
Rollover rating
Side barrier rating
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
10.7%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
10.7%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Dealer certification
135 Point Inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

76% of drivers recommend this car
Based on 25 reviews
Write a review
Comfort
3.9
Interior
3.9
Performance
3.8
Value
3.9
Exterior
4.2
Reliability
3.9

Most recent

  • By Peyton from Champaign IL
    Owns this car
    March 16, 2025

    Bought the vehicle new in October of 2023.

    Bought the vehicle new in October of 2023. Now it’s March of 2025. Have yet to have an issue🤞though have heard of common problems many have had. I’ve put roughly 20 k miles on the car in a year and a half (mostly interstate driving). Technology package is lovely and the vehicle has an overall stylish feel. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that you’re buying a 20k dollar vehicle from 2023. It’s plastics galore in there, so, though stylish, the material quality isn’t the best. If you’re someone who takes care of your things, you shouldn’t have an issue! Use the maintenance schedule found in the Owner’s manual and this vehicle should get you where you’re going for a reasonable amount of years. That being said, if you’re trying to decide between and LX[S] and GT (not including GT-Line), choose the GT. Though you’re paying a little extra, you get a standard transmission with real gears (the car has more power than you’d think too) rather than the CVT found in the LX[S] (and GT-line). CVT tech has greatly improved within recent years, but they’re still known to be problematic at times. All in all, this generation of Kia seems to be more reliable than most previous gens. Definitely a real deal competitor with the carolla/civic and worth the consideration!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    3.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    3.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By UpSet from Gettysburg PA
    Owns this car
    March 4, 2025

    I will never buy a Kia again.

    I will never buy a Kia again. My car is about a year old (2023), and already has major issues most likely caused by a faulty transmission. Ive have three instances where my Kia Forte won't start or if I put it in FORWARD it goes backwards. I have taken my Kia Forte to the dealership several times only to be told they can't replicate the problem. This morning I had my car towed to the Kia Dealership and the tow truck driver verified my Kia Forte is not working. I am very disappointed and I will never recommend or buy another Kia. The dealership claims they can't replicate the issue but I just googled the issue and many Kia owners have this problem.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    3.0
    Interior
    2.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    3.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    3 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Imus Kline
    Owns this car
    May 30, 2024

    Bought a 2023 forte gt-line for my daughter.

    Bought a 2023 forte gt-line for my daughter. We have had the car for 13months and have driven about 12,000 miles. I honestly cannot believe the 1star reviews, nor should you. I was a loyal Honda fanboy for over 30 years before I bought this Kia. I bought a totally loaded Forte non turbo for a hair under 25k with a crazy good warranty. Why not? I figured. 13 months and 12k miles later it rides better, has more power and is quieter than the day we bought it! Zero issues with anything. No squeaks, rattles or interior flaws. Sadly no tire wear. I cannot wait to replace the Kuhmos it came with. It handles great and is fun to drive. My wife calls it “a peppy little thing”. And she drives a CX-5 turbo or my 5.7 liter ram. Over 40 mpg on highway and mid 30s driving around town. This is a fine car. Not a cheap version Hyundai. Much nicer IMHO than the Hyundai. For those knocking the resale… run the numbers and try to buy one as cheap as you say you sold yours for. The Harmon Kardon stereo sounds awesome! This is one of my favorite purchases because its value continues to surprise me. And they give a $500.00 military discount. Don’t buy based on my opinions go test drive one! Test drives are free. Go to carvanna or get on car gurus and see how cheap you can buy one a year or two old used one for.
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Telles
    Owns this car
    May 26, 2024

    I purchased my GT turbo - automatic in 2021 as 2022 model

    I purchased my GT turbo - automatic in 2021 as 2022 model and my only regret was that didn’t wait for the cooling seats package. Great looking vehicle with above average performance and great fuel efficiency. It’s one of the best affordable sports sedans in the market and one of the few where you can actually fit a 6’ adult in the backseat. I’m looking to add another with my desired package soon.
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Larry from HONESDALE
    Owns this car
    February 13, 2024

    affordable, stylish, competative

    Bought my Forte Gt line at Mathews of Blakley Kia, great salesman ship, i had Dylan, he was very knowledgeable. My Forte is beautiful paid under 23000. and got a car with alot of options other dealers would have charged you for looks great and performs well, i have read other reveiws that slam the kia brand but they have come a long way
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    4.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Alfred from Lenexa, Kansas
    Owns this car
    January 29, 2024

    Love my Kia Forte LXS w/ Technology Package.

    I bought this vehicle in February of 2023. I have approximately 9,000 miles on it and it has performed flawlessly. It is very easy to drive and gets great gas mileage. Mine is Red (currant red) with black interior.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Sandra from Oregon
    Used to own this car
    January 8, 2024

    LEMON, LEMON, LEMON

    Bad reputation vehicles. Don't hold there value, and the cvt transmission sucks. It's not a good idea buying this car. I, had mine for one year, and sold it out right. I, took the money and ran away from this forte Gt. Bad resale value reputation!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    1.0
    Interior
    1.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    1.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    12 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jessica from Oregon
    Owns this car
    January 7, 2024

    It's a forte Gt-Line just like the Kia Rio

    Walk away from buying this car. It's a terrible resale value reputation vehicle. Kia has a good warranty, but the value of this car is the bad side. Suspension is cheap, with under steer. Brakes are cheap, transmission is a cheap cvt. I, wouldn't recommend this car to anyone. I, bought mine new 2023 and it was a mistake. That's why I already sold mine the first year of owner ship.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    1.0
    Interior
    1.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    1.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jerry from NJ
    Owns this car
    January 3, 2024

    Good value. Great car.

    Got my LXS April 23. Really like this car. Comfortable seats, easy to drive. Took a while getting used to all the settings but I know it all well now. Great gas mileage. Good looking car in Royal Blue. Quick enough for an old guy(69) and I do get some looks from younger drivers when I get in or out. My neighbors still compliment me on it. I recommend the Kia Forte LXS.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    4.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    2 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Gina from Montana
    Owns this car
    December 29, 2023

    No a good sedan

    I, wouldn't buy this car!! It's just an overpriced lemon waiting to happen. These cars are no better than a cheap hyundai. They don't hold there value, they are not comfortable especially on longer road trips. They intend to have issues, always taking it to service.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    1.0
    Interior
    1.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    1.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Piper from Jacksonville Florida
    Owns this car
    December 24, 2023

    Excelente car

    excellent fuel efficient car very pleasant to drive if you want luxury look for a BMW or Mercedes this car is very reliable and functional.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    0 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Tanner from Washington
    Owns this car
    December 20, 2023

    Kia , Hyundai are just cheaply made vehicles

    New car already having problems with the tail lights getting moisture buildup, and headlights. Gas mileage not that good. Transmission is a cheap cvt. Scary feeling the way it shifts. Seats are really uncomfortable. Stereo is garbage, no good sounding speakers. This is the Gt-Line. Just a piece of junk car that doesn't hold it's value for very long.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    1.0
    Interior
    1.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    1.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Latest Forte stories

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Kia dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2023 Kia Forte?

The 2023 Kia Forte is available in 4 trim levels:

  • GT (2 styles)
  • GT-Line (1 style)
  • LX (1 style)
  • LXS (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2023 Kia Forte?

The 2023 Kia Forte offers up to 30 MPG in city driving and 41 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2023 Kia Forte?

The 2023 Kia Forte compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?

The 2023 Kia Forte has an average reliability rating of 3.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2023 Kia Forte owners.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2023 Kia Forte. 76.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.9 / 5
Based on 25 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.9
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 3.8
  • Value: 3.9
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 3.9

Kia Forte history

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