2019 Kia Forte - Review & Road Test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- For 2019, the Kia Forte boasts all-new styling, fuel economy, handling and tech for a base price of $18,500 including destination charges. But can something at that price be good these days? The Kia folks, who turned out the phenom Stinger, seem pretty confident. Lyn Woodward from Kelley Blue Book takes the Forte for a spin to see how it all adds up.
For the latest Kia Forte pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/ki...
The Forte really is above it's competition, almost on par with the Honda Civic. Sadly, it doesn't get enough credit.
I'm getting 45mpg on the hills of Connecticut. Love this car!
Hi! How’s it lasting?
KIA is playing a long game with the Forte. It doesn't have to be the best possible entry in the compact sedan segment. It just has to be an attractive, competent, tech packed daily driver that appeals to young and other first time buyers. Most of that market segment doesn't know what a CVT is. As long as it shifts imperceptibly and doesn't drone, it's an automatic transmission. End of story. 0-60 mph? Who's counting? As long as it gets up to freeway speed in 9 seconds of less, it's quick enough, even peppy.
What does matter is purchase price, fuel economy, safety, and practicality. For those drowning in student loan debt and parents buying their kids a first car, even a few hundred dollars difference in a purchase price is important. A very well equipped car for less than $24K draws attention. For those paying for fuel and insurance at near entry level jobs, 40 MPG is a magic number. Forty MPG jumps off the window sticker to a potential customer. Thirty-nine mpg? Not so much. Parents buying their kid a first car LOVE safety and convenience features like lane keeping assist and automated emergency braking. (I know; I'm one of those parents.) Need an attractive car that will carry that massive load of stuff to and from college? Just look at what can be stuffed into the Forte.
But there's even more to this game from KIA's standpoint. Loyalty to automotive brands isn't what it used to be but it's still true that if a customer buys their first new car from a company and remain happy with it they're more likely to consider that brand when they move up to a second, a third, or a fourth vehicle. KIA can afford to make almost no profit from the Forte if they substantially improve their chances of selling an Optima, a Sportage, a Sorento, a Stinger, or whatever else they come up with as young buyers mature and their needs/desires change. Fond memories of a first car is a powerful sales tool. It might even tempt mom and dad to think about a KIA for their next purchase.
Stephen Hendricks well said, could not agree more. I am personally attached to any car brand as long as the specific car that I am buying is best bang for the buck and has a nice design along with other stuffs.
@S. D. H. You make a very good point. In fact, I think first time buyers and we more (ahem) mature drivers share some of the same priorities. Seniors, even those who've owned larger vehicles in the past, may prefer smaller vehicles as part of an overall downsizing lifestyle. Retirees, including prosperous retirees, are often dealing with stagnant or shrinking incomes and value reliability and economical operation as a result. Most folks become more risk averse as we age. The new safety systems are reassuring on that point.
I'm not sure what the sales statistics show but I've been struck by the fact that I see both older and much younger drivers in KIA Souls, a small and very popular KIA model that shares some of the characteristics with the Forte.
That "segment" you're referring to is likely going to do better buying an older used car. If you're struggling and need a new car, it's best to do your due diligence and find a well taken care of older model. I'm pretty sure adopting $15,000+ isn't a very wise decision if their motivating factor to buy a KIA is price/financial means. This is all marketing and we're buying right into it!!
@@matthews95_ Different strokes for different folks. Of course purchasing a carefully cared for low mileage used car can be a smart financial decision. But a KIA five year bumper to bumper and 10 year power train warranty delivers a lot of piece of mind to a purchase. Add to that the fact many buyers aren't equipped to evaluate a "well taken care of older model" vehicle, especially if they have no way to determine how a vehicle has been treated. A CPO vehicle may reduce those problems but it also reduces the price advantage of purchasing a used car in the first place. All in all, it's not just "marketing." There are rational arguments on both sides of the issue.
Stephen Hendricks couldn’t agree more with your comment. I’m 19 & Got myself a 2018 Forte LX model for 13k as a first car while I establish my credit enough to go for a Mustang without a co-signer. Not the most attractive car to young car guys but definitely gets you around & it’s tech is pretty sweet. No regrets on it whatsoever!
I bought a base model 2019 Forte. You mentioned the incredible gas mileage and abundant trunk space (even without lowering the back seats). The price for the base Forte is close to $20,000. I have no complaints or negative comments about this fabulous car.
Steve Ragan how are you liking it now? I’m looking to get one this weekend probably base as well
Would love an update as well
I noticed that a lot of these videos comparing Kias and Hyundais to other brands never mention that both these car companies provide 60 months bumper to bumper and 100k powertrain warranties along with 5 years free roadside assistance when Honda and Toyota don't. That alone gives the Hyundais and Kias a leg up in my book and I have owned a half dozen of each with never one issue. PS and if your going to buy a Prius Hybrid ask them if they have a LIFETIME warranty on their Hybrid battery like Hyundai's Ioniq hybrid which by the way beats the Prius MPG ratings and standard features
Don't forget to mention it's biggest strength, 10 year 100k mile warranty!!
With their first CVT, you will be needing it
Yea under strict measures of maintence with them. Hmm why do they need such a long warranty anyway?
I bought one today
@@garyphillips1860 after a year, how do you like it? What trim level did you get and what kind of fuel mileage are you getting?
@@Brian-jv8iy uhhhh my moms old 10 year old car had 29k miles... her car is usually parked in the garage
Being huge fans of brevity, we appreciate your short, concise and to the point reviews. Thank you.
I just bought this car (in red) I love it! Very stylish inside and out. I like to drive “normal mode” in the city... but in the freeway is where the fun begins. I put it in “sports mode” and my baby takes off! 💨 filled my tank with $40 and it lasted for 8 days. My job is about 18 miles from home...
One of the best looking compact cars out there. Handsome and not overstyled.
Daniel Arcure I have to agree 👍
Armrest is adjustable.. slides forward and back.she should know the car before she makes a complaint that doesn't exist.
My lxs model doesn’t have an adjustable armrest sooooo
Only the EX and S armrest adjusts, not the LXS or FE
i own a Forte GT and I only figured it out after 3 months of owning it.
Im a simple guy. I see kbb and press play.
zoom evolution same haha
I'm a simple guy. I see all these lame, repetitive "I'm a simple guy" comments and it makes me wanna puke.
@@theMLBfan i guess you puked after your comment right.
zoom evolution SAME!
Please create a compact sedan comparison comparing the Forte, new Elantra, new Civic, Corolla, Sentra, and Impreza.
How could you leave out the Golf and Mazda3
First of all the Golf isn’t even a compact sedan, so it’s not even in the right segment. The VW Jetta would be used instead. And I don’t care for the Golf and the Mazda3. So I left them out. Just like how you left out the Chevy Cruze, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus, and VW Jetta.
the new corolla hatch is amazing, so is the new sedan thats coming in six months
@@SilverScarletSpider Focus is pretty much a goner
Leave out the Sentra. Nissan CVT's are unreliable.
Heated vented front seats rear ac vents? All for $23k? Amazing
I really enjoy KBB reviews and it is cool to see the SFV landmarks in the background
Much better value and just as good reliability as Honda and Toyota and now matching mileage to boot. People should be looking at these more seriously, they are very good and reliable cars now!
That top trim level comes with some nice features for $23k. If they didn’t go to a CVT it would be worth a look.
you'll get over it...
Consider GT model, I bought it (came out earlier in Australia). I have it in a hatch which isn't out at all in the US yet but it's the same as sedan. GT get's a lot more features/performance and doesn't have a CVT. I love mine.
If T-Rex looked like that, I would date a T-Rex.
xxgg yikes
I actually test drove one of these and to be honest if your a simple no frills type of person the CVT isn't too bad, it gets the job done and the mpg is accurate even tho I had the car for only 6 hours. I will be doing a full review in the coming days when I get my tester back again. great review KBB
I hope Lyn realizes you can slide forward the arm rest, plus in sport mode the forte is decently fast , not only for passing bycycles .... this comes from a pretty satisfied owner of this car , 1 month in my garage 😎, in mexico the premium version is around the price of your entry version , but we lack some safety features like forward collision, lane detector , and the heating cooling seats 😔
At least you can bang the girlfriend of every Honda Civic owner.
GT model with a fastback(hatchback) choice and 201hp 1.6 turbo/7DCT just came out in Korea. Could be an interesting alternative to Elantra sport and other Hyundai/Kia 1.6 turbo cars, I think.
Yes! I always prefer the hatchback, and 7DCT just came to the rescue....what about the rear suspension? Independent I presume?
Yes. Every turbo model from them nowadays uses IRS, it looks like. Elantra Sport, Elantra GT, Veloster... even Kona(AWD model only tho). Way better than the old Veloster and Forte Koup.
I had a '16 Forte5 SX but didn't have IRS and had horrible steer hop, so I traded in for Fiesta ST... hoping the new gen of Forte5, at least SX Turbo version gets IRS like the Elantra GT Sport!
Came out in Australia a while ago too. Bought the hatch (sedan comes in GT too though) and I LOVE IT!!! It was on a MASSIVE sale which was great considering the huge lost of feature's and surprising performance. BTW, in Australia it has IRS and it's tuned by a special group just for our roads :)
Why Kia has decided to implement CVT? They have good 7-DCTs.
Fuel economy
They'll use DCT for GT and Disel models
They'll use DCT for GT and Disel models
They are starting to divide their gas powertrain lineup with
1. Port injected NA w/ Auto/CVT
2. Direct injected Turbo w/ DCT.
A fair choice, in my opinion. DCT isn't really for everyone. Overall clunkyness at lower speeds(way better than manual, but still not comparable with TC auto), cooling problems on track/heavy traffic, higher cost/maintenance, etc.
Because CVT is the perfect transmission for cars.
Well, There I was minding my own business when I see a VIDEO from KBB pop up. I CLICKED it so Fast I forgot to get comfortable first. My Bad. You are the Forte of reviewers for sure.
Give me this Kia in a 2.0 Turbo engine to match the GTI. Interior is beautiful so a big plus there. Great review Lyn!
The GT version will come in summer 2019 with independent rear suspension, the 1.6 Ltr turbo from the Soul offering 201 HP/195 Ft LB of torque. The key is it will be available with a proper 6 speed manual or the 7 speed DSG.
I can't wait. 😍
Just got 2019 Kia Forte from a previous 2014 n I love it.
I'm considering getting a 2019 Kia Forte LXS. The dealership is offering it to me for $15,500 plus TTL.
Good choice great car
Gilbert Galvan dang really? I went to today and wanted it for 16,000 out the door and they said no lol
lamar bennet Agreed :)
We have the same version in Australia under the name of Cerato and trim level Sport+. Almost exactly like-for-like with this one except has standard automatic transmission, no CVT. A fantastic car, with hatch and sedan options here and I absolutely love mine :)
beautiful interior.
K P Agreed! Wouldn't mind having this car as my daily.
Best looking compact sedan at the moment for sure!
Because it is KIA, for sure will be a very good car, reliable, and worth every penny.
Thank you for your review.
I’ve been driving one while my company car is getting new brakes.
While, I normally can’t stand Kia or Hyundai. I got to say they did a really good job making it handle and drive like a sports sedan. Acceleration isn’t too bad either at least compared to my daily driver, Subaru Impreza.
BUT! There are still some build quality issues. The forte I had only had 26,000 miles and the cruise control broke during my time with it.
Also, for some reason, it kept on flashing a warning sign to buckle up my front passenger seat, all I had was my smart phone and tablet resting on the bottom cushion.
I want to like the forte, but from a reliability and build quality standpoint, I don’t for see this car outlasting its warranty period. I’m going to stay with my Subaru Impreza
100K Power Terrain warranty is the selling point for me.
I have the 2020 LXS (it’s not as nice as this EX) but I still love it. It’s got everything I need. I do wish it had the Blindspot warning and the heated and cooled seats, but other than that, it drives well, gets 29-33 MPG in mostly stop and go traffic. Mine is in the same gray color. It’s not the fanciest, but it gets you where you need to go without using too much fuel and nice creature comforts.
Lyn, I have short arms and was concerned with the arm rest until I learned it was adjustable. It made all the difference. I just leased the 2019 Kia Forte EX yesterday. I wish it had more horsepower and their Launch Edition came in a different color than orange (just can't do orange). However, it's a MASSIVE improvement over the 2016 Nissan Versa SV I had.
If you want more power you should of waited for the GT model.
I would choose the Forte over the Corolla but would have to drive the Civic & Forte back to back. I quite like the design of it.
Lash195 I have the Corolla and looking to switch to forte not too impressed with corolla
Just so you know the arm rest does extend out, but I don't know if your short T-Rex arts would reach it still.
2:21 The model we get here in Egypt literally has none of these “standard” features
I'm glad she actually knows what she's talking about
Have it as a rental for two days now.Not bad.Quiet.Put into sport and you could have some fun.Suspension so far is fine.It does have a slightly floaty feel to it,but getting use to it.Do not how confident I will feel in it in snow conditions.Lots of leg room in the front drivers seat.
Cerato/Forte GT. I bought Cerato GT Hatch and it's amazing :)
Love KBB and Lyn. One thing though. On most car reviews these days, they review a car with a CVT, and complain about CVT’s. Then they say, but this one isn’t that bad. Every time.
Love you Lyn! Keep up the good work.
"My T-Rex arms" 😂
Nice review.
😂
11 Kia Forte was my first car horrible at the time but I would love this one
Where's that other funny dude?
Yes funny dude makes it alot more entertaining
TheCarGuy786 You mean Micah?
My next car! For sure
Alex Blanquet I'm thinking about getting it too! Looks awesome :)
Awesome review by Lyn as always. This is such a good student car. I wish it came in orange, purple and lime green.
Fahad Khalid Yeah, purple would be nice. Go Ravens!
In my country, Australia they released this model a while ago + the hatch version. Both of those come in a fancier GT model (1.6Turbo etc) and the GT's are offered in orange.
Great review. But why the too-dour black over black dash? How about a little bit of that 2-tone on the dash as well?
That statement “ as per the kia drives in a 1/4 mile it’s not going to take anything except a bicycle🚲” ha ha ha nailed it 😂😂😂
That changes with the GT though :)
How tall are you? Would be nice to have a point of reference
I'm 5'8 and have plenty of room front and back
I’m 6’2 I sat in this car and I was shocked how comfortable I was
Liked the report. Car seems fine. The audio is not right. Lyn's voice comes out grating or even piercing and I know from other segments that's not true. Otherwise great.
Handsome auto-mo-beee-lll (Tall guy from "Simpsons" episode). Good job, Lyn
I really don't like the rear turn signals down low in the bumper. They're too low for turn signals and if you get hit, the lights will the be the first to break. That means a very expensive fender bender.
Love my 2018 Forte, not many differences between the 2019
I want this car. I have the 2016 and it has been a great car.
Trade it in.
I agree, a 2.0/2.4 with a turbo would be much more perfer able than the 1.6. don't get me wrong the 1.6 was fun (when I had my forte 5)
What about the Recalls, what were The most expensive issues?
The Honda Civic and to lesser extent the Toyota Corolla are still the top dog compact sedan car to beat, but dollar for dollar, the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra Sport superb on their own way. And if you don’t drive often and can land a good deal, you could also do well in a new Nissan Sentra
Great review
Waiting for the Fifte
Why is the new 19 VW Jetta not included as a competitor....? Because it is, and a strong one at that. Also non cvt and great style
Faint praise indeed. Basically 'it's not as crap as the last model, but c'mon, it's a Kia with a CVT' . Although I'm astonished you can get all the safety and driving features in a car for $23k! The design is pretty good too!
Funny they cut hp by 20 and dumped the gdi engine. I wonder why? I'll tell you, I had a 2014 gdi ex and it was quick and nice on the interior. At 52000 miles I had problems. It's my 3rd Hyundai Kia product and the biggest letdown. I spent my 24000 on a 2018 Camry xle. Never looked back
All that tech but it still comes with a manual parking brake rather than a electronic one
I really like this car
Kia better bring the K3 GT hatchback version to North America!
Got mine as a 6 speed manual for 16k great commuter car
Remember the Kia Pride?
Owners called it the " Kia Shame ".
Kia has come a looong way from just a cheaper crapbox version of a Hyundai to budget option if you can't afford a Toyota/Honda, then to Toyota/Honda alternative, and now stands proudly next to mass-market brands that have brand prestige like Mazda, Subaru, Volvo, and Volkswagen.
Another TH-cam video shows that the EX trim armrest does slide forward.
Nice looking car.
حنينة و راقية الفورتي ، العشق
Ugh its good looking! Miss the sedans the US have. In sweden its only wagons and hatchbacks :/
You have a different one for Europe (Ceed and Proceed) right?
The center console does extend out. Nice try Rex!!
Fort? Even without music or Romance language training, how would someone not know the name of this car by now?
This is a step backwards for Kia. CVT and torsion rear beam suspension has me looking elsewhere. Veloster Turbo is looking perfect
Hahaha now that's contradictory. Turbo? With more moving parts and long term headaches?
that makes no sense at all.. four door sedan vs Veloster , you must be a kid..
Cerato/Forte GT. I bought it, 1.6Turbo, 7DCT, IRS etc. Should come to US/Canada soon. I have a Cerato GT hatch in Australia.
I will assume that the Kia Forte5 will also get the new look also.
Yes, look up 2019 Cerato Hatch.
The 1.6 turbo (out of the Forte5) would work wonders with the IVT.
1.6Turbo models have DCT (Dual clutch transmission). I own the new Cerato GT hatch 2019. Look it up :)
The new look Forte is not that far off from being as big as its big brother:The Optima, not the Stinger.
I like her reviews and Mika’s
0:38 yah $18,000 and you get a pull start lol
She does a damn good job
Hyundai should just stick to there 6 speeds
The know their market. Most people that know why and how CVT’s aren’t a good fit for us won’t buy this car. Kia is trying to market to those that care about Fuel Economy/basic commuting and don’t care much for handling/performance. Those that do can opt for the Hyundai Elantra Sport with a DCT and 200+ hp turbo engine. I know which one is choose but I also know a plethora of other people who’d much rather have the less fancy Kia Forte.
Esta bellísimo el auto , buen trabajo de Kia
gabriel siria levario I agree :)
The wheels kinda look like the one from Lexus IS F Sport
To bad the only way to get more options is in the launch edition in "fire orange" color.
So when will it be the Optima's turn for a redesign
Next year
I think likely 2021. The last gen Optima came out in 2016, it hasn't had a refresh yet
I like it's modern and a little old school.
From the video you can notice the car shakes up and down frequently in good quality road!! That would be very annoying... for me at least!
Did she know she can move the front armrest forward
Looks good but is it fun to drive
I’ve driven a gt line in my experience it was fun to drive it absorb pot holes in the road much better than the last generation. I have a 2016 and the only complaint I have is how it drives over bumps this is an improvement and I live the newer ones I may just need to get more tires to help that out
Woah that's one nice sedan... I wanna buy that...
I love the interior of this car. I'd be all over it if it had a little more leg room
That rear end... 2019 Avalon anyone?
Ohh if they add a performance model 🤔🤔
They do. SX turbo.
It has been released in many other countries as GT, however that might be different for the US. I live in Australia and bought a 2019 Cerato GT hatch, look it up!
It did until it adopted the Continuously Very Terrible (CVT) transmission. 🤦♂️
I want to test drive yours
No mention of the upcoming SX with the (presumed) 1.6t, manual, and IRS?
Osoji what is IRS?
@@alexjohn5251 independent rear suspension
In every country it's called GT so I presume in US/Canada it will be GT. I now own a 2019 Cerato GT hatch, look it up :) It's LOVELY www.kia.com/au/cars/cerato-hatch/features.html
They claim 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. If true, it makes a practical family car.
What if it was 15.2 though?
Yes to answer your question, it's price point is one of its Forte! really not that hard..do better.
Hahahahaaa! Arm rest check and Micah mentioned in almost the same breath!!
Another excellent KBB Review... Time to grab the blueberry flavored popcorn. Keep it up!