SUMMARY
It’s surprising to find a classy-looking sedan within an affordable price range. It’s a whole other matter if that same sedan comes with a decently packed set of features. The 2022 Kia Forte is a perfect example of such a vehicle as it comes with all that and a bit more. Although its powertrain is quite anemic when compared to its sportier rivals, we feel that it carves out a niche for buyers that just want more value with their purchase. This 2022 Kia Forte review will look into the different specs and features that give it a good shot at being a value-oriented sedan.
LATEST
The 2022 Kia Forte has been given a brand-new refresh in both its exterior and interior elements. First, it has some new bumpers and even a front grille that fits the new aesthetic of the company. There are also additional wheel designs and lighting options for buyers to go for. Regarding its interior, a new infotainment touchscreen has been unveiled as an optional feature on certain models. There are also additional driver-assistance features like cruise control technology and lane-following assists that have been fitted onto several trim levels. The new parking brake has also caused the center console to be moved slightly to accommodate the new dimensions.
ESTIMATED PRICE
The 2022 Kia Forte price point varies depending on the trim level that you choose to go for. With 5 different levels available, we feel that each of the 2022 Kia Forte configurations has its own merits depending on what you’re looking for and the budget you’re fielding. Our top model right now is the GT and GT Manual models which come with an improved powertrain and transmission system. The current roster of 2022 Kia Forte colors includes Gravity Gray, Deep Sea Blue, Currant Red, and Fire Orange. Overall, there are 9 different colorways to choose from across the whole lineup. Below are the starting MSRPs of the different trim levels available in the 2022 Kia Forte lineup:
| Trim (Drivetrain) | MSRP* |
| 2022 Kia Forte FE | $19,090* |
| 2022 Kia Forte LXS | $19,590* |
| 2022 Kia Forte GT-Line | $21,290* |
| 2022 Kia Forte GT | $23,490* |
| 2022 Kia Forte GT Manual | $24,490* |
Kia offers a lease program for those buyers who want to fund their cars without cashing out too much money in one go. You can find the 2022 Kia Forte lease price on their official website alongside other potential financing options. Make sure to check these resources out and with your preferred car dealer to ensure you’re getting the best deal in your area!
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
The 2022 Kia Forte specs showcase two powertrain options that are used across the Forte lineup. These include a 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder engine and a Turbocharged 1.6-Liter 4-Cylinder engine. The former powertrain option produces 147 horsepower and a torque output of 132 pounds-feet. Its turbocharged counterpart produces 201 horsepower and a torque output of 195 pounds-feet. There are also 2 different transmission systems available for the Kia Forte: An Intelligent Variable Transmission and a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic. The IVT comes with Sportmatic, an adaptive shift logic that helps to improve acceleration performance. The 7-speed AT system comes with paddle shifters for quick manual adjustments. If you’re going for the GT-Manual, you’ll be provided with a 6-speed manual transmission. All models are only available in Front-wheel drive setups.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
The EPA has already released fuel scores for the different trim levels of the 2022 Kia Forte. As we can see, the FE is the most efficient while the GT Manual is the least efficient. The GT-Line and LXS strike a decent balance with 33 Combined/MPG. The Forte GT follows these 2 models with a respectable 30 Combined/MPG. All models have a fuel tank capacity of 14.0 gallons.
| Trim Mileage Estimates | City/mpg | Highway/mpg | Combined/mpg |
| 2022 Kia Forte FE | 31 | 41 | 35 |
| 2022 Kia Forte LXS | 29 | 39 | 33 |
| 2022 Kia Forte GT-Line | 29 | 39 | 33 |
| 2022 Kia Forte GT | 27 | 35 | 30 |
| 2022 Kia Forte GT Manual | 22 | 31 | 26 |
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
Kia has made certain changes to the 2022 Kia Forte interior cabin space as it leans heavily towards a minimalistic and simple design. High-quality material work can be expected with any of Kia’s products and the Forte is no exception. Passenger capacity on the Forte is measured at 96.0 cubic feet and is enough for 5 people to comfortably lounge in. Seating materials range from cloth-based surfaces to a mixture of both Cloth and SynTex material. The cargo volume on the 2022 Kia Forte is rated at 15.3 cubic feet. This should be enough for several bags for short trips out in the city.
TECHNOLOGY
The infotainment system of the 2022 Kia Forte has been given some much-needed updates to its features and connectivity options. An 8.0-inch touchscreen display is available on the FE and LXS trim levels while the rest of the series gets 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are compatible with the system alongside Bluetooth functions for hands-free usage and audio streaming. The audio system of the base Forte LXS is a 4-speaker setup which is upgraded to a 6-speaker setup. Those chasing high-quality sound experiences can make the jump to an 8-speaker set that’s provided by Harman Kardon. It comes with an integrated subwoofer unit and produces around 320 Watts.
SAFETY
The company’s safety and driver-assistive suite has always scored great marks with authorities looking into car safety. With the 2022 Kia Forte, passengers can be reassured of its safety with its 4-star mark received from the NHTSA. Some of the standard features available across the lineup include a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following and Keeping Assists, and a Rear-View Monitor. As you upgrade to higher trim levels, other features will also be present such as Blind Spot Collision Warning systems, a Safe Exit Warning, and a Parking Distance Warning-Reverse system.
WARRANTY
Kia provides a warranty program that’s a step above those provided by other vehicle manufacturers. Their limited warranty plan spans 5 years or 60,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. Next is their premier powertrain warranty which lasts for 10 years and has a mileage limit of 100,000 miles driven. The company does not offer any package that comes with the complimentary scheduled maintenance perk.