Although the compact car segment is shrinking, the 2024 Kia Forte brings a lot to the table. Let’s see what this compact Kia sedan has to offer.
Although the Forte has never quite hit the same high notes as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, it’s been an excellent choice for those looking for a small car with a big heart. This little Kia continues to bring comfort, quality, and an impressive package of excellent features to the market. Could this be the compact sedan you love to drive? Let’s find out.
Good power in a small car
Although the Forte isn’t offered with a hybrid powertrain, it has two impressive engines to give it the right amount of power. The LX, LX5, and GT-Line models use the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produces 147 horsepower and mates to a CVT automatic transmission. The GT model takes things further with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower. The GT model can be had with either a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.
What Kia adds for 2024
The 2024 Kia Forte includes a few new features in the GT-Line model. These include forward collision warning with cyclist detection, an electronic parking brake, navigation-guided adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driver Assist. This new compact Kia also adds a USB-A charging port where a 12-volt outlet used to reside.
What does each Kia Forte trim offer?
Forte LX
The LX trim is the base model of this compact sedan, offering a starting price below $20,000, which is hard to find in today’s market. This small car also brings the benefits of a standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Choose the LX trim, and you’ll enjoy:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Rear occupant detection with ultrasonic sensors
- Rearview camera
- Distracted driving alerts
- LED exterior lighting
- Automatic headlights with automatic high beams
- 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers
- Variable wipers
- Body-colored power mirrors
- Cruise control
- Remote keyless entry
- Kia’s Drive Mode Select: Normal, Sport, Comfort modes
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 4.2-inch gauge cluster
- 8-inch infotainment screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4-speaker audio system
- One USB data port, One USB-A charge port, One 12-volt outlet
Forte LXS
Moving up one step in the Kia Forte trims brings you to the LXS model. This version gives you:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Soft-touch dashboard and door trim
The LXS brings options to the mix with the available Technology Package. This package gives you:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Collision avoidance assist
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Emergency braking
- Heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Safe Exit Assist
Forte GT-Line
Another step up on the Kia Forte trim ladder brings you to the GT-Line model. This version has the same powertrain as the lower trims but brings a sportier feeling to the mix.
Some of the features included in the GT-Line model are:
- LXS Technology Package items
- Sport grille
- Extended side sills
- Additional gloss black exterior styling elements
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Rear trunk spoiler
- Smart Trunk keyless trunk opener
- LED fog lights, daytime running lights, and taillights
- Navigation-based adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision avoidance with cyclist detection
- Kia’s Highway Drive Assist
- Electronic parking brake
- Kia’s Smart Key keyless access
- Push-button starting
- Remote engine starting
- Dual-zone automatic climate controls
- Rear-seat folding center armrest with cup holders
- SynTex and cloth upholstery
- Alloy pedals
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
- 10-25-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Navigation system
- SiriusXM satellite and HD Radio
- Kia Connect apps
- 6-speaker audio system
The GT-Line trim brings two option packages to the mix. These packages and what they contain are:
GT-Line Premium Package
- Power sunroof
- LED interior lightning
- Wireless phone charging pad
- 320-watt/8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
GT-Line Sport Premium Package
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Rear-seat air vents
- Rear USB charging port
- Sport seats
Forte GT
The top version of the Kia Forte is the GT trim. This model uses the more powerful engine but also adds several features to the mix. Items you’ll find in the Forte GT include:
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Sport exhaust
- LED headlights
- 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels
- Wireless charging pad
- Front and rear USB charge ports
- Rear air vents
- GT ambient lighting
The GT model can be upgraded with the GT2 Package which adds:
- 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- LED interior lighting
- Rear parking sensors
- Power sunroof
- Harman Kardon audio system
- Sport seats with red stitching
Which version of the 2024 Kia Forte is the right one for you? Take a test drive and find out.
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