2014 Kia Forte Review - The 2014 Kia Forte ranks 6 out of 40 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Kia Forte, as well as reliability and safety data.
Reviewers recommend the redesigned 2014 Kia Forte, saying it is comfortable, has a spacious interior and trunk and has lots of easy-to-use tech features.
The Kia Forte comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that reviewers say provides adequate power. More reviewers have tested the Forte with the optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and they write that this engine makes the car feel much livelier. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard with the base engine, but more reviewers have tested models equipped with an optional six-speed automatic transmission, which they say shifts smoothly. With an automatic transmission, fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 25/36 mpg city/highway, which is on par for the class. Reviewers say that the Forte has a comfortable ride, though one test driver says that it doesn’t feel as athletic as rivals like the Ford Focus or Mazda3.
Reviewers generally like the Forte’s cabin layout. They say the cabin is constructed with some materials that are hard to the touch, but appropriate for the car’s class and price point. Several note that the five-seat Forte sedan has very comfortable seats in the front and rear, as well as one of the largest trunks in the class. The Forte comes with lots of features for the class, and critics appreciate that the climate and infotainment controls are easy to reach, legible and intuitive to use. Standard features include a four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth and auxiliary and USB ports. Optional features include heated front seats, heated rear seats, a ventilated driver’s seat, Kia’s UVO infotainment system, HD Radio, a backup camera and dual-zone climate control.
