2022 Kia Forte Review: New Looks, Same Great Value
The 2022 Kia Forte competes in the compact sedan segment, one of the categories with the most affordable cars in the USA. Here, value for money is the defining characteristic that sees competitors in this segment standing out. With a class-leading warranty, the Forte already has a unique edge, but going up against the likes of the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, it needs more. This year's updates see new tech included as standard, along with some new looks to make the otherwise nondescript Kia stand out alongside its more modern rivals. Add a practical trunk, excellent fuel economy, and a competitive safety rating, and the Forte sedan makes a great case for itself. With a base 2.0-liter engine and a top-spec 1.6-liter turbo churning out 201 horsepower, the Forte has something for everyone in the performance department too.
2022 Forte Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182.7 in | 106.3 in | 56.5 in | 70.9 in | 61.5 in | 61.9 in | 2,908.0 lbs |
2022 Forte Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The potential for fun is certainly there. While it's a little rough around the edges, the Forte can handle itself well. It doesn't express any considerable body roll when flinging itself around corners, and the steering remains precise, even at higher speeds. Sadly, it doesn't have any real sense of feedback, apart from the occasional mid-corner bump travel through the cabin and up the steering column. The GT models are naturally more athletically inclined thanks to a sport-tuned suspension, but the Forte is still a long way from being a genuine sports sedan.
When it comes to ride quality, the bias towards sportiness is obvious, as the ride feels stiffer than you'd expect from a family sedan. Larger bumps can easily unsettle the car, but overall noise management is good. So long as you're traveling on well-maintained roads, you shouldn't have any complaints.
2022 Forte Interior
2022 Forte Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the New 2022 Kia Forte A Good Car?
While it may not be winning any awards, the Forte is a solid, high-value sedan that proves the body style can still compete with, or even best, crossovers. The base Kia Forte will cost you less than $20k, and yet it manages to pack in more value than cars twice the price. It has an extensive list of standard features, a spacious and comfortable cabin, excellent fuel economy, and high safety ratings. That's not to say it's perfect, though. The base engine is a real disappointment and often makes the car feel underpowered. This, coupled with mediocre handling, makes the sedan feel unengaging, especially when compared with rivals like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Nevertheless, the Kia remains eminently practical and offers a class-leading warranty. Considering all this comes at such an affordable price, the Kia Forte will likely remain a top contender in the compact sedan segment, despite its shortcomings.
2022 Kia Forte Comparisons
2022 Kia Forte vs Hyundai Elantra
Kia and Hyundai are corporate cousins, so a lot of the value you can find in the Forte is present in the Elantra, too. However, the Elantra is far more stylish. Both sedans use the same tame four-cylinder as standard, and the same turbocharged four-pot is available for each. The Hyundai makes better use of the power, though, with improved handling to match its sporty aesthetic. Overall, it's the more modern and appealing car, but unlike the Kia Forte, you can't pick one up for less than $20k. For those seeking value for money, the Forte will likely hold onto its lead, but the extra grand or so for the Elantra will seem worth it for many.
2022 Kia Forte vs Honda Civic Sedan
The Honda Civic is the more expensive of the two sedans, and that alone will deter many potential buyers. However, looking past the price tag, the Civic is a lot more qualified for the stronger 158-hp it gets. It handles far better yet remains practical with a trunk that's almost as capacious as the Kia's. The Civic's turbocharged engine isn't quite as impressive, though, but the car overall feels more enjoyable. Despite being the sportier of the two sedans, the Honda also rides more comfortably and has more passenger space. To be fair, they are both great cars and the advantages each has over the other are not enough to win a clear lead. That said, we'd rate the Honda Civic just a little higher.