2023 Kia Forte Performance

There's no fun to be had with the base powertrain, but it's still more than capable of moving the compact Kia Forte sedan. With just 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, the four-cylinder is not very lively, and the unresponsive CVT does nothing to help the experience. This setup results in a sluggish eight-second-plus 0-60 mph sprint time. With a more potent turbocharged four-pot engine, the Kia Forte GT models are more quick and engaging, shaving more than a full second off the sprint to 60 mph. The standard GT gets a far more capable seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission, while the GT Manual has a six-speed stick shift for a more hands-on feel.

The base-level naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine grants the Kia Forte 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This is enough to putter around town comfortably, if not quickly. The continuously variable transmission isn't eager, hanging on to the lower simulated gears for far too long. Highway acceleration and overtaking are particularly challenging. The specs of the Kia Forte GT and GT Manual are far more impressive, thanks to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot that develops 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. The GT gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which does a much better job of shifting down when power is needed or up when you want to cruise comfortably. As the name implies, the GT Manual gets a six-speed stick shift for that real hands-on approach to spirited driving. Front-wheel drive is standard across the range, with no option for all-wheel drive.

While it may lack in the fun department, the Kia Forte's mpg figures show that it more than makes up for it in terms of fuel economy. With the base four-cylinder engine and CVT, it can manage a respectable 30/41/34 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles in entry-spec trim. The LXS and GT-Line may use the same power plant, but their extra weight sees these numbers drop to 28/39/32 mpg. Once the stronger turbo-four comes into play, the Forte returns 27/35/30 mpg with the auto box and 22/31/26 with the manual.

Every model comes with a 14-gallon fuel tank, meaning that maximum travel ranges from 360 to 475 miles.