Forte

Make
Kia
Segment
Sedan

Kia has slowly been announcing pricing for its 2023 lineup, including popular options like the mid-size K5 sedan and boxy Soul crossover. These model ranges have been simplified, likely to simplify production, though prices have crept up slightly. One year after a major facelift, the 2023 Kia Forte is the latest model to receive updated pricing and lineup changes. Kia's hot-selling compact sedan manages to remain under 20 grand despite price increases across the board.

A new LX model replaces last year's FE trim, starting at $19,490 (plus a $1,095 destination fee). This is a small increase over the 2022 Forte's $19,090 MSRP. Under the hood, the base model still uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sending 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission.

Fuel economy is rated at up to 41 mpg on the highway for the LX trim (39 mpg for other trims). The 2.0-liter engine averages up to 34 mpg combined on the LX (32 mpg in higher trims). Kia says all non-turbocharged versions of the 2023 Forte are now compliant with super-ultra-low-emission vehicle 30 standards. The other trim levels remain the same as last year, but with pricing changes. Stepping up to the LXS now costs $19,990 ($19,590 in 2022) and the sporty-looking GT-Line now starts at $21,690 ($21,290 in 2022). These increases are barely noticeable in light of those that some other automakers have been inflicting on the buying public.

Enthusiasts buyers looking for some speed on a budget will want to upgrade to the Forte GT. This model ditches the base 2.0-liter four-pot for a smaller 1.6-liter turbocharged unit. It may offer a smaller displacement, but the turbo mill delivers 201 hp 195 lb-ft of torque. The CVT is also exchanged for either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch. Kia actually separates the GT into two trim levels based on the transmission. The GT DCT is the cheaper option starting at $24,190 (up from $23,490 in 2022). We'll give you pricing for the stick shortly, but it's intriguing that a DCT is cheaper when they are typically more expensive.

Kia explains part of the price increase is related to the $300 GT Technology Package being deleted. This package included an electronic parking brake, forward collision assist, and navigation-based smart cruise control. A new feature called FCA Fusion, which bundles these technologies, now comes standard on the GT DCT. As with last year's model, the GT DCT is available with a $1,900 GT2 package that adds heated/ventilated seats, a sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, and more.

As for the GT Manual, it sees a smaller increase to $24,890 (up from $24,490). Besides what we've already mentioned, the changes to the 2023 Forte are minimal. There's a new 10.25-inch touchscreen available, and the advanced driver assistance systems have been expanded for the GT model. That's about it.