Kia has unveiled the facelifted 2022 Kia Forte ahead of an on-sale date that's expected shortly. Last April, the South Korean automaker revealed the updated Forte, aka the K3, for its home market, and today the global debut is happening. This latest compact sedan offers many enhancements, starting with new front and rear-end styling.

Only a single image has been released today but more should arrive soon. Notice the sleeker-looking headlights, LED fog lights, new trunk lid spoiler, and a sportier LED taillight for the GT and GT-Line trims only. Buyers can further select newly designed 16- and 17-inch dark metal alloy wheels, but only for the LXS and GT-Line. Four trim are on offer: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The EX has been dropped but there's a new GT-Line Sport Premium package.

Step inside and you'll discover a standard 4.2-inch LCD gauge cluster, optional 10.25-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch touchscreen is standard fare), optional rear USB charger and SynTex synthetic leather seating, and an available integrated electronic parking brake. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the line.

Under the hood, the familiar 2.0-liter inline-four remains with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, routed to the front wheels through a CVT. A turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft is optional. Buyers have a choice between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. They also benefit from a multi-link rear suspension and a dual exhaust. Six driver-assist systems come standard, such as lane following, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Optional and newly upgraded systems include blind-spot detection, forward collision avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance system. Pricing is not yet available but shouldn't differ greatly from the 2021 model (pictured above and below) which begins at just under $18,000. The third-generation Kia Forte has been around since 2018 and right off the bat, it was obvious that some of its styling is inspired by the Stinger sports sedan.

Of course, the Forte is not a sports sedan but rather an economy car, and a very good one at that. Its larger midsize sibling, the Optima, is now known as the K5.