Sporty, sleek, efficient. . . This is an apt description of the Kia Forte. Drivers in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Regina, SK, are showing great interest in this compact sedan—and for good reason.
The word forte means a strong point or something that is done very well. In this review by the team at Kia of Saskatoon, you’ll find that the Kia Forte has many strong points and, indeed, does many things very well.
EXTERIOR COLOURS
MAX HORSEPOWER
PASSENGER VOLUME
EPA-EST. FUEL ECONOMY
DRIVE MODE SELECT
BLIND-SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM
DRIVER ATTENTION ALERT SYSTEM
Although compact, the Kia Forte commands attention. Its exciting exterior and well-furnished interior make it the perfect on-road companion for commuters as well as those who simply enjoy a pleasant driving experience.
The Kia Forte will announce your presence with its sculpted bumpers, contemporary upper and lower front grilles, and available LED headlights. For an increased athletic stance, choose one of the two GT trims: GT-Line and GT Limited. The GT-Line features most and the GT Limited includes all of the following: a rear bumper diffuser, dual muffler, red grille accents, gloss black mirror caps, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Further distinguish your Forte by choosing from a palette of six exterior colours. Hues range from black and white to bold shades including:
- Hyper Blue
- Radiant Red
- Gravity Grey
Step inside its streamlined interior and you’ll find a variety of standard and available amenities so you can fully personalize your Forte. Among its many offered comforts and conveniences are:
- Heated & air-cooled front seats
- Multi-directional power driver’s seat
- Leather seating
- Sunroof
Again, the GT trims bring an athletic aspect to the interior with a D-shaped sport steering wheel, stainless steel sport pedals, and front sport bucket seats.
When it comes to comfort, the Forte delivers. It may be a compact sedan, but the Forte still has plenty of wiggle room for everyone on board—plus room for their gear too!
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|---|---|
| Headroom (front/rear) | 985/952 mm |
| Legroom (front/rear) | 1,073/906 mm |
| Cargo Volume | 434 L |
In fact, its cargo volume is the equivalent of seven carry-on bags!
When you’re considering your next daily driver, you want to know if it can take you reliably from Point A to Point B. Beyond that, you’ll be interested in knowing how efficient it is. How well does the Kia Forte perform?
The Forte starts with a standard 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that puts out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an Intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission (IVT) that enables the engine to perform at peak efficiency regardless of speed. Meanwhile, the Forte’s standard Drive Mode Select allows you to match your car’s performance to your preferred driving style: Normal, Sport, or Smart.
Again, the Kia Forte GT Limited trim increases the oomph. Its 1.6L turbocharged engine generates 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The sporty 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission and available paddle shifter enable you to take control into your own hands.
The IVT also aids the Forte in achieving a high level of efficiency, yielding up to an 7.9 city/5.9 highway L/100km.* Even when the engine is paired with the 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission, you’ll be able to keep the party going and keep the pump in your rearview.
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Model(s)
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Engine
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Transmission
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Fuel Economy
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|---|---|---|---|
| EX, EX+, EX Premium, GT-Line | 2.0L MPI (Multi-Point Injection) | IVT | 7.9 city/5.9 highway L/100km* |
| GT Limited | 1.6L Turbo GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) | 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission | 8.7 city/6.6 highway L/100km* |
Adding to your enjoyment every time you get behind the wheel is being able to stay connected, be entertained, and remain safe while on the go. Fortunately, tech is yet another forte of this Kia sedan.
The Kia Forte comes standard with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Bluetooth®, a wireless phone charger, and an 8-inch touchscreen through which you can access your apps, maps, music, and more. A wide variety of available technologies ensures your continued connectivity while increasing the entertainment quotient:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Satellite radio
Enjoy jamming out to your favourite playlist or hosting an in-car sing-along with friends? The available 8-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system makes sure every note is crystal-clear and in tune—even if one of your passengers isn’t.
When it comes to technology, none is more important than those features that help protect you on the road. Driver-assistance technologies keep an eye out for you—even in those hard-to-see places. Among the many standard safety systems are:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keep Assist System/Lane Follow Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Additionally, the Kia Forte comes standardly equipped with a safety feature designed to take your protection to the next level. When the Driver Attention Alert System system detects drowsy or distracted driving, it will alert you so you can pull over to take a break or let someone else take the wheel.
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The Kia Forte and the Hyundai Elantra are evenly matched. In addition to their kindred sizes, these models have a multitude of interchangeable features: the same two engines with identical power outputs, the same Drive Mode Select system, and many similar amenities. So, when deciding between them, it comes down to a few minor details. After all, sometimes little things mean a lot.
Forte |
vs
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Elantra
|
|---|---|---|
| 6 | TRIM LEVELS | 4 |
| 952 mm | REAR HEADROOM | 947 mm |
| 434 L | CARGO CAPACITY | 402 L |
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Whether you choose a standard trim or a sport variant, you’ll have options with both the Kia Forte and the Honda Civic. Still, the Forte gives you more opportunities to fine-tune the model and have it fully reflect you. So, if you want the power of choice, choose the Kia.
Forte |
vs
|
Civic
|
|---|---|---|
| 201 HP | MAX HORSEPOWER | 180 HP |
| 10.25 inches | MAX TOUCHSCREEN | 9 inches |
| 6/2 | TOTAL TRIM LEVELS/SPORT TRIMS | 4/1 |
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The Kia Forte and the Toyota Corolla have many similarities—perhaps chief among them is that they’re both fun-sized models that are exciting to drive. So, when it comes to their power, amenities, and available space for those items you absolutely must take along, which one is prepared to bring more to the party?
Forte |
vs
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Corolla
|
|---|---|---|
| 201 HP | MAX HORSEPOWER | 169 HP |
| 10.25 inches | MAX TOUCHSCREEN | 8 inches |
| 434 L | CARGO CAPACITY | 371 L |
Now that you’ve gotten to know about the many strong points of the Kia Forte, it’s time to take a closer look. Drivers in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Regina, SK, can contact Kia of Saskatoon to schedule your test drive. It’s the best way to experience firsthand what the Forte can bring to your daily drive.
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Forte for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
Shop Kia Forte Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive* L/100km. Estimates are based on Government of Canada approved criteria and testing methods. Vehicle’s actual fuel consumption will vary.