2020 Kia Forte Review
With the 2020 Kia Forte, buyers can choose from even more trims, offering additional aesthetic, safety, and entertainment features.
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What’s New for the 2020 Kia Forte?
In 2019, Kia introduced an all-new Forte design, so not a whole lot has changed for the 2020 model. The 2020 Forte did get two new trims, the GT-Line and GT. The GT-Line adds a sporty look, while the GT gets a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport-tuned rear suspension and exhaust. A new EX Special Edition package also joins the lineup adding some unique features including a Harman Kardon audio system, a gloss-black painted rear spoiler, a power sunroof, two-tone red seat upholstery, in-dash navigation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
In the market for a new budget-friendly compact car? Read our Top 10 New Cars Under $20,000.
The Breakdown
Top of its class for overall value
Excellent fuel economy
Low price
Latest safety and technology features
Unexceptional power from base-engine
2nd row seats can feel cramped
No hatch-back option
Great value for a compact sedan
2020 Kia Forte Specs
- 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm
- 132 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm
- 5 available trims
- 96 cu-ft of passenger volume
- Rearview camera with seats down
- Lane-keeping assist
- Forward collision warning
- 10 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
2020 Kia Forte Powertrain
The Forte comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with the CVT automatic. Acceleration can be sluggish, but it does return good fuel economy.
The GT gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission giving it a different feel and sportier operation than a standard automatic transmission.
2020 Kia Forte Fuel Economy & MPG
When it comes to your gas budget, the Forte will have you winning every time. The models equipped with the 2.0-liter engine are rated at up to 31 mpg city, 41 highway, and 35 mpg in combined driving. Opting for the new GT model isn’t as thrifty of an option with over 50 more horsepower, but it does manage decent fuel economy with a manual transmission (25/32/28 mpg) and even better with the dual-clutch automatic (27/35/30 mpg).
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The Kia Forte’s interior would suggest a more expensive price tag with its soft-touch materials, matte silver plastic accents, and the occasional pop of color on sportier models. The material quality is great, provided you choose a mid-tier model or above.
The Forte’s spacious interior can comfortably accommodate a 6-foot driver/passenger thanks to the standard height adjustable seats and front to back sliders. Rear-seat passengers will unfortunately have a harder time finding sufficient room when the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position for taller drivers or passengers.
The Forte’s trunk space measures 15.3 cu.-ft., matching midsize cars for cargo room.
Entertainment & Technology
Don’t let the price fool you into thinking the Forte skimps on technology. Even on the base model, standard technology and entertainment features include Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A wireless smartphone-charging pad is optional on the GT-Line, EX, and GT. Built-in navigation is available in some trims or packages, but most will find that the maps and directions provided through the connected Apple or Android smartphone interfaces is suitable for their needs.
Safety Features
The 2020 Forte comes with a decent lineup of standard safety features. All models include a standard backup camera, making our list of Top 10 Affordable Cars with a Backup Camera. Also standard on all models is forward collision warnings, lane departure alerts, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and a driver attention warning system.
The 2020 Forte received an overall four out of five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests.
2020 Kia Forte Trims & Pricing
FE – $18,855
The Forte FE comes with a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine, a 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and front-wheel drive. The interior comes standard with cloth upholstery and an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system with a four-speaker stereo, a USB port, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, driver drowsiness monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.
LXS – $20,255
The Forte LXS adds 16-inch wheels, gloss-black exterior trim, a six-way adjustable passenger seat, a soft-touch dash, upper door panels, and center console, split folding rear seat and selectable driving modes. LXS trims also offer an optional 6-speed manual transmission.
GT-Line – $21,455
The Forte GT-Line adds many interior features including sport cloth seats with synthetic leather side bolstering and contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, keyless entry, push-button start, and two additional speakers. It also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust finisher, rear spoiler, wheel lane change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
EX – $23,055
The Kia Forte EX adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, heated and ventilated front sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, two additional USB chargers, UVO eServices, and an optional 6-speed manual transmission.
EX Special Edition Package – $24,555
The Kia Forte EX Special Edition package adds navigation, HD radio, a Harman/Kardon audio system, a power sunroof, a gloss black rear spoiler, two-tone synthetic leather upholstery, a wireless phone charger, and LED interior lighting.
GT – $23,455
The Forte GT comes with a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT also adds a sport-tuned suspension, sport-tuned exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED projection headlights, LED daytime running lights, dual chrome exhaust finishers, a rear spoiler, a driver attention warning system, high-beam assist headlights and a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat.
For other similar budget buys, check out our comparison of the Kia Forte and the Buick Verano.
Warranties
Kia provides an amazing new car warranty with six years/60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. Roadside assistance is also provided for five years/60,000 miles. Additionally, Kia has one of the best certified pre-owned programs among affordable car manufacturers. For vehicles five years old or less and with fewer than 60,000 miles, Kia’s certified pre-owned vehicles receive the balance of the original 10-year/100,000-mile new-car powertrain warranty as well as a one-year/12,000-mile comprehensive Platinum warranty on non-powertrain parts.
What We Think
2020 Kia Forte – kiamedia.com | Shop 2020 Kia Forte on Carsforsale.com
Its low price, quality interior and impressive fuel economy make the 2020 Kia Forte a front-runner among compact sedans. Where the base trim model lacks horsepower, it makes up in fuel efficiency and the latest safety and technology features. If you don’t mind the lack of a hatch-back option, the 2020 Forte’s warranty makes it an obvious choice when shopping for a compact sedan.
