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Travel-Sized Mitsubishi Pajero Mini2022 Kia Forte: Value on Parade
Offering a huge value proposition, the 2022 Kia Forte keeps the small sedan segment humming with enough tech, safety, and performance for just about anyone.
2022 Kia Forte – kiamedia.com | Shop 2022 Kia Forte on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2022 Kia Forte?
Featuring a refreshed look and added tech, the 2022 Kia Forte is proof that the small sedan segment is alive and kicking. Sleeker headlights, the latest Tiger Nose front grille, and an updated lower fascia give the new Forte a mini-Stinger look. GT models sport a revised rear-end with LED lighting and spoiler that sets them apart from lower trim levels. Inside, there is a newly available 10.25” infotainment screen and the gauge cluster display bumps up from 3.5” to 4.2” in size. On the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) front, this relatively cheap compact now offers up to 15 systems under Kia’s Drive Wise umbrella. Trim shuffling includes deletion of the EX model and addition of a Sport Premium package to GT-Line Forte models.
The Breakdown
A lot of car for the entry price
GT models have legit performance upgrades
Available ventilated seating is a high-end touch
Highway Driving Assist aids with long hauls
Manual transmission has poor fuel economy
Lots of amenities without breaking the bank
2022 Forte Specs
- 147 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 15.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 8 speaker Harmon Kardon stereo
- Available 10.25″ infotainment touchscreen
- Highway Driving Assist is close to hands-free driving
- Kia’s 100,000-mile powertrain coverage
2022 Kia Forte Powertrain
FE, LXS, and GT-Line trims all work with a naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder that produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, powering the front wheels via CVT. Forte GT steps up the performance ante with a 201-horse turbocharged mill and the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or 6-speed manual. Along with the power of forced induction, which you can learn more about here, GT models feature a sport-tuned multi-link rear suspension versus the torsion beam setup found on the lower trim levels. Additional performance upgrades include 12” front rotors over the base 11” equipment and, when equipped with the manual transmission, Michelin summer tires to dial up handling and braking performance.
2022 Kia Forte Fuel Economy & MPG
Not only does the 2022 Kia Forte FE have a bargain basement price tag, it is a miser at the fuel pump achieving 31 mpg in city driving and 41 mpg on the highway. LXS and GT-Line models drop slightly to 29 mg city and 39 mpg highway, but opting for the more powerful turbocharged GT incurs a bigger penalty. With the 7-speed transmission, a Forte GT is estimated to hit 27 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the open road, while the manual setup does the worst with figures of 22/31 mpg in city/highway driving.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Technically a 5-seater, the 2022 Kia Forte will comfortably handle four adults and their carry-on luggage in the 15.3 cubic foot trunk. Cloth or “SynTex” synthetic leather are the upholstery options and higher-level models feature dual-zone HVAC control with backseat ducting. Front-row occupants are sure to enjoy the heated and ventilated buckets available on GT-Line trim and above. Overall, the Forte has a nicely appointed cabin with red stitching, ambient lighting and power-adjustable seating all available.
Entertainment & Technology
Across the 2022 Kia Forte lineup, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard software though you will need at least a GT-Line to access the 10.25” infotainment touchscreen. The larger display also comes fitted with navigation, Alexa, and Google Assistant integration plus Kia Connect for remote starting, locking, and climate control. Moving up the trim ladder offers access to touches like an 8-speaker stereo from Harman Kardon, wireless charging pad, and backseat USB ports. Regardless of the model, all Fortes are equipped with a 4.2” vehicle information display in the gauge cluster, cruise control, and steering wheel controls for phone calls and the audio system.
Safety Features
Packing six standard ADAS, as part of Kia’s Drive Wise suite, helps the Forte maintain its status on our list of top cars under $20,000. That includes forward collision avoidance, lane following and keeping assist with a driver attention warning. Additional systems become available as you move through the model lineup like blind spot collision warning, high beam assist, and highway driving assist that will manage steering, acceleration and braking as long as the driver maintains occasional contact with the steering wheel. Systems like this helped the Forte earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2021.
2022 Kia Forte Trims & Pricing
FE -$20,085
The 15” steel wheels with hubcaps give away 2022 Kia Forte FE models as entry-level, however at just a bit over $20,000 (with destination charge) there’s a lot to like here. That includes color-matched mirror covers and keyless entry plus external approach lighting. A choice of black or gray cloth covers seating surfaces and the steering column features tilt and telescoping adjustment. Wireless connection of Apple and Android devices is controlled via the 8” central touchscreen, while a 4.2” screen in the gauge cluster displays key vehicle information. There are no packages available on the FE, but DriveWise, with six ADAS, is standard.
LXS – $20,585
Alloy wheels and a choice of colors besides black, white, or gray make LXS models an appealing step up over the FE, especially considering it only costs an additional $500. Single-zone manual climate control and a split-folding 60/40 rear seat are complimented by soft-touch door trim added to this trim. There is also an LXS Technology package that bolsters the ADAS with blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and safe exit warning.
GT-Line – $22,285
GT-Line models pick up the sharper new rear styling along with LED lighting for daytime running lights, fog lamps, and taillights. A sporty grille, 17” alloys, and gloss black trim further the friskier look. The 10.25” touchscreen with navigation and Kia Connect shows up here as do a pair of tweeters to improve the stereo system. For $300, the Technology package brings forward collision alert and navigation-based smart cruise control to the ADAS party. With a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated, and ventilated front sport buckets and rear seat air-conditioning vents, the $1000 Sport Premium package is a big value add.
GT – $24,485
Only GT models come with the more potent turbocharged engine, dual exhaust outlets, LED headlamps, and 18” wheels. Paddle shifters and a leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed steering wheel broadcast the sporting intent of this Forte. Additional touches include an illuminated GT logo on the dashboard, ambient lighting, and wireless charging pad. Pile on with the $2200 GT2 bundle that features a sunroof, Harman Kardon audio system, and highway driving assist, a Level 2 ADAS.
GT Manual – $25,485
Top-spec Forte GT Manual trim is the enthusiast special with a 6-speed manual transmission and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires. It does not offer any packages, but it does feature all the bells and whistles like sport seats with red embroidered GT logos and LED interior lighting. High Beam Assist and parking sonar come standard here as does a rear USB port, real-time traffic data, and dual-zone automatic climate controls.
Warranties
Though familiar today, Kia built their reputation on the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty starting back in 2008. An anti-perforation warranty is included under that window, while the basic vehicle warranty and roadside assistance coverage last for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
What We Think
2022 Kia Forte – kiamedia.com | Shop 2022 Kia Forte on Carsforsale.com
Kia continues to keep the competition on its toes thanks to vehicles like the Forte with tons of standard features for a relatively low price. You can read a comparison with the latest Honda Civic here to see how it stacks up, but suffice it to say, the 2022 Forte is worth your consideration.
