2015 Kia Forte

Kia continues to launch impressive automobiles with the 2015 Forte, a value-packed ride that gives buyers plenty of bang for their automotive buck. Design, performance, fuel economy – you name it – the Forte delivers on all counts.

 

The Forte (pronounced for-tay) comes in three body styles: sedan, 4-door hatchback and coupe. Our test vehicle for the week was the hatch, otherwise known as the Forte5. The sedan comes in LX and EX trims, while the Forte5 comes in EX and SX.

The 2015 Forte actually hasn’t changed much from the redesigned 2014 model. Kia’s UVO telematics system is now in an option package rather than standard on the EX trim. But the EX still offers an impressive array of features at no extra cost.

Standard are 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth wireless technology, SiriusXM satellite radio, a leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, power windows, LED headlights and fog lights.

If you opt for the SX trim, you get standard 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, UVO telematics with a rear camera, LED taillights and other exterior trim features.

Optional equipment available on both EX and SX trims includes HID headlights, navigation with HD radio, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat that is heated and cooled, a heated passenger seat, heated rear seats, leather, a smart key system with pushbutton start and dual zone air.

With its sleek European style hatchback design, the Forte5 starts at $19,690 and tops out at $21,890.

The Forte5 provides two engine choices for buyers. The EX trim comes with a 2.0-liter four cylinder that develops 173 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft. of torque, while the SX is outfitted with a strong 1.6-liter turbocharged four cylinder that kicks out 201 horses and 195 lb.-ft of torque. The EX gets a 6-speed automatic transmission while the SX has a 6-speed manual and an optional 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Our test vehicle had the turbo four – Yay! – with the automatic transmission. The Forte5 hatchback was quick and nimble in city traffic, and had no trouble keeping up on Interstates 10 and 12. We took the car up to the rolling hills of the Felicianas and it scooted around 18-wheelers on the two-lane country roads with ease.

Fuel economy in the Forte is up this year over last. The EX with the 2.0-liter engine gets 25 miles per gallon on city streets and 33 mpg on the highway. The SX trim with the 1.6-liter turbo will take you 21 miles down city streets on a gallon of gas and 29 miles down the highway. The fuel numbers are the same for the automatic and manual transmissions.

Materials and craftsmanship inside the cabin of our Forte5 test vehicle were excellent. The ride quality was firm and comfortable. Steering – with adjustments for normal, sport and comfort – was on center and precise. The HD navigation screen was super clear and easy for old eyes to read. Visibility around the cabin was good. Front seat headroom is 39.4 inches and in the rear seat it is 38.7 inches. Cargo capacity is 23.2 cubic feet.

The Forte and Forte5 have a full complement of airbags, anti-lock brakes and the required stability and traction control systems. The 2015 Forte sedan gets 5 stars in the government’s safety tests, but testing is not yet complete on the Forte5. The sedan scores the top “good” marks in all but one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests. In the difficult small overlap front test, the Forte scores “margainal.”

2015 Kia Forte5

Engine:

1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Horsepower / Torque:

201 / 195 lb.-ft.

Transmission:

6-speed automatic

Price:

$21,890

($26,210 as tested with options)

EPA mileage estimates:

21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway

Estimated highway range:

382 miles