How does driving a gorgeous new sedan loaded with all the latest technology and safety features sound? And what if it was also covered by the most comprehensive warranty in the industry? If you’re nodding yes, but your budget is a lot closer to a high mileage older used car, we’ve got good news: you can afford a brand-new sedan if you visit Parkway Family Kia, your Houston Kia Forte dealer.
The Forte is Kia’s affordable compact sedan with so many luxury features that you’d assume it costs twice as much as the number on the sticker. In fact, the Forte’s low starting MSRP of just under $18,000 is the best kind of sticker shock. With plenty of trims to size up your horsepower and add a little extra luxury to the cabin, the Forte is a great alternative to buying a questionable used car.
We love the Forte’s bold curb appeal and the sporty lines that echo those of the high-performance Kia Stinger. Features like available LED headlights and taillights, a GT trim with a significant horsepower boost, and high-end leather seating with heat and cooling transform the entry-priced Forte into a European luxury sedan rival.
Are you ready to experience a car that gives you more bang for your buck than any other vehicle in the category? Get to know the 2021 Kia Forte, and you’ll wonder why you ever drove anything else.
Value and Features
The family of Kia Forte trims is as expansive as it is diverse, but even at the highest trim levels, the price never creeps higher than the low $20,000 range. That means you can explore more expensive trims without the dread that usually accompanies shopping for a car that’s over budget.
The base Forte FE starts at just under $18,000 and includes a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and delivers fuel economy ratings of 31 MPG city and a whopping 41 MPG on the highway. And despite its low price, the FE still has plenty of comfort and convenience features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.
Next up, the LXS adds just $1,500 to the price tag. The list of standard equipment increases to include an intelligent variable transmission, 16-inch wheels, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The LXS also includes Auto Headlight Control and special glossy black bumper accents.
Choose the affordably-priced EX trim at just over $23,000 for a plethora of standard tech, including a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a wireless phone charger, and Kia’s UVO link technology with navigation. You will also get heated and ventilated front seats with a 10-way power driver seat.
Sporty Looks and High Performance
The Forte GT-Line is an affordably-priced trim that reimagines the Forte’s exterior and interior appearance for a sporty appeal. Changes include a special grille, black spoiler, fog lights, and 17-inch wheels on the outside. Those upgrades are accompanied by sport seats with faux leather seat trim and white stitching, a D-shaped flat-bottom steering wheel, and a smart key with push button start on the interior. The GT-Line also includes LED taillights.
Are you looking for more performance and a dash of excitement? Check out the Forte GT. Still affordably priced at just under $23,000, the GT includes a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower, a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission with paddle shifters, 18-inch specially-branded GT wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension coupled with dual exhaust. A D-shaped steering wheel is standard, along with special sport seats with red stitching.
At the top of the trim range sits the Forte GT Manual. Equipped with an old-school 6-speed manual transmission, the GT Manual lives up to its name, giving drivers full control over shifting and acceleration. This trim also includes a power sunroof, an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo, a wireless phone charger, and a few driver-assist safety systems, including rear parking sensors.
Technology and Interior Appointments
All Kia Forte trims come standard with a generously sized 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. When coupled with the available voice-activated navigation system, the touchscreen displays turn-by-turn directions prominently and clearly. Your touchscreen is also a gateway to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, giving you the freedom to stream playlists or podcasts to keep you entertained.
With UVO link, your smartphone turns into a remote key and diagnostic hub for your Forte. You can remote start your car and set the climate control, send navigation instructions to the touchscreen, connect directly with roadside assistance, and even communicate with Amazon Alexa smart home devices, as well as Google Assistant. View comprehensive vehicle diagnostics, such as fuel level and upcoming maintenance requirements, all right on your smartphone via the UVO app.
The available wireless charger keeps the vehicle clear of tangled wires, freeing up space and eliminating clutter. With the available 320-watt, 8-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with a subwoofer, you can turn your Forte’s cabin into a traveling concert hall. The EX, GT, and GT Manual trims enjoy standard SiriusXM satellite radio for additional entertainment options.
All Forte trims include steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls, as well as multiple USB ports to keep everyone charged and connected. The EX, GT, and GT Manual include dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors and rear air conditioning vents. At 182.7 inches long, the Forte offers plenty of interior cabin space, and it even has a sizable trunk for a compact car.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
All Forte trims come standard with Forward Collision Warning with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist-Line. All trims except the base FE and the LXS also come standard with Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning. On top of the standard features, Smart Cruise Control is available on the GT trim.
In addition to the generous assortment of driver-assist safety technology, the entire lineup receives traction control, electronic stability control, and hill start assist control. The latter eliminates potentially dangerous rollback when stopped on an incline. When you release the brake, the system holds the vehicle in place until you touch the gas pedal.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2021 Kia Forte a Top Safety Pick. Kia earned this accolade in part for its rugged unibody chassis design but also because it includes so many standard safety features. The availability of UVO Link adds an extra layer of safety, with 911 direct connect capacity and access to non-emergency assistance.
It Is Time to Test Drive the Kia Forte
Maybe the best news of all when you join the Kia family of owners is the company’s industry-leading new vehicle warranty. Every new Kia comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic limited warranty. By contrast, the majority of automakers only offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Kia also includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which makes ownership virtually worry-free.
Don’t buy a questionable used car when you can slide behind the wheel of an all-new 2021 Kia Forte that’s covered by the best warranty in the business, guaranteeing a low cost-of-ownership experience and plenty of peace-of-mind. The Forte is leagues ahead of the competition in both price and features, making it a standout option in the competitive compact sedan category.
Whether you need a value-oriented starter vehicle or you’re seeking some high-performance, manual-shifting driving excitement, there’s a Forte that fits your wishlist and budget. You don’t even have to sacrifice anything because, with the Forte lineup, you’ll find the latest tech, luxury equipment, and dozens of safety features to keep everyone out of harm’s way.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
*Based on Sales from January 2022 to January 2023.