2022 kia Forte GT Automated
Class: Compact Automobile
Coloration: Metal Grey
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishB
Gas EconomyB
ValueA-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup.
Huge & Tall Consolation
Huge GuyB+
Tall GuyB
Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs201-hp 1.6L
Engine TypeTurbocharged 4-cyl
Transmission 7-speed computerized
Drive WheelsFront-wheel drive
Miles pushed: 280
Noticed gasoline economic system: 28.6 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 27/35/30 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas kind: Common gasoline
Base value: $23,490 (not together with $995 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: GT2 Bundle ($2200), carpeted flooring mats ($155)
Worth as examined: $26,840
Fast Hits
The good: Enjoyable to drive, glorious greenback worth, straightforward on the gasoline
The great: Logical management format, cozy front-row seats, engaging cabin
The not so good: Pronounced engine quake at low velocity and idle
Tom Appel:
Not solely is Kia’s Forte secretly standard, it’s additionally secretly enjoyable to drive. Well-liked? The compact-sedan market is dominated by two gamers: the pleasant Honda Civic, and the very-popular Toyota Corolla. Collectively, the automobiles accounted for greater than half 1,000,000 U.S. gross sales in 2021.
The battle for third place within the phase is a brutal conflict between the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, and Nissan Sentra, every of which notched between 115,000 and 130,000 gross sales throughout the identical interval. The likable however considerably expensive Mazda 3 trailed the compact-car pack, with simply 38,000 gross sales to its credit score. If you happen to’re shocked that the Forte sells about in addition to the Elantra and Sentra, you’re not alone. That’s why we are saying it’s secretly standard.
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As for enjoyable, In GT kind the frisky Forte is a official and more-affordable various to the spunky Civic Si, although not completely with out its faults. We’ll get again to the GT in a minute.
Out there solely in sedan kind, the Forte was freshened for 2022 and handled to revised exterior styling and upgraded tech and security options. If you happen to’re questioning in regards to the 2-door Koup, it was quietly dropped from the Forte lineup approach again in 2016.
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The Forte lineup ascends although base LX, LXS, GT-Line, and GT trim ranges. There are technically two GT trim ranges, one which features a 6-speed handbook transmission, the opposite a nifty 7-speed dual-clutch computerized.
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All however the GT fashions are powered by 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to a CVT computerized transmission. Go for the GT, and also you improve to a 201-horse turbocharged 1.6-liter 4. Additionally, you may benefit from the common feel and look of the GT with the usual engine by going with the GT-Line. Client Information lately hung out with a GT computerized in Metal Grey.
Underway, the Forte GT transitions rather less fluidly than the Civic Si, and maybe feels rather less balanced and a little bit extra like a front-wheel drive automotive. That’s to not say the FT isn’t enjoyable to drive, it’s, and we’re inclined to explain the little Kia’s dealing with peccadilloes as “character” moderately than flaws.
The GT appears to have all of the grip a commuter would possibly ever want, and the steering is pure feeling, agency, and correct. The brakes really feel good, too. Not nice—we might do with rather less preliminary sponginess—however good.
If ever a small automotive cried out for a handbook transmission, it’s the Forte GT. The small turbo mill revs freely, and works very effectively with the dual-clutch auto. Nonetheless, it could be enjoyable to return out of a nook in a gear of our personal selecting. The engine itself, although well-suited to spirited driving, is surprisingly throbby at idle and in low-speed driving. We’ll name this a personality flaw.
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We noticed virtually 29 mpg in pretty-much common driving. We suspect our gasoline economic system may need been higher if the Forte GT wasn’t as a lot enjoyable to drive as it’s.
Inside you’ll discover a tidy however sporty cabin that includes the Kia-typical glorious management format. The seats are agency and supportive, and street, wind, and engine noise are effectively squelched at fixed velocity and on the freeway.
In case you have been eager about going with a crossover as an alternative, know that the Forte boasts a helpful 15.3 cubic really feel of trunk area. Additionally, a little bit of pricing information: the GT2 package deal, as seen on our check automotive, turns into commonplace for 2023, together with a roughly commensurate base-price enhance.
Relating to the Civic Si: it’s a pleasure to drive, and it’s a little bit extra polished than the Forte GT. That stated, it additionally prices extra, and may very well be—dare we are saying it?—a little bit too refined. Client Information evaluated a manual-transmission 2022 Si early this yr that got here to only below $29,000. That’s about $2500 greater than our check Kia. We would go together with the Civic, however in case you recognize good worth and a little bit extra “character,” remember to check drive the rewarding Forte as effectively.
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2022 kia Forte GT Gallery
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2022 Kia Forte GT
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2022 Kia Forte GT
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