2023 Kia Forte with continuing chip shortages and supply chain issues, it’s no surprise that many new cars quietly enter 2023 without major changes or redesigns.
We anticipate that the Kia Forte 2023 will see the same results. However, even without significant updates, the tried and true Forte will likely remain one of the best new cars under $20,000. Read on for more info on the Kia Forte release date, features, specs, and more.
The Kia Forte 2023 compact sedan doesn’t redefine its class or push any boundaries, but it can be cheap to buy and run while adding a bit of entry appeal to its style.
This review is truly a tale of two Fortes, with the base FE representing the best time spent at the gas station and the manual-transmission GT being the worst, or at least the most frequent visitor.
The two engines on offer in the 2023 Forte make all the difference. The non-turbocharged one turns this car into relaxing suburban sightseeing. The turbo unit will inspire owners to want to venture out of town in search of more entertaining trails.
Two engines, one body. It looks different on the outside, roomy enough for four adults inside, and has a trunk that is one of the most spacious in a car of this type.
It’s still a wise move to investigate the Honda Civic and Mazda3, not only for the way they drive but also for their refinement. But if finances were a little tighter, the new Forte could be a sweet option.
2023 Kia Forte Review
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan that sits between the subcompact Rio and the mid-range K5 in the automaker’s lineup. The current Forte model is one of the higher-rated Edmunds compact sedans.
Our editors praised the Forte for its refined interior design, easy-to-use technology, and ample storage space. Its handling and quiet on the road, however, left us wanting a rougher road.
The Forte competes with vehicles like the top-rated Honda Civic, the sportier Mazda 3, the reliable Toyota Corolla, and Forte’s sister company, the Hyundai Elantra.
For the 2022 model year, Forte received a number of important changes. The styling of the front and rear is refreshed with a slimmer grille, headlights, and revised taillight design for a more aggressive yet modern look.
Many safety features are standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In South Korea, Kia’s home market, the Forte was rebranded as K3 to better align with the K5, the new midsize sedan that replaces the Kia Optima for the 2021 model year.
Given those moves and Kia’s filing for a US trademark for the K5, we think there’s a chance. great for a completely redesigned model to come here.
That said, this may not actually be the case for the 2023 model year, as the worldwide shortage of chips has led to a number of delays. As seen now, the Kia Forte 2023 will most likely continue with a few changes.
- High style
- Spacious cabin
- Wireless smartphone integration is standard
- Attractive price
- Great powertrain warranty
- After the update for 2022, Forte 2023 has not changed
2023 Kia Forte Specs
The Kelley Blue Book doesn’t anticipate many (if any) changes to the Kia Forte for 2023.
The exterior has that clean, “no damage-don’t-fix” style that will carry over. The Kia Forte GT-Line will offer unique aerodynamic design cues reflected in the more powerful GT sedan.
The Forte FE, LXS, and GT-Line 2023 models will come as standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower. The GT and GT Manual grades will likely offer the standard 201 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.
While the Forte isn’t known for its class-leading handling capabilities, the relatively low price of the 200+ hp model is still one of the best.
2023 Kia Forte Interior
The 2023 Forte isn’t the most luxurious in its class, but the Kelley Blue Book offers warm praise for the car’s interior: “the quality of materials is absolutely acceptable for this price bracket.”
In fact, the cabin of the Forte 2023 must be equipped with a number of standard features that you usually don’t find in a car at this price.
Apple CarPlay wireless and Android Auto will likely be standard, along with an eight-inch touchscreen and basic sound system.
Kia takes inspiration from premium European cars for the 2023 Forte cabin. It brings together all the switches and other controls into a neat arrangement. And the quality of the materials is totally acceptable for this price bracket.
The 37.5-inch rear legroom beats the Toyota Corolla’s 34.8. The Honda Civic fits pretty well with the Forte at 37.4 inches. The 15.3 cubic feet of luggage space clearly puts the Forte ahead of the Civic and Corolla.
2023 Kia Forte Exterior
Anyone interested in Kia’s style will probably notice that there’s a new set of metaphorical pencils in the company’s design studio.
The K5 midsize sedan and the new Sportage compact SUV are at the forefront of this bold approach, which was also applied to the Forte compact sedan when it received an update last year.
It all adds up to this thing looking sharper than the creases in Jeff Goldblum’s Oscar party pants.
That vibrancy is dulled a bit by the base FE model’s 15-inch steel wheels and plastic covers, but the alloy wheels on the rest of the range do more than provide a place for the tires to go. The GT Line and GT models have added aerodynamics to accentuate their sportiness.
Not every color is available for every trim level, but there’s a good chance a buyer can find something acceptable within their budget.
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2023 Kia Forte Features
- TURBOCHARGED GT ENGINE
With an automatic transmission, this engine is no thirstier than the 2.0-liter unit in the lower trim. And the way it brings the driving experience to life is sure to make some buyers feel that it’s worth the extra money. - 10.25-INCH INFOTAINMENT TOUCHSCREEN
It is present in the GT Line trim levels. It has clear graphics and just looks more modern, as the trend is for bigger screens. The system itself is also user-friendly.
2023 Kia Forte Standard Features
While most new cars have it these days, it’s worth looking into a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking that’s installed as standard on the Forte 2023. It also has lane departure warning and lane following assistance.
Other standard equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels, single-zone air conditioning, fabric upholstery, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, USB port, an auxiliary audio input jack, and four speakers.
2023 Kia Forte Factory Option
Bringing more equipment into the new Kia Forte happens by opting for a higher trim level. For example, the LXS trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and offers an LXS Technology package that adds blind spot monitoring with rear traffic warning, plus a Safe Exit Alert and a mirror-mounted turn signal indicator.
Once at the GT Line level, these additions come standard, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen projection headlamps, keyless entry/ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather/simulated seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment 10.25 inches, satellite radio and six speakers.
Optional bundles for the GT Line are the Premium package — with a powerful sunroof, navigation-based smart cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, cyclist detection, wireless charging, plus an 8-speaker/320-watt Harman Kardon audio system — and the Premium Sport Package features seats a heated and ventilated sports front (the driver’s seat is also 10-way power adjustable), along with a less sporty rear USB charging port.
The actual GT model (not the GT Line) comes with a more powerful 1.6-liter engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This setup features a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless charging, and blind-spot monitoring. Options include a 6-speed manual transmission, navigation-based smart cruise control, heated/ventilated front seats, rear parking sensors, and Harman Kardon audio.
The GT manual transmission is slightly more expensive, but the standard equipment goes beyond the stick shift and third pedal. It has most of the above equipment (including Harman Kardon audio) plus Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires.
2023 Kia Forte FE
Like its initials, the FE is the most fuel-efficient version of the Forte 2023 compact sedan lineup, averaging around 35 mpg. It is also the cheapest to buy. But it’s tuned more for the economy than excitement.
The same can be said for the LXS and GT Line models, as they all sport a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Ride quality is also nothing to write home about unless your letter reads something like: “Mom, I’m not impressed with the Forte suspension.”
Things improve, though not dramatically, in the GT model with a bespoke sports suspension and a more powerful turbocharged engine that produces 201 horsepower.
This car even carries the best transmission of its range, a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch. It’s more responsive than the slow, drone-prone continuous variable transmission (CVT) paired with the 2.0-liter engine. It also returns superior fuel economy compared to the 6-speed manual also offered in the GT.
2023 Kia Forte Engine
Kelley Blue Book doesn’t anticipate many (if any) changes for the Kia Forte for 2023. The exterior has a clean, “ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it” styling to it that will carry over.
The Kia Forte GT-Line will offer unique, aerodynamic design cues reflected in the more-powerful GT sedan.
2023 Forte FE, LXS, and GT-Line models should come standard with a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. GT and GT Manual grades will likely offer a standard 201-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.
While the Forte isn’t known for its class-leading handling capabilities, the relatively low price of the 200+ hp model is still one of the best.
2023 Kia Forte Transmission
The FE, LXS, and GT Line versions of the 2023 Forte have a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (no turbo or similar) that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. The automatic transmission sends it to the front wheels only.
The GT model has a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces a more entertaining 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Front-wheel drive is also set here, although the GT offers a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Drivers looking to keep the stick-shift flame alive are welcome to check out the more expensive manual transmission GT.
But the difference in fuel economy and the likelihood of finding an interested buyer at a resale time makes the 2-pedal variant a better bet.
Regular petrol is fine with both engines. This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy estimate fits the 2022 model, but we don’t anticipate any changes for 2023.
- 2.0-liter inline-4 (FE, LXS, GT Line)
- 147 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
- EPA city/highway fuel economy (estimate): 31/41 mpg (FE), 29/39 mpg (LXS, GT Line)
- 1.6 liter turbocharged inline-4 (GT)
- 201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
- torque 195 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
- EPA city/highway fuel economy (estimate): 22/31 mpg (manual), 27/35 mpg (auto)
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2023 Kia Forte Release Date
We don’t yet have an official release date for the Kia Forte 2023 compact sedan, but we do anticipate a new model coming out this year—either late summer or in the fall.
Since it likely won’t see any major changes, there shouldn’t be a major delay in its release.
The Kia Forte trim levels for 2023 will likely mirror the same as for 2022: the Forte FE, LXS, and GT-Line for the lighter sedan, and the Forte GT and GT Manual.
2023 Kia Forte Price
We expect the Forte 2023 compact sedan range to start at around $20,000, plus destination fees. That’s for the FE version. The LXS tends to be around $500 more than that.
Getting into the GT will cost around $26K, with a manual transmission costing an additional $1,000.
Most of the other options are quite small in terms of meaning and price. Self-dimming mirrors with garage door openers cost around $350.
Anyone considering a new compact sedan should also check out the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3—the top trio in this class. Each starts at a low $20K range.
At this time, Kia has not provided specific pricing details for the new Forte. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimates that the cheapest Kia Forte will start at around $20,000 and the Kia Forte GT model will start at around $26,000.
The current model year starts at $19,090, so the sedan may see a slight price increase for 2023. With KBB’s guess, we can estimate prices for the full trim lineup:
- 2023 Forte FE: $20,000
- 2023 Forte LXS: $20,500
- 2023 Forte GT-Line: $22,200
- 2023 Forte GT: $25,500
- 2023 Forte GT Manual: $26,500
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Previous article
2023 Kia Forte people often say that success is about taking calculated risks. And this Kia Forte 2023 proves it, by proving to be a truly successful compact car that puts value and quality first!
With a spacious cabin made of high-quality materials, it’s no wonder we named it the 2021 Best Compact Car for the Money – so get yours today from us here at The Tire Store Inc!
The 2023 Kia Forte is an affordable and reliable option for those looking to get from point A to B. However, some reviewers note that a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) can make the driving experience less pleasant and sometimes unresponsive because it’s not a conventional gearbox type.
In addition, because of the solid ride quality on imperfect roads such as potholes or cracks in the pavement that can cause driver discomfort when traveling long distances.
2023 Kia Forte Review
The Kia Forte 2023 packs a lot into its compact sedan form. This includes some new stances, after which the redesign for the 2022 model year injected added sportiness into the exterior design of Kia’s rivals for the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
At first glance, the 2023 Kia Forte looks like a version of Kia’s K5 sedan. Fresh from a makeover, changes to the 2023 Forte will be limited to the new color and trim options, and possibly some shuffle options between the various trims.
Standard features on the 2023 Forte include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, plus safety aids like lane-keep assist and driver attention monitoring.
Technological and safety enhancements include a 10.25-inch infotainment system and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. This allows the 2023 Kia Forte to adjust its speed automatically to match the posted speed limit, and when an impending bend is detected.
The base 147-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 is paired to a CVT automatic transmission. For a little extra excitement, a 201-hp turbocharged inline-4 is available in the GT trim. This more powerful engine is available with a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.
Thanks to its value, comfort, and fuel economy, the 2023 Forte is a small sedan that goes well above its size and price.
2023 Kia Forte Redesign
This compact sedan features sharper styling and features new technologies, including a larger infotainment screen and more driver assistance.
Kia is giving its compact 2023 Kia Forte sedan a makeover for 2022 that includes updated exterior styling, new wheel designs, and updated technology.
Inside, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen is now available as an option, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity is standard.
The 2022 Forte starts at $20,000 and will be on sale soon, Kia said.
Who said small sedans died? Not Ki. By 2022, the Korean automaker has refreshed its 2023 Kia Forte compact car with fresh styling and more technology to keep up with newcomers like the new Honda Civic 2022 and the updated Volkswagen Jetta 2022.
Stylish updates for this year’s 2023 Kia Forte include a revised top grille that’s narrower than before as well as updated exterior lighting elements, reworked front, and rear bumpers, new wheel designs, and a newly available trunk lid spoiler.
On the GT and GT-Line trims, new LED fog lamps are hidden in the lower grille; the model is also equipped with a unique LED taillight.
2023 Kia Forte Interior
Inside, the Forte is upgraded with a new center console design that dumps the old manual parking brake into an electronic brake, freeing up more space for storage. Faux leather upholstery is now an option, as is the rear seat USB port for charging smartphones.
The 8.0-inch infotainment system is still standard, but now includes Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity and Android Auto. The larger 10.3-inch screen is now optional and comes with dashboard navigation.
The 2023 Kia Forte safety credibility also sees a slight bulge for 2022 as some of the available driver assistance features are upgraded this year. Basics like automatic emergency braking and lane guard assist are standard, but lane assist features follow this year’s spec sheet as well.
The car’s automatic emergency braking system has been upgraded to keep an eye on pedestrians and cyclists and the rear traffic warning system can now brake if the driver appears to be backing into an obstacle.
A new adaptive cruise control system is now available that uses navigation data to predict upcoming corners on the road and automatically slows down the 2023 Kia Forte speed in preparation.
The feature is already used on some Kia and Hyundai models and also monitors the speed limit installed. In addition to these new features, the 2023 Kia Forte can also be ordered with a system that can warn the driver if it is not safe to get out of the vehicle due to approaching traffic or cyclists.
The 2023 Kia Forte is the perfect car for families who are on the move and don’t have enough space in their current vehicle.
The luggage space will accommodate everything you need to take with you, even if it’s a big family vacation with all your luggage.
The Kia Forte 2023 is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of headroom for tall people.
The LATCH system is easy to use and gives the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the second-highest rating Accepted. The bottom anchor sits deep in the seat, but you can easily move your arm around it with minimal effort.
The 2023 Kia Forte cabin is sleek and stylish, with a variety of quality materials. Circular air vents are one of the interior touches that help make it stand out among its competitors who have more square or rectangular options for ventilation placement.
You can control many of the features of this infotainment system with the 8-inch touchscreen from your driver’s seat. The physical controls are also easy to reach and see!
2023 Kia Forte Changes
Recently KIA has filed for the K3 trademark in the United States, the toy being compact might give it a new naming atmosphere like the K5.
The point is that KIA is preparing some new updates both visually and other updates and we hope this model will be seen in the US and Korean markets as K3 because KIA has applied for the trade name.
The KIA compact sedan will be getting a new look with several styling models being revealed which have certainly been updated both inside and out and we think for this US version to be called the 2023 Kia Forte it will adopt the same name as its predecessors from the Optima as the K5 and KIA has applied for the OHS trademark in the USA.
KIA is updated with several updates of the new headlights as well as an interesting tail lamp design which is slightly different from before also equipped with a new design on the new wheels. The new KIA logo is also included on the inside. It has a larger touchscreen infotainment system and a digital metering cluster.
On the engine side, we didn’t expect any significant mechanical updates to the K3 sedan, it looks like the K3 will adopt the base 2.0-liter inline-four engine.
Although it will probably lower the power of the base model manual transmission which only offers an automatic CVT like some other vehicles like the Hyundai Elantra.
The GT model will get higher performance which should continue with the more powerful 1.6 liters inline-four Turbo Charger and we also expect the manual transmission to come with a 6 speed manual as standard on the engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as an option.
2023 Kia Forte Powertrain
We see the powertrain components unchanged. Most models are powered by the very familiar 147 horsepower 2.6 liters 4 cylinders and CVT continuous variable automatic transmission.
The setting of this sporty sedan vehicle produces a speed of 8.1 seconds that reaches 60 mph on the test track. As well as the GT model comes with a 201 horsepower turbocharged 1.6 liters 4 cylinders and clutch 7 speed automatic or 6-speed manual. With it, the 2023 Kia Forte GT can run 6.7 seconds to 60 mph on the track.
2023 Kia Forte Engine
On the engine side, the first thing that catches the eye is that the 2023 Kia Forte can save on fuel which is a very impressive feature.
One of the few cars that can go up to 60 miles per gallon on the highway is a very efficient car with 4 cylinders in this car that produces 147 horsepower and the engine has won awards, also for interior design with the best aesthetics.
In the automotive world, there are few things more important than a powerful engine that can take you around town by upgrading to an engine version with 201 horsepower Turbocharged 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine or manual transmission available which can go from zero to 60 meters in just 6 seconds average.
Gasoline Consumption Figures
When you’re looking for a compact car, what are the three most important things to consider? Fuel economy is one of them. The Kia Forte 2023 has fuel-efficient options to meet all your needs – manual transmission and CVT models with city/highway mpg ratings ranging from 27/37 to 31/-41.
Opting for the GT trim means getting up to 27 miles per gallon in both environments, making this model perfect if saving money on gas is your top priority when buying a new vehicle.
2023 Kia Forte GT
The GT and 2023 Kia Forte GT Line models get a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen. Kia gave the K3 a mid-cycle update for the South Korean market in April, but it’s only now that the compact sedan is receiving the same update for North America.
Instead of switching to the alphanumeric moniker as it did with the Optima (now called the K5), this Honda Civic competitor is sticking with the 2023 Kia Forte nameplate for the 2022 model year.
The exterior changes are quite big because apart from the updated logo and redesigned headlights, the 2023 Kia Forte also gets a new twist on Kia’s corporate “tiger nose” grille. For the GT model, there is a sportier front bumper with three-point LED fog lamps arranged diagonally.
The GT-Line also gets redesigned fog lamps, with both top-spec models also featuring different LED taillights to separate them from the lower trim levels. Rounding out the exterior tweaks are the 16 and 17-inch wheels (LXS, GT-Line) and the trunk lid spoiler.
Speaking of trims, the EX model has been discontinued, meaning the range has been streamlined to just four versions: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT.
For 2022, the driver’s screen has been increased in size from the standard 3.5 to 4.2 inches, while the 8-inch touchscreen can be upgraded to the new 10.25-inch infotainment.
Kia added wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, along with an available electric parking brake (with automatic hold), and a USB charger for rear-seat passengers.
Upgrade to GT-Line or GT and you can start remotely, and now there’s also an option for synthetic leather upholstery. A total of 15 safety and assistance systems can be ordered, some new and some upgraded from the pre-facelift Forte.
From blind spot and lane following assist to navigation-based cruise control and safe exit warning, it’s impressively equipped for a model in this segment.
Both petrol engines are carried, meaning the regular model gets a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter unit with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet (179 Newton-meters) of torque. Stepping up to the GT gets you a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) that is channeled to the front wheels via a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.
The 2023 Kia Forte GT also gets a sportier exhaust, and more importantly, a multi-link rear suspension for better handling.
While the 2023 Kia Forte K5 was also updated in South Korea under the name K3 GT, there is no word on the hatchback returning to the United States.
2023 Kia Forte Turbo
The 2023 Kia Forte offers two different engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 201 horsepower.
2023 Kia Forte EX
The base 2023 Kia Forte FE starts at $17,890. This is low for the class makes it a steal! The LXS trim only goes up one price point and sells for just a few hundred dollars extra so you can have more features without wasting your life savings on fuel prices.
Next in line are the GT-Line and EX trims with starting points of $20,490-$23,090 respectively but both still offer great value when compared to other popular models from comparable brands.
Finally, we find a variety of topping models: the KIA Forte GGT 2023 which will retail for around $22,000 – not too bad considering all the high-quality components including the leather or touch upholstery.
2023 Kia Forte Release Date
Stay tuned for Kia to announce more information about the US market Forte/K3 later this year. It should go on sale in the US by the end of 2021.
2023 Kia Forte Price
The Kia Forte 2023 is very cheap, but it still has some competition. For the same price as these vehicles, you can get options like the Honda Civic and Mazda3 which come with sportier features than your average compact car or check out the Hyundai Elantra for a stylish upgrade.
We expect the base price of the Kia Forte 2023 to start at around $20,000. Look for the Kia Forte 2023 compact sedan which starts at around $20,000.
Considering how many features come standard on the 2023 Kia Forte — including wireless smartphone connectivity and a host of active driver assistance — car shoppers on a budget can easily stop here and be satisfied.
Value fits perfectly with the 2023 Forte and is critical to competing with rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
The well-equipped 2023 Kia Forte GT-Line costs around $23,000 and includes features like a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system.
Up top, the 201-hp turbocharged 2023 Kia Forte GT has an asking price of around $24,000. Adding a manual gearbox costs an additional $1,000.
Pricing for the entry-level FE model starts at $20,085, while the midrange LXS and GT-Line will cost $20,585 and $22,285, respectively. The sporty GT trim is set to start at $24,485. The 2022 Kia Forte will soon roll out to US dealer inventories.
Verdict
The new Kia Forte 2023 is the best choice in the compact car category. This model has many impressive features, such as a spacious cabin and trunk. Not only does it come with standard amenities like iPod connectivity, but it also offers an almost endless list of security options to protect you on the road!
The fuel savings are also impressive – you won’t be paying for gas very often if you choose this vehicle. In addition to all these positives, driving around the city can be a lot of fun as there is plenty of power available from your engine when you need it without pressing the pedals hard thanks to the responsive CVT system that provides smooth acceleration at any time during use. !