2022 Kia Forte

　　

2022 Kia Forte Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　The compact sedan market might be shrinking, with Chevrolet and Ford recently abandoning the class to focus on compact SUVs, but that just makes it easier to consider the segment's standouts. The 2022 Kia Forte ranks high on that list with its sharp style, impressive fuel economy and a string of standard features at a lower price than rivals.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Kia Forte FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$108/mo  for Forte FE

　　Forte FE

　　FE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $19,090 MSRPLXS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $19,590 MSRPGT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $21,290 MSRPGT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $23,490 MSRPGT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $24,490 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The Forte lineup ranges from the fuel-thrifty base model to the sporty 201-horsepower GT top trim and its optional six-speed manual transmission. New for 2022 are restyled front and rear ends, with a sleeker grille and headlights, and revised taillight designs for a more aggressive look. New safety features and driver aids have been added as standard equipment, including navigation-based adaptive cruise control and a lane-centering system. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now make smartphone connections easier and cable-free for front occupants.

　　The Forte once got by on its low price and generous feature list, but it's no longer just a value alternative. An array of standard and optional features, solid power and improving refinement make the Forte a legitimate consideration among the standard bearers in the class, including the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. The Forte is still a bit rough around the edges in terms of ride quality and handling, and its rear seat is a bit small for the class. But as an overall value play, the Forte holds its own against the best. Read our Expert Rating below to see if the Forte is right for you.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Forte drive? In routine driving, the Forte feels adequately punchy. At zzdcar' test track, our test Forte covered 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is an average time for the class. The CVT automatic generally works well but at times feels unpolished. It delivers power promptly when commanded, but it's too eager to drop revs when you ease off the throttle slightly. It can make for surging power delivery.

　　We're also not overly impressed with the Forte's handling. The steering weight is fine but offers little feedback, and the on-center feel is vague. While the Forte corners relatively flat, it can get unsettled by midcorner bumps.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Forte? The Forte is more comfortable than most cars in the class. The seats are nicely contoured for long-distance comfort, and the headrests are soft and unobtrusive. Road noise is ably quelled, and only a mild amount of wind and ambient noise seeps through. The dual-zone automatic climate control works well. We also like that Kia offers ventilated front seats, although the cooling effect isn't especially powerful.

　　The biggest knock against the Forte here is its stiff suspension. It's OK on rough paving or shallow imperfections, but it struggles to smooth out larger bumps. The rear suspension, in particular, is especially troubled by uneven bumps.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below