2014 Kia Forte

2014 Forte Photos
Forte 2.0 Keeps Kia Competitive In The Compact Crop Looking back just a few years, America's compact segment was filled with bland, uninteresting cars that traded largely on low prices and high fuel economy. In today's landscape, though, things couldn't be more different – this class now boasts some of the most attractive cars on the market, not to mention features and technologies once reserved for luxury cars. Filling Kia's role in this important market, the 2014 Forte has helped make the South Korean automaker a contender among compact cars with the sedan launching earlier in the year and the Koup and Forte5 hatchback hitting dealers soon. When the Forte first launched in 2010, it was a much-needed replacement for the Spectra, but it still had lingering drivetrain refinement issues. In the end, the model didn't really move the needle for Kia, let alone the segment. Now the second-generation Forte sedan has arrived in an effort to bolster the company's lineup, a portfolio that includes impressive models like the Optima, Sorento, Soul and even the subcompact Rio. Compact buyers can range anywhere from first-time drivers to empty nesters, so these cars are required to fill a variety driving needs. To test this out, we strapped into a fully loaded 2014 Kia Forte EX for a long-distance drive that took us from Jacksonville, FL to Atlanta, GA – a 700-mile jaunt that gave us a good mix of interstate and urban driving. Kia has equipped the 2014 Forte with a stylish cabin with soft-touch materials throughout. Kia has made a name for itself recently by bringing new levels of vehicle design to the segments in which it competes, which is why it's surprising that if anything, the Forte's design might be its sole stumbling point. Don't get us wrong, the styling is balanced and handsome enough (especially when compared to the first-gen Forte) but it lacks the originality of its sister car, the Hyundai Elantra. Even so, there are plenty of strong points, including the boomerang-shaped crease along the bodyside and the sloped nose with its signature Tiger Nose grille and large headlights. Stepping up to the EX model brings a little more flair by adding features like HID headlights with LED daytime running lamp swooshes, LED taillights, 17-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors and chrome exhaust finisher. The biggest difference between modern compacts and those from just a handful of years ago tends to center on their interior appointments. For Kia's part, it has equipped the 2014 Forte with a stylish cabin with soft-touch materials throughout, including the instrument panel and padded door armrests. As great as the materials are on this Forte EX, though, the plasticky faux carbon fiber trim around the driver's cockpit is a bit on the cheesy side, and the plastic inserts on lower portion of steering wheel are downright awful – disappointing given that the thickness and feel of the steering wheel is otherwise excellent. The touchscreen navigation system is easy to use and offers outstanding graphics …
Full Review
Forte 2.0 Keeps Kia Competitive In The Compact Crop Looking back just a few years, America's compact segment was filled with bland, uninteresting cars that traded largely on low prices and high fuel economy. In today's landscape, though, things couldn't be more different – this class now boasts some of the most attractive cars on the market, not to mention features and technologies once reserved for luxury cars. Filling Kia's role in this important market, the 2014 Forte has helped make the South Korean automaker a contender among compact cars with the sedan launching earlier in the year and the Koup and Forte5 hatchback hitting dealers soon. When the Forte first launched in 2010, it was a much-needed replacement for the Spectra, but it still had lingering drivetrain refinement issues. In the end, the model didn't really move the needle for Kia, let alone the segment. Now the second-generation Forte sedan has arrived in an effort to bolster the company's lineup, a portfolio that includes impressive models like the Optima, Sorento, Soul and even the subcompact Rio. Compact buyers can range anywhere from first-time drivers to empty nesters, so these cars are required to fill a variety driving needs. To test this out, we strapped into a fully loaded 2014 Kia Forte EX for a long-distance drive that took us from Jacksonville, FL to Atlanta, GA – a 700-mile jaunt that gave us a good mix of interstate and urban driving. Kia has equipped the 2014 Forte with a stylish cabin with soft-touch materials throughout. Kia has made a name for itself recently by bringing new levels of vehicle design to the segments in which it competes, which is why it's surprising that if anything, the Forte's design might be its sole stumbling point. Don't get us wrong, the styling is balanced and handsome enough (especially when compared to the first-gen Forte) but it lacks the originality of its sister car, the Hyundai Elantra. Even so, there are plenty of strong points, including the boomerang-shaped crease along the bodyside and the sloped nose with its signature Tiger Nose grille and large headlights. Stepping up to the EX model brings a little more flair by adding features like HID headlights with LED daytime running lamp swooshes, LED taillights, 17-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors and chrome exhaust finisher. The biggest difference between modern compacts and those from just a handful of years ago tends to center on their interior appointments. For Kia's part, it has equipped the 2014 Forte with a stylish cabin with soft-touch materials throughout, including the instrument panel and padded door armrests. As great as the materials are on this Forte EX, though, the plasticky faux carbon fiber trim around the driver's cockpit is a bit on the cheesy side, and the plastic inserts on lower portion of steering wheel are downright awful – disappointing given that the thickness and feel of the steering wheel is otherwise excellent. The touchscreen navigation system is easy to use and offers outstanding graphics …
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Retail Price

$15,900 - $20,900 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 1.6L I-4, 1.8L I-4, 2.0L I-4
MPG Up to 25 city / 37 highway
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd man w/OD, 6-spd w/OD
Power 148 - 201 hp
Drivetrain front-wheel
Curb Weight 2,736 - 2,912 lbs
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