2019 Kia Forte Review: Reliable Small Car With Low Ownership Costs As It Ages

The 2019 Kia Forte lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average check engine light and collision warning system issues reported. At $13,975 to $18,950,  it’s an excellent value for a compact car with a lot of technology features for the price.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Kia Forte since it offers a nice cabin paired with good reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the comfortable seats, responsive touchscreen, along with the low running costs.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The interior materials are fairly nice for a compact car, the seats offer good support, cargo space is also better than some competitors.
• Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2019 Forte. Stay away from models from 2010–2015 since they have engine failures, while 2016–2022 are more dependable.
• Performance 7/10 – Performance is poor from the standard four-cylinder engine, which is weaker than some competitors, but built to be efficient rather than powerful.
• Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Forte is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, lane keep assist, as well as automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include lane change assist and adaptive cruise control.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 35 MPG, offering 490 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $40 cheaper than average, at $173 per month.
• Value 8/10  – The 2019 Kia Forte is less expensive than most other compact cars and still has a lot of great features, making it a good value for shoppers on a budget.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Forte?

• Consumer Reports says the 2019 Kia Forte offers impressive fuel economy and a long list of standard features, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
• Edmunds rates the 2019 Forte at 4.2/5, enjoying the technology features for the money, but doesn’t like the relatively small back seat.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the Forte a 4.1/5, praising the roomy interior for a compact car, but owners don’t like some of the hard interior plastic pieces.

What Common Problems Does the 2019 Kia Forte Have?

Common problems found on the 2019 Kia Forte include check engine lights, the front collision warning system turning on, and some reports of transmission issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other small cars on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Forte ages.

Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Forte owners, showing up at around 10,000 miles. To determine the source of the problem, you will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the ECU for any codes. From there, the cost of repairs costs $20 to $350, depending on the source of the issue.

The front collision warning system turning on is another problem mentioned by Kia Forte owners within the first 20,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a dirty front sensor, which just needs to be cleaned. In rare cases, the front sensor needs to be replaced if it is damaged, costing around $650.

Transmission issues have also been reported by 2019 Forte owners at around 50,000 miles, although they are less common than on earlier models. Owners report the transmission failing to change gears and excessive noise. Usually the transmission is just replaced for free under warranty, although if the problem happens outside the 10-year/100,000 mile warranty, then it costs around $3,500.

There are two recalls on the 2019 Kia Forte, which is similar to other compact cars from the same year. The most serious recall is for the left front axle driveshaft, which may break, increasing the risk of a crash. Kia will replace the axle driveshaft on affected models for free. The other recall covers low-beam headlights, which Kia will adjust for free.

How Long Will the 2019 Kia Forte Last?

A well-maintained 2019 Kia Forte can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact cars, according to data from Repair Pal, at $412 per year.

As a used 2019 Kia Forte reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the blower motor resistor for $75, trailing arm costing $225, along with the window regulator motor, which costs around $375.

How Is the Technology?

The standard entertainment technology is great, offering a large 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Harman Kardon audio system.

Standard safety features are excellent for a compact car, and include:

• Rearview camera
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane keep assist
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning

Optional driver assistance features include:

• Lane change assist
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Rear parking sensors
• Blind spot monitoring
• Pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control

Is the 2019 Kia Forte a Good Value?

Yes, the 2019 Kia Forte is a good value since it’s less expensive than other compact cars, while offering a lot of technology features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $13,975 to $18,950, making it less than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $17,790 to $21,990. Depreciation is similar to other sedans, losing about 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Forte?

There are four different versions of the 2019 Kia Forte offered from the entry-level FE through to the more luxurious EX. All Forte models come standard with front-wheel drive.

FE is the entry-level model, which has:

• 15-inch steel wheels
• Automatic headlights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Rear air vents
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
• Four-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary audio jacks
• Rearview camera
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keeping assist

LXS is a step up with:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Selectable drive modes
• 60/40-split folding rear seat
• Soft-touch dash and door surfaces

S is next in the lineup, adding:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED daytime running lights
• Fog lights
• Rear-seat armrest
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Six-speaker audio system
• Satellite radio
• Kia’s Uvo communication services
• Optional S Premium package features: sunroof, LED headlights, and automatic high beams

EX is the flagship model with:

• Heated side mirrors
• Windshield wiper de-icer
• Push-button ignition
• Keyless entry
• Keyless trunk opener
• Simulated-leather upholstery
• Power adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Sliding armrest
• Two extra USB ports
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane change assist

EX Launch Edition Package:

• Unique 17-inch wheels
• Sunroof
• Rear deck lid spoiler
• LED headlights
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Larger gauge cluster display
• Navigation system with voice controls
• Wireless device charger
• Eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with HD radio
• Adaptive cruise control
• Pedestrian detection for automatic emergency braking
• Rear parking sensors
• Automatic high beams.

What Engines Come In the Kia Forte?

The 2019 Kia Forte comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a respectable 147 horsepower. It is paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which Kia dubs the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). In terms of performance, the Forte can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in around 8.7 seconds. As for fuel efficiency, the Forte equipped with the IVT achieves an impressive combined fuel economy of around 35 MPG.

What Colors Does the Kia Forte Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Forte?

The 2019 Kia Forte stands out in the compact sedan segment not just for its aesthetics and performance but also for its comfort level. The car is designed with a spacious interior that provides ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making longer drives pleasant for everyone onboard. The seats are supportive and come with quality upholstery, with higher trims offering premium materials and heated or ventilated options.

Furthermore, the Forte’s suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, resulting in a smooth and compliant ride. The cabin is also well-insulated, providing minimal intrusion of road and wind noise. Thoughtful ergonomic design means controls are within easy reach, and the intuitive infotainment system adds to the overall comfort and convenience of the driving experience. All these features combined guarantee that the 2019 Kia Forte provides a pleasant and comfortable ride for both the driver and the passengers.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Forte Have?

The 2019 Kia Forte is lauded not only for its design and efficiency but also for the impressive amount of storage space it provides for a compact sedan. Regarding cargo space, the trunk offers a generous 15.3 cubic feet of room. This space is large enough to comfortably fit a few suitcases, making it suitable for weekend getaways or airport runs.

For those looking to maximize storage, you can also fold down the rear seats for even more space. Additionally, within the cabin, the Forte features several small storage compartments, including door pockets, a center console bin, a glove box, and cup holders. These compartments are handy for stowing away items like sunglasses, wallets, or mobile devices, making sure that the interior remains organized and clutter-free.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation of the Kia Forte was launched for the 2019 model year.

2015: Uvo telematics removed from the EX model, and there’s a more fuel efficient engine available.

2016: LX model available as either a hatchback or sedan.

2017: Minor front-end styling changes, an upgraded suspension on the S model, updates to the 2.0L engine, and adaptive xenon headlights available.

2018: No changes from previous years.

2019: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, technology, and engine choices.

2020: S model removed from the lineup, sportier GT and GT Line models launched.

2021: GT models now have high performance tires when you select a manual transmission.

How Does the Kia Forte Compare to the Competition?

The 2019 Kia Forte is a decent compact car offering reasonable practicality ratings paired with a nice interior for the money, helping it earn our recommendation for shoppers on a budget.

The Hyundai Elantra is another compact car, which costs about $1,500 more. Both the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra are built on the same platform, while the Hyundai Elantra offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Kia Forte since it’s a better value, but it’s good to test both to see which you prefer.

The Honda Civic is a popular compact car, which is around $2,000 more. Where the Civic stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Kia Forte has more standard safety technology. We recommend the Honda Civic since it has a better long-term reliability rating on the used market.

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Forte?