The 2021 Kia Forte lasts around 250,000 miles with relatively minor automatic braking system and stereo issues. At $16,899 to $23,900, it’s a great value for a small sedan with some of the latest safety technology.
Is the 2021 Kia Forte a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Kia Forte since it offers decent reliability ratings with the latest safety tech. Owner reviews praise the roomy cabin, responsive handling, along with the low fuel costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a small sedan, the front seats are comfortable, cargo space is also decent in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2021 Kia Forte. Avoid models from 2010–2015 since they have engine problems. Models from 2016–2021 are more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the base engine, while the turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder is reasonably quick.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Forte is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, as well as lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with pedestrian detection.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is very good at up to 35 MPG, giving 490 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $50 cheaper than average at $158 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Kia Forte is cheaper than many other small cars while also having low ownership costs, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Forte?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Kia Forte offers a respectable list of standard advanced features for a small car, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Forte at 4.3/5, enjoying the easy-to-use technology interface, but doesn’t like the stiff suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2021 Forte a 4/5, praising the roomy interior for its size, but owners don’t like the hard plastic dash pieces.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Kia Forte Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Kia Forte include issues with the automatic braking system, stereo freezing, along with the brake pads wearing out quickly. Overall, most of these problems are similar to other small cars, leading to average repair costs as the Forte ages.
Issues with the automatic braking system are the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Kia Forte in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the braking system is overly sensitive, and engages the brakes when it doesn’t need to. There are software updates for the system which rebalances the sensors, improving its performance.
The stereo freezing is another issue reported by 2021 Forte owners at around 1,500 miles. The stereo system simply locks up and the car has to be restarted to get it working properly again. There are some updates available which improve the stereo’s reliability. Most dealers will install these for free, while others charge around $50.
Brake pads wearing out quickly also shows up on some Forte models in the first 15,000 miles. If you brake heavily then the front pads may wear out fast. Replacing the front brake pads costs around $150, while new rotors are an additional $250. There are also some aftermarket pads which last longer, costing around $200.
There are two recalls on the 2021 Kia Forte, which is similar to many other small cars from the same year. The most serious recall covers the steering column, which may come loose. Kia will tighten the column on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Kia Forte Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Kia Forte can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 less than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $411 per year.
As a used 2021 Kia Forte reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the purge valve for $160, a power steering hose costing $400, along with the windshield washer pump which costs $200.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent with a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Harman Kardon stereo system.
Standard safety technology is great, offering:
- Rearview camera
- Electronic Stability Control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Driver attention monitoring
Optional upgrades include:
- Blind spot collision warning
- Lane change assist
- Pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross traffic alert
- High-beam assist
- Rear parking sensors
Is the 2021 Kia Forte a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Kia Forte is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other compact cars on the market while still being reliable. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,899 to $23,900, making it less than a Mazda3 or Honda Civic. When new, the price range was $17,890 to $23,390. Depreciation is better than some other small cars, only losing about 2% of its value per year in current market conditions.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Forte?
There are five models of the 2021 Kia Forte offered, from the entry-level FE all the way through to the more luxurious and exciting GT. The Forte is only offered with front-wheel drive.
FE is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Four-Speaker Audio System
LXS is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- Selectable Drive Modes
- Upgraded Interior Trim
GT-Line has additional features including:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Entry and Push Button Start
- Fog Lights
- LED Running And Tail Lights
- Heated Exterior Mirrors
- Faux Leather Seat Inserts
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Six-Speaker Audio System
EX is next in the lineup with:
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Wireless Device Charging
GT is the flagship model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Paddle Shifters
- Sport Tuned Exhaust
- Harman Kardon Audio System
What Engines Come In the Kia Forte?
- The 2021 Kia Forte comes standard with an average 2.0L four-cylinder which makes 147 horsepower at up to 35 MPG. It comes standard with a manual transmission, while there’s an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An optional upgrade is the stronger turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder, which produces 201 horsepower while getting up to 30 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Kia Forte Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Forte?
The 2021 Kia Forte offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers. Its well-crafted interior boasts a modern design, with high-quality materials and a thoughtful layout that contributes to an overall sense of refinement. The front seats are supportive and cozy, providing ample headroom and legroom, providing a pleasant ride for occupants of various heights.
In the rear, passengers are treated to a decent amount of space, making it suitable for adults on shorter trips or children on longer journeys. On the road, the 2021 Kia Forte delivers a smooth and composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene environment for passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Forte Have?
The 2021 Kia Forte is a compact sedan that offers a combination of style, performance, and practicality. One of the key aspects of this vehicle is its storage space, which is quite generous for its class. The Forte boasts a trunk capacity of 15.3 cubic feet, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, and other essentials.
This spacious trunk, coupled with the vehicle’s comfortable cabin
, guarantees that passengers can enjoy a convenient and relaxed driving experience. In addition to the trunk space, the 2021 Kia Forte also features 60/40 split-folding rear seats, which allows for even greater cargo capacity when needed, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both function and style in a compact sedan.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Kia Forte came out for the 2019 model year.
2015: Uvo telematics removed from the EX model, more efficient engine choices offered.
2016: LX model introduced which also features a hatchback version.
2017: Minor front-end styling changes, upgraded suspension on the S model, optional Xenon headlights, new 2.0L engine.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engines, technology, and styling.
2020: New GT and GT Line models introduced to replace the outgoing S model.
2021: GT model with manual transmission has new high-performance tires.
How Does the Kia Forte Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Kia Forte is a very nice compact car which offers a reasonably upscale cabin paired with improved reliability from earlier years, making it a worthwhile choice for shoppers on a budget.
The Toyota Corolla is another compact car which is available for around $3,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Corolla, while the Kia Forte offers a nicer interior for the money. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since it’s cheaper to own long-term, although both are decent small cars.
The Hyundai Elantra is another small sedan which can be found for $1,500 more. Both the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are built on the same platform, while the Hyundai Elantra offers a more upscale interior. We recommend the Hyundai Elantra since you get a nicer interior and some more technology features which are worth the extra cost.
