Driving a compact sedan doesn’t have to be boring. The Kia Forte GT is a good mix of sport and practicality. It’s designed for those on a budget that don’t want to look or feel like they are sacrificing fun for value.
What features does the Kia Forte GT provide?
The turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine gives you 201 horsepower. It’s available as a dual clutch seven speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The automatic has a paddle shifter which adds to the sporty feel. It has two-tone 18 inch wheels, a body kit, and a rear spoiler.
If you want something sportier than the Optima but less aggressive than the Stinger, the Forte GT is a perfect choice. We’ll take a closer look at the sports sedan and the trim, so you can decide if this is the vehicle for you.
The 2020 Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is a compact sports sedan with room for five. The base engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower. The base transmission is a six-speed manual, and is standard on the base trim FE.
Mid Level trims include LXS, GT-Line, and EX. These models come standard with a CVT automatic transmission paired with the 2.0 engine. The manual transmission gets up to 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The automatic gets up to 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
The Forte won the 2020 Best Compact Car for the Money from U.S. News, and ranked fourth in the compact car category. Edmunds gave it a 7.9 out of 10 overall rating.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) gives it a 4-star safety rating. They noted a safety issue with side crash for rear passengers, but this test did not factor into the star rating, which was 5 stars for side crash.
The Institute for Highway Safety (IHS) named the vehicle as a top safety pick for 2020. There’s a caveat that the award only applies to vehicles with the optional crash mitigation system and specific headlights. Headlights found on lower trim models didn’t illuminate the road properly around curves.
Safety and convenience features include automatic emergency braking and a driver attention warning. It also has lane keep alert and active lane keep assist. Blind spot mirrors, rear parking sensors, and rear cross traffic alert also add to the overall safety of the vehicle.
The 2020 Kia Forte GT Trim
The two biggest draws of the GT trim are the styling and more powerful engine. Styling upgrades include ground effects, dual tone 18-inch wheels, and a black grill. These items take the Forte from a run-of-the-mill sport compact to a head turner.
The interior is sporty and luxurious. It features an 8-inch infotainment system. It offers an optional upgrade to leatherette seats that are ventilated and heated. They have a firm feel without being uncomfortable.
The pedals are slotted chrome, and the dash has chrome trim. It offers a charging pad with USB ports for added convenience.
It has a fully independent multi-link rear suspension. This provides a stiffer suspension with better handling than other trim models. The steering wheel has a flat bottom, adding to the racing feel.
The engine is a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder. It gets 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. It has a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds. Performance doesn’t mean sacrificing gas mileage with the Forte GT. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Should You Buy a Kia Forte GT?
The Kia Forte GT is the best sport compact at its price point, making it a great choice for budget conscious drivers. You can learn more at Vehicle History. You’ll find owner and expert reviews, which provide you with a realistic overview. You’ll also find a full list of specs.
