2024 Kia Forte: A Stylish and Value-Packed Compact Sedan

The 2024 Kia Forte continues to be a compelling option in the compact sedan segment. With its combination of sharp looks, a roomy interior, and a long list of standard features, it offers excellent value for money. While not a thrill ride in terms of driving dynamics, the Forte prioritizes comfort, practicality, and affordability, making it a great choice for everyday driving and commuting.

Striking Design and Functional Interior

The Forte's exterior boasts a sleek and modern design. The front grille and headlights give it a sporty appearance, while the overall silhouette is clean and refined. The interior is surprisingly spacious for a compact car, offering ample head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cabin uses quality materials and features a user-friendly layout. The prominent touchscreen controls the infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.

Engine and Performance

The Forte comes in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT, and GT Manual. The LX, LXS, and GT-Line utilize a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is adequate for everyday driving but might feel a bit sluggish for those seeking a more spirited ride. All three trims pair this engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provides smooth shifting.

For those who crave more power, the GT and GT Manual trims offer a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers a much more exciting driving experience, and the GT pairs it with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the GT Manual offers a true enthusiast experience with a six-speed manual gearbox.

While the GT trims offer a sportier feel, the Forte's overall handling is geared towards comfort and stability rather than sharp cornering. The suspension provides a smooth ride over most road surfaces, making it a great car for cruising and long commutes.

Fuel Efficiency and Safety

The Forte shines in terms of fuel efficiency. The base engine with the CVT achieves an impressive 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. Even the peppier turbocharged engine in the GT trims delivers a respectable 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Safety is a priority for Kia, and the Forte comes loaded with standard driver-assistance features. These include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GT-Line trim now includes navigation-based adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist collision avoidance, and an auto-hold parking brake function. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the 2024 Forte a 4-star overall safety rating.

Trims and Features

The 2024 Forte offers a range of trims to suit different needs and budgets.

• LX: The base LX trim provides the essentials with features like a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system.

• LXS: The LXS adds niceties like alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and keyless entry.

• GT-Line: The GT-Line offers a sportier appearance with unique wheels, a gloss black grille, and sport seats. It also boasts the most significant safety upgrades for 2024.

• GT: For those seeking performance, the GT packs the turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

• GT Manual: The GT Manual provides the thrill of a six-speed manual transmission for driving purists.

Value and Verdict

The 2024 Kia Forte starts at an MSRP of $19,990 for the LX trim and goes up to $25,845 for the top-of-the-line GT Manual. This competitive pricing, combined with the Forte's long list of standard features and excellent fuel efficiency, makes it a great value proposition in the compact sedan segment.

While it might not be the most exciting car to drive, the Forte prioritizes comfort, practicality, and affordability.  If you're looking for a stylish, well-equipped, and fuel-efficient sedan for your daily commute or errands, the 2024 Kia Forte is definitely worth considering. However, if you crave a more dynamic driving experience, you might want to explore sportier options in the segment.