Written by Marco Carvajal
As I drive the 2019 Kia Forte EX on the highways of Florida, I see many other Forte cars on the road. This is a very popular model, loved by Kia Fans. The Forte is Kia’s workhorse, with more than 100,000 units sold every year.
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte, is a compact sedan produced since 2008. It is known as K3 in South Korea, Forte K3, or Shuma in China, and Cerato Vivaro in Colombia. In some markets like Costa Rica, Australia and Brazil, the Forte is marketed as Kia Cerato. In Colombia and Singapore, the name Cerato Forte was used for the second generation. Naza Automotive Manufacturing of Malaysia assembled the vehicle since 2009, selling it there under the name of Naza Forte.
2019 Kia Forte
The 2019 Kia Forte is the third generation of this successful compact.
Kia’s new designer, Peter Schreyer, former Audi designer, has given a premium design and new direction to most Kia’s automobiles, including the new Forte that now looks like the younger brother of its older brother, the full-size Stinger sedan. The all-new Forte 2019 looks like a smaller and more modest version of Kia’s Stinger, with a fresh new look that could appeal many potential car buyers.
To achieve resemblance to the Stinger, Kia designers pushed the windshield base 5 inches backwards compared to the previous model and shortened the trunk lid, being able to produce the sought-after short-deck look typical of sports performance automobiles.
The new look of the Forte has a sporty and more elegant look than the previous generation.
The new generation Forte includes Kia Drive Wise technologies.
The Forte now produces better fuel economy with an amazing average of 40 miles per gallon.
The trim level Kia Forte EX that I am test driving is the top of the Forte line.
2019 Kia Forte EX Highlights
- 2.0 liter, DOHC, 16-valve I-4, Atkinson Cycle Engine
- Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
- Horsepower 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque 132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
- Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) ) w/ Sportmatic
- MPG 30/40/34 (City/Highway/Combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity, 14 Gallons
- 17″ Machine Finish Alloy Wheels
- UVO eServices, 8″ Touch-Screen Display, Voice Recognition and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Harman/Kardon Premium Audio w/ Clari-Fi, 320 Watts, 8 Speakers, and Integrated Subwoofer Optional as part of the EX Launch Edition Package.
Trims
The 2019 Kia Forte is available on 4 different Trim Levels:
FE
LXS
S
EX
The Forte FE is the entry level model, followed by the LXS, the S, and finally the EX is the top of the Forte lineup. The FE is the only model available on a manual transmission 6-Speed. All other trim models including the FE are available with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
Pricing
The price of the Forte provides great value and tons of standard features typical of the generosity of Kia. You can purchase the base model FE for a price of $17,790, or you can go all the way to $21,990 on the top of the line Forte EX. Each Forte trims has a similar price range with just about $1,000 difference between each model.
Engine
All Forte models use the same engine, a 2.0 liter, DOHC, 16-valve I-4, Atkinson Cycle that produce 147 Horse Power at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. torque at 4,500 rpm.
All models use a Multi-Point Injection (MPI) Fuel Delivery System.
Inside the Cabin
The new Forte is bigger, the new fastback shape created a bolt and sporty exterior appearance, and also help to expand the interior cabin. The overall length of the new 2019 Forte has increased by 3.2 inches to 182.7 inches, producing more rear legroom and greater cargo trunk of about 15.3 cu.-ft., one of the largest in the segment. The new Forte also includes additional rear headroom increasing the overall height and width.
Competition
The KIA Forte of 2019 must prove again its success again competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra and Mazda3.
Continuing with KIA’s tradition to provide good sales value, great combination of style, excellent driving comfort and technological features, the new Forte is ready to give a great fight in the segment and perhaps increase sales among its competitors.
For those who want to spend less than $20,000 for a compact stylish car, the Forte is a great choice.
