Introduction
The 2014 Kia Forte is a compact 4-door sedan offered in LX and EX trim levels. It replaces the current lineup of
Forte Koup,
Forte 5-Door and
Forte Sedan when it goes on sale during the first quarter of 2013.
Exterior Features
Designed in California, the 2014 Kia Forte nevertheless displays what the company calls "European design-inspired" styling. Standard equipment includes heated power exterior mirrors and steel wheels.
Interior Features
The new Kia Forte LX comes standard with soft-touch interior materials, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with audio streaming capability. Controls on the car's steering wheel allow the driver to operate the radio and Bluetooth functions.
Optional Features
The 2014 Kia Forte LX trim level can be optioned with a Popular package containing 16-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, remote keyless entry, remote trunk release, and a front sliding armrest. An Eco package includes a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear air vents and Idle Stop & Go technology, which automatically shuts the engine off while idling in traffic or at intersections to conserve fuel.
The Kia Forte EX trim level includes the items included in the Popular package, as well as
Kia's new UVO (Your Voice) information, navigation and entertainment system with eServices technology, reversing camera, and a cooled glovebox. The Forte's new electric steering can be upgraded with Flex Steer technology, offering the driver three settings for steering effort: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
A Premium package for the EX trim adds leather seats, heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power driver seat with ventilation. Additionally, the Premium package includes a power sunroof, SmartKey passive entry and push-button ignition system, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. A Technology package can also be added to this version, and it includes LED running lights, LED taillights, high-intensity discharge headlights, 4.2-inch LCD information display in the gauge cluster, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents.
Under the Hood
The 2014 Kia Forte LX is equipped with a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 131 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a 6-speed automatic optional.
The 2014 Kia Forte EX has a standard, direct-injection, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine is paired solely with the 6-speed automatic.
Safety
Aside from the reversing camera that comes standard on the EX trim, the new Kia Forte offers an industry-standard package of air bags, traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The Forte EX is also equipped with UVO eServices technology, which pairs with the owner's smartphone and provides 911 Connect telematics service in the event of an air bag deployment.
Technology
In addition to providing 911 Connect service, the UVO eServices smartphone application that comes standard with the 2014 Kia Forte EX includes a Parking Minder that helps the owner find the car in a crowded lot, remote vehicle diagnostic information, and the ability to send a destination from Google Maps to the car's navigation system.
2013 Kia Forte Summary, Photos & Specs2012 Kia Forte Ratings
Kia Car & Truck Ratings
