The Forte is an elegant, comfortable and serene compact car that is an afterthought in the minds of buyers focussed on the Civic, Corolla and to a lesser extent, the Elantra.
The Forte 5 hatchback completed the model range that launched four years ago. Two engines, a 2L normally-aspirated four and a 1.6L turbo, are available. Driven briefly by the APA, the Forte’s 147 horsepower is ably matched to Kia’s CVT to deliver smooth, brisk acceleration. The Forte’s steering lacks much road feel but is nicely weighted and precise. The Forte has a well-honed ride-handling balance and the car has a well-sorted, mature feel. Forte drivers face precisely marked gauges, an easily manipulated infotainment screen and brilliantly simple climate controls. Seating is comfortable front and rear and rear seat legroom is at the upper end of this class. Excellent headroom. Good trunk space on the sedan with a substantial and flexible carbo bay on the hatchback. Cabin materials are very attractive with lots of soft-touch surfaces.

Sedan: The LX, with air-conditioning, heated front seats, the iOS-Android cellphone interface and cruise control, is very good value. The EX adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a driver awareness monitor, wireless cellephone charging, rear climate vents, alloy wheels and a heated steering wheel, making it an excellent value. The EX+ trim grade includes a sunroof and L.E.D. headlamps, at a reasonable price. The EX Premium adds an adaptive cruise control, a more sophisticated forward collision warning system and a dual-zone climate control system at a reasonable price.

The GT-Line, which combines a sporty look with the base 2L engine, includes heated and ventilated front sports seats, a power driver’s seat, navigation and a number of other minor features, and is good value. The GT Limited, which includes a Harmon-Kardon audio system as well as the 1.6L turbo and the dual-clutch automated transmission, and is reasonably priced expecially considering the additional performance.

Hatchback: The supplement to migrate from the sedan to hatchback body style costs $1000 on the GT Limied and $1100 on the EX.

Not rated. Unproven CVT transmission and 2L four. The Forte should be reliable during the warranty period. Five year/100,000 km basic warranty, an extended powertrain warranty is recommended.