The 2016 Kia Forte earned the top score of Good in four Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. It received the second-lowest rating of Marginal in the small overlap front crash test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Forte sedan a perfect five-star overall rating.

While both models are compact cars, the Kia Forte5 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Kia Forte and Kia Forte5 are comparable in regards to front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.

The 2016 Kia Forte is available as a sedan in LX and EX trim levels. The two-door coupe (Koup) is offered in both EX and sportier SX trims, while Kia's Forte four-door hatchback (Forte 5) comes in LX (new for 2016), EX and SX trims.

Kia introduced the second generation of the Forte lineup in 2016 for the 2017 model year, and, along with the sedan, it also offered a fived-door version named Forte5. Designed as an affordable vehicle, the Forte5 was made by Kia on the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra and the European Kia Ceed.

The 2023 Kia Forte gets the top “Good” rating in all but one crashworthiness category by the IIHS. It also earns a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

When properly maintained, a Kia Forte can last more than 200,000 miles. However, don't be surprised if you, like many owners before, run into costly powertrain problems after 150,000 that outweigh the vehicle's value.

Forte. The K3 in Korea was released as the four-door Forte sedan in America in 2010; its name comes from the Middle French word “fort”, meaning “strong.” We know it as a reference to a person's strongest skill or characteristic.

Compact without compromising on space, the 2023 Kia Forte5 is outfitted to impress. A small car with big character, the Forte5 offers urban-driving excitement in a hatchback body for the best possible versatility and efficiency.

compact car Available as a sedan, hatchback, and coupe (Koup in Kia speak), the 2015 Kia Forte is a compact car that slots above the subcompact Rio and below the midsize Optima. Sedans are sold in LX and EX trims while the hatchback and coupe are offered in EX and SX grades.

The Forte compact sedan offers two different engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 201 horsepower. The optional 201-hp turbocharged engine, however, moves the Forte closer to the performance of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Civic Si.

Third generation (BD; 2018)

But with its roomy interior, upscale features, strong engine lineup and sharp styling, the 2015 Kia Forte, which earns a spot in both our 2015 Sedan and Coupe Buying Guides, is an excellent choice if you're shopping for an affordable sedan, coupe or hatchback.

If I was in the market for a simple “A to B” commuter, I'd go with the 2023 Kia Forte LXS with the LXS Technology package. Only $500 more than the base LX, the available Technology Package comes packed with useful driver assist and safety tech.

Apparently this year (2016) model has the same engine defect as the 2015 models. It is burning oil and constantly stalls. The Kia dealerships refuse to even bring up the issue, they just say $5,000 for a new engine right away as if they know what the issue is right off the bat.

Third generation (BD; 2018)