Compact sedans tend to get overlooked when they don’t have a sporty flair or a performance-oriented model that makes them stand out in the crowded segment that’s often overshadowed by new compact crossovers. For the 2022 model year, the Kia Forte gets a refresh inside and out with the highlights being a new larger 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display as an option and new sleek styling that adds a fresh sporty appeal.
To keep the sedan movement alive, Kia has updated the Forte to possibly shed its shy and unnoticed style where there are new GT and GT-Line trims that add eye-catching design elements, such as unique exterior LED lighting, red trim surrounding the front LED foglamps, sharply-styled LED running lights up front, unique LED taillights for the GT and GT-Line trims, fresh new wheel choices, and a newly sculpted front grille for a more noticeable presence on the road.
The interior of the new 2020 Forte takes cues for other new Kia vehicles with an option for a 10.3-inch infotainment screen over the standard 8-inch unit both including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new suite of available driver-assistance features now includes lane following assist to add to the already-respected list of active safety options along with an upgraded emergency braking system that can detect pedestrians and bicyclists. The adaptive cruise control system now utilizes navigation data to predict upcoming road curves to slow the vehicle in advance. A new safe-exit feature is also available to warn the driver if it is safe to exit the vehicle from approaching traffic or bicyclists.
Powering the 2022 Kia Forte is the return of its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower mated to a continuously variable transmission. Apart from the rather anemic base powertrain, the Forte also gets the 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine in the GT trim that can be had with either a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. Offering a 6-speed manual transmission will naturally attract some enthusiasts – if they know that the new Kia Forte offers such. Zero to 60 mph should be around 6.5 seconds or better for the Forte GT with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The price for the new 2022 Kia Forte will remain respectable starting at $20,085 for the base FE trim and moving all the way up to $24,485 for the more powerful Forte GT before any fees or additional options. The new 2022 Kia Forte will be on sale before the year is out with examples on dealer lots at the same time.
