History/Overview
The Forte5 is a hatchback version of Kia’s compact economy car model, so named for its five-door configuration.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
New for 2021 is a GT MT trim level, which builds on the carry-over GT trim and its turbo engine and adds a manual transmission.
Available Trims
Kia offers the Forte5 in EX, GT and GT Limited trims. EX uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission. GT models share a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder. GT MT has a manual transmission that options to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that is standard in GT Limited.
Standard Features
EX trim’s exterior comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, heated/power-adjustable body-colour side mirrors, and chrome exterior trim.
Inside, EX has cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a heated/leather steering wheel, air conditioning, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, USB input/charging port, auxiliary audio input, wireless smartphone charging, cruise control, a 3.5-inch gauge cluster display and keyless entry.
EX trim also comes with Kia’s full suite of basic driver safety assists: tire pressure monitoring, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic warning, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance assist, and driver attention alert.
GT adds 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, black body trim and side mirrors, red grille accent trim, sport seats in cloth and leather, a flat-bottom steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, dual-zone climate control, and passive keyless entry.
GT with the dual-clutch transmission also adds ambient interior lighting, UVO connected car services, and satellite radio.
GT Limited’s additions are heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, power driver’s seat, navigation, smart cruise control, and advanced forward collision avoidance assist.
Fuel Economy
Kia’s fuel consumption estimates for the Forte5 are 8.0/6.0 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.0L engine and continuously variable transmission. Models with the 1.6L turbo are ranked 9.9/7.6 L/100 km with the manual transmission, and 8.9/6.9 with the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Competition
With the Forte5, Kia competes with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla hatchback variants, the Mazda3 Sport, Volkswagen’s Golf, and the mechanically similar Hyundai Elantra GT.
