The 2018 Kia Forte and the 2018 Kia Forte5 join the Rio and Rio 5-Door as similar, yet different, vehicles in the Kia lineup. The Forte is a sedan, and the Forte5 is a sporty compact hatchback. Here’s a brief overview of each vehicle to help you choose which one best meets your needs.
Exterior Style and Features
The Kia Forte and Forte5 share some similarities as well as differences on the exterior. Depending on the trim you choose, they both offer LED positioning lights, power heated outside mirrors, solar-control glass, a rear-window defogger, the signature Kia tiger-nose grille, and more. However, the Kia Forte5 boasts a cargo cover inside the back door to hide belongings from view, whereas the Kia Forte takes this up a notch with a hands-free trunk control. Available upgrades for the Forte and Forte5 include fog lamps, a rear spoiler, a sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Performance
Almost all the Forte and Forte5 trims come with a standard 2.0-liter I-4 four-cylinder engine, but the highest-level Forte5 trim equips a turbocharged 1.6-liter instead. The 2.0-liter engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque in the Forte. The Forte5’s 2.0-liter engine, however, produces 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, and the turbocharged engine puts out 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.
The Forte’s base trim is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and the other two trims come standard with an automatic transmission (optional for the base trim). The Forte5’s automatic transmission is standard, but the turbocharged engine offers a six-speed manual as an option.
Safety
Kia Forte and Forte5 feature the advanced airbag system with front, full-length side curtain, and front-seat-mounted side air bags. Their standard safety systems are also identical, with features like the traction-control system, tire-pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and more. They also share braking systems such as electronic brake-force distribution, which helps them brake consistently and distribute the vehicle’s weight appropriately; and anti-lock braking and brake-assist systems, which help the vehicles determine emergent braking situations and applies additional force to the brakes when needed.
Interior and Technology Features
Depending on which trim you choose, both models offer several standard and available interior options, including cloth- or leather-trimmed seats, ventilated and heated seats, dual temperature control, smart key with push-button start, and a supervision metal cluster with a 4.2-inch color LCD display that keeps important driver information — such as an odometer, trip meter, and audio and phone controls — at your fingertips.
Both models offer the UVO system with a 7-inch touch screen, either standard or as an optional upgrade, to keep you connected to important features like roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and 911 connect. You can also get features like parking minder, which keeps track of where you park, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Both Kia Forte and Forte5 offer so many great options, including comprehensive safety features, incredible comfort, and the latest technology. Visit Gay Family Kia to schedule a test drive today.
Image via Flickr by GabboT
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.