The 2022 Kia Forte is a compact sedan that competes directly with economy-minded rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and Nissan Sentra. That’s pretty stiff competition, especially considering more and more car shoppers are jumping from small sedans to compact or subcompact SUVs.
Fresh from an exterior freshening for the 2022 model year, the Forte now comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a newly available 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and active safety features like Highway Driving Assist (HDA). This pairs the Forte’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist functions to allow for semi-autonomous highway driving.
What helps to separate the Forte from competitors is its blend of value and fuel economy, along with an even wider range of tech, comfort, and safety features. And with the range-topping GT trim, you get a punchy 201-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with the choice of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
- Kia Forte GT: $23,490
- GT Technology Package: $300 (auto transmission only)
- GT2 Package: $2,200 (auto transmission only)
- 6-speed manual transmission: $1,000
- Auto dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink: $350
While the base Forte starts at $19,090, opting for the top-of-the-line GT trim with every option available keeps this Kia in a highly affordable range of around $27,000. Let’s take a look at some of the features of the 2022 Kia Forte GT that make it a compelling alternative in the compact sedan segment.
Turbocharged Engine
The Forte GT is the only trim that comes with a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, plus the choice of an automatic or manual transmission. While this 201-hp engine doesn’t turn the Forte into a sports car, the added power and firmer suspension make it feel more energetic in various types of driving situations.
Available 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Some buyers will gladly fork over the additional $1,000 for the more engaging driving experience of a manual transmission. However, those buyers should know that some driver-assist features are unavailable with the 6-speed manual.
10.25-Inch Infotainment Screen
Optional in lower trims and standard on the Forte GT, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen is a newly added feature for the 2022 model year. Sharp graphics and clear menus make this system one of the best you’ll find at this price point. Wireless smartphone charging is standard and so is navigation with over-the-air updates. One minor complaint is that while the base 8-inch infotainment screen in lower trims is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this larger screen requires a wired connection.
GT2 Package
The available GT2 package on models with the automatic transmission isn’t cheap at $2,200, but it combines a wide array of tempting options. This includes Kia’s Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driving system, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, an electronic parking brake, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, navigation-based smart cruise control with curve detection, a power sunroof, and LED interior lighting.
GT Technology Package
If you don’t want to spend the money for the GT2 Package, the GT Technology Package adds only $300 to the price of the Forte. This includes the electronic parking brake with auto hold function and the navigation-based smart cruise control with curve detection.
Sportier Inside and Out
Part of the fun in driving the Forte GT is letting people know the car you’re piloting is something a little special. To this end, the GT trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a small rear spoiler, LED headlights, and chrome exhaust tips. Inside, the Forte GT is fitted with a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy pedals, and paddle shifters on models equipped with the automatic transmission.
More 2022 Kia Forte
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