“The 2018 Kia Forte is available with three four-cylinder engines, but none of them are as energetic as some class rivals’ offerings. Handling tells a similar story, as the Forte is composed but not as athletic as competitors. Fuel economy is average for the class, and ride quality is generally fine.”- Cars.USnews
Engine and Transmission of the 2018 Kia Forte
The sedan versions of the 2018 Kia Forte get only one powertrain option, a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. This engine is capable of generating only 147hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. This power is transmitted via a 6-speed automatic transmission to the FWD in place. The engine is Naturally aspirated and feels equally smooth. At a base price of $16,800, these engine specifications make a wonderful deal.
Model |
2018 Kia Forte |
2018 Toyota Corolla |
2018 Mazda 3 Sport |
2018 Hyundai Elantra |
MSRP |
$16,800 |
$18,600 |
$18,095 |
$18,850 |
Engine |
2.0 L 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated |
1.8 L 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated |
2.0 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated |
2.0 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated |
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic Transmission |
CVT |
6-Speed Automatic Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic Transmission |
Power (hp@RPM) |
147 hp @ 6200 RPM |
132 hp @ 6000 RPM |
155 hp @ 6000 RPM |
147 hp @ 6400 RPM |
Torque (lb-ft@RPM) |
132 lb-ft. @ 4500 RPM |
128 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM |
150 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM |
132 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM |
Drivetrain |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
In comparison with competition, the 2018 Mazda 3 sport gets the most powerful engine despite having similar displacements as the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra, it generates 155hp to top the charts. Hyundai and Kia being sister brands share the exact specifications. The 2018 Toyota Corolla gets a smaller engine, a 1.8 L 4-cylinder engine that generates only 132 hp and 128lb-ft of torque.
Acceleration of the 2018 Kia Forte
The 2018 Kia Forte also sees the podium with its acceleration performance, being the best in class as it goes from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. Its 147 hp proves to be fast enough on the tarmac. It further records a quarter-mile timing of 15.2 seconds, yet again the fastest sedan in consideration.
Model |
2018 Kia Forte |
2018 Toyota Corolla |
2018 Mazda 3 Sport |
2018 Hyundai Elantra |
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
6.6 sec |
9.5 sec |
7.9 sec |
7.8 sec |
Quarter mile (seconds) |
15.2 sec |
17.4 sec |
16.2 sec |
16.2 sec |
Engine |
2.0 L 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated |
1.8 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated |
2.0 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated |
2.0 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated |
When compared with its competition, the closest rival to the Kia Forte is its sister brand, Hyundai Elantra, measuring 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds and a quarter-mile in 16.2 seconds. The other rivals take a bit longer. The Mazda does it in 7.9 seconds while the Toyota Corolla takes as much as 9.5 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. The quarter-mile timing for the same order.
Handling and Steering of the 2018 Kia Forte
Equipped with a front-wheel drive, the acceleration and a pull of the car are clearly experienced inside the cabin, but the drive experience feels safe and comfortable. Further, fitted with a set of sport-tuned suspensions, all the jerks and jolts are taken care of. The thrust and acceleration are further enhanced with the several driving options available, one can choose from Standard, Sport, and Comfort mode. Despite being a sedan of significant length the Kia Forte gets in and out of corners quite easily.
Braking of the 2018 Kia Forte
Equipped with 11.0-inch rotors for the front wheels and 10.3-inch rotors for the rear wheels, the 2018 Kia Forte gets a 4-wheel disc brake setup. Further, equipped with an Anti-lock braking system along with active sensors, helps bring the 3880-pound car to a standstill in just 176 feet.
Model |
2018 Kia Forte |
2018 Toyota Corolla |
2018 Mazda 3 Sport |
2018 Hyundai Elantra |
Brake Front(in) |
11 |
10.8 |
11.02 |
11 |
Brake Rear(in) |
10.3 |
9 |
10.43 |
10.3 |
Curb weight(lbs) |
3880 lbs. |
2885 lbs. |
2967 |
2900 (~) |
70-0 MPH (ft.) |
176 ft |
183 feet |
173 ft |
168 feet |
In comparison, Kia ranks third for its brake performance, losing to the 2018 Mazda3 sport, which ranks second as it weighs significantly lesser and has larger rotors. Ranking in the first position is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, which gets exactly the same size of rotors as we find on the Kia. It performs better probably due to its curb weight that is lesser. The Toyota Corolla ranks in the last position with a stopping distance of 183 feet.