The 2019 Kia Forte Sedan gulps its energy from a 2-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 engine, supplemented by a fuel injection system to boost the efficiency figures. Kia pairs this combination to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission for even power distribution. Like most other compact sedans in its class, the Kia Forte runs only on the classic front -wheel-drivetrain.
Speaking of the base powertrain, the 4-cylinder engine gives you a punchy response whenever you push the accelerator pedal. Kia has also programmed its CVT setup to maintain pre-selected ratios. This simulates the working and feel of a smooth automatic transmission. The Forte does run out of breath while you up the ante on a busy highway. Speaking of which, the Forte breaches the 0-60 mph mark in a time of 9.5 seconds. The sedan completes the quarter-mile run in 17.2 seconds. These mediocre acceleration figures may not be very appealing for most car enthusiasts.
Models
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2019 Kia Forte Sedan
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2019 Honda Civic Sedan
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2019 Toyota Corolla Sedan
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2019 Hyundai Elantra Sedan
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MSRP
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$17790
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$19550
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$18700
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$17200
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Engine
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2.0-liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
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2.0-liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
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1.8-liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
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2.0-liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
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Drivetrain
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FWD
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FWD
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FWD
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FWD
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Transmission
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6-speed manual/ CVT w/OD
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6-speed manual/ CVT w/OD
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CVT w/OD
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6-speed manual/ 6-speed automatic w/OD
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Power (hp @ RPM
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147 @ 6200
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158 @ 6500
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132 @ 6000
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147 @ 6200
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Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)
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132 @ 4500
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138 @ 4200
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128 @ 4400
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132 @ 4500
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
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9.5
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8.2
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8.6
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9.3
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Quarter-Mile (seconds)
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17.2
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16.3
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16.2
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16.9
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Top-Speed (MPH)
|
129
|
137
|
118
|
130
|
Although the Kia Forte fulfills its very basic duties of urban commuting efficiently, its engine isn’t the type that would put you to the back of your seats. In the power charts, it offers more power than the Toyota Corolla and is at a similar wavelength to its sibling, the Hyundai Elantra. However, the Honda Civic leads the way with its class-leading power output. The difference between these two sedans manifests in the speed charts as well, as the Honda Civic finishes the fastest of its lot while the Kia Forte struggles in the last position.
How well does the 2019 Kia Forte Sedan handle?
The 2019 Kia Forte is an engaging sedan that excels in cruising through tight city traffic. Handling is pretty smooth thanks to a firm steering setup. The new steering feedback is a welcome change compared to the overtly light steering of the previous models. Kia has reserved a simple shifter setup with discrete positions for Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive modes. This simple gear shifter setup is extremely utilitarian compared to the complex shifters that you see in most cars today.
The cabin remains stable and quiet as a pin drop even while cruising at high speeds. The acoustic glass on higher trims keeps the majority of the outside disturbances at bay. The Forte’s ride quality is on the softer side of the spectrum, maintaining a comfortable ride for your family.
2019 Kia Forte Braking Performance
A lightweight sedan like the 2019 Kia Forte needs a sturdy braking setup to stop its momentum before any mishap occurs. Kia equips the SUV with a 4-wheel disc brake system. Its front and rear brake rotors of 11-inches and 10.3-inches are capable enough to stop the sedan’s momentum in crucial panic situations. Automatic emergency braking comes in handy while in panic situations. The Kia Forte comes to a halt from 60-0 mph within a distance of 125 feet, a decent figure which rivals most modern-day sedans and crossovers.
Models
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2019 Kia Forte Sedan
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2019 Honda Civic Sedan
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2019 Toyota Corolla Sedan
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2019 Hyundai Elantra Sedan
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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11
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11.1
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10.8
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11
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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10.3
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10.2
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9
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8
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Curb Weight (lbs)
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2707
|
2762
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2937
|
2844
|
60-0 (feet)
|
125
|
117
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131
|
110
|
The 2019 Kia Forte is a midrange performer in the braking sector, dominated by the likes of its very own blood sibling, the Hyundai Elantra. Hyundai Elantra offers the best braking performance as it comes to a complete stop from 60 mph in just 110 feet. The Honda Civic Sedan comes at the second position at 117 feet while the Toyota Corolla Sedan comes at the last position at 131 feet.