The GT-Line is an impressive offering. For the price, this trim adds more comfort and safety features along with unique styling to the list. You get a leather steering wheel, hands-free power tailgate, push-button start, proximity keyless entry, sport cloth seats with leatherette bolstering and white contrast stitching, and many more. 

It’s a good value, from its warranty to its infotainment- The Car Connection

Kia ditched the EX trim and now the 2022 Forte is offered in four trims namely FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The 2022 Forte has a starting price of $19,090 while the top-end GT trim is priced at $24,490. This excludes a destination charge of $995. Lower trims come with a CVT transmission whereas the GT trim lets you choose between a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 6-speed manual. 

The GT-Line and GT trims add some unique styling touches to the exterior. The Forte comes loaded with a fair amount of features even on the base trim while its warranty coverage is just impressive. Kia also offers several optional packages for the Forte. The Technology package in the LXS trim adds a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, and heated exterior mirrors for $550.

The GT-Line trim gains a sunroof, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging, electronic parking brake, and smart cruise control from the $1,700 Premium package. Add more $500 and you get a 10-way power driver's seat, faux leather seats ventilated front seats and rear park assist for the GT trim. Therefore, no matter which model it is, Kia has packed the Forte with many niceties. 

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Its base powertrain is competent, if a little uninspired- Autotrader

The Kia Forte's base powertrain consists of a 2.0L inline-4 engine coupled with a highly-efficient CVT transmission system. The dup generates around 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. of torque. The GT trim gets a more powerful 1.6L turbo-4 engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. This engine cranks out 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. of torque. Only the front wheels are driven. 

The Forte isn't as engaging to drive as its rivals. As soon as you hit the broken pavement, the Forte bounces all over the place even with a stiffer suspension setup. If you push it through a corner at any speed, the rear end will jump right off the pavement. The GT trim gets a sport-tuned suspension and a multi-link rear suspension as opposed to the coupled torsion beam in the rear axle that comes in lower trims. 

The base engine makes adequate power for commuting around town, It completes the 0-60 MPH sprint in 8.1 seconds and has a quarter-mile time of 16.4 seconds. The GT trim does it in 6.8 seconds thanks to its peppy engine and fash-shifting gearbox. The brakes feel sturdy and responsive. There is no nose dive and the brakes do not fade after repeated use. In the brake test, the Forte takes 118 feet to halt from 60 MPH. 

*2021MY data used for reference

This field is quite competitive as the performance stats of all rivals are almost similar to the Forte. Only the Mazda 3 comes standard with a traditional automatic gearbox while the rest stick to CVT. The Honda Civic's optional turbocharged engine is equally powerful to the Forte but is underpowered when compared to the Mazda 3. 

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The Forte posts high fuel economy ratings- The Car Connection

When it comes to compact sedans with potent engines under the hood, above-par fuel efficiency can be expected. With the base engine equipped in the FE, LXS, and GT-Line trims, the Forte returns 31 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on a highway, and 35 MPG combined. These fuel ratings are the best in the segment. 

The 1.6L engine paired with an automatic transmission is rated at 30 MPG combined while opting for the manual transmission drops the fuel economy to 26 MPG combined. The large 14-gallon fuel tank aids for one of the best driving ranges in the class. The Forte delivers 490 miles in its most efficient form while the least range is 364 miles.

*2021MY data used for reference

In terms of efficiency, the Hyundai Elantra tops the table, though it houses the same engine as its sibling. Next in line is the Honda Civic with an impressive mileage and respectable driving range. The fuel estimates and driving range of the Mazda 3 are slightly less than the competition. Overall, the Forte fares great against its rivals. 

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Kia has done an excellent job designing the Forte's interior- Edmunds

The Korean automaker is popular to offer plush interior space at a budget price tag. With a good focus on crafting comfortable space for passengers, the Kia Forte offers a five seating layout. The cabin is treated with good-quality materials and eye-catching stylish touches like circular air vents. The center console has been reworked due to the addition of a new electronic parking brake. However, the age of the design does show even when compared to some other Kia models.   

The seats are wrapped in cloth and synthetic leather that offers great long-term comfort and ruggedness. The GT-Line trim's sport cloth seats with leatherette side bolsters and white contrast stitching look awesome. Seating comfort for long rides is one of the best-in-class. The driver's seat gets 6-way power adjustability but only the GT trim gets standard heated front seats. Space is abundant in the front row while the legroom can be tight for long-legged people at the back. 

The standard touchscreen in the Forte measures 8 inches while a new 10.25-inch screen is available on higher trims. Also, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the range. These were the much-needed updates for the Forte. Another new feature is the inclusion of a USB port in the rear row. The interface is straightforward and the touchscreen responds quickly. The GT trim gets an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that sounds really good. 

*2021MY data used for reference

The Forte's 15.3 cu-ft. of cargo space is the best in the class. It can swallow a lot of groceries bags If you need more space, the rear seats can be folded on all but the base FE model. There's decent interior storage offered in the Forte such as center armrest storage in the front, four cupholders, and door pockets to stash small items. Other interior features include:

• Multi-function leather steering wheel
• 6-way power driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Proximity keyless entry
• Power sunroof
• Dual-illuminating vanity mirrors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 8 & 10.25-inch touchscreens w/ wireless connectivity 
• 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Wireless charging

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The Kia Forte has gotten an aesthetic refresh for 2022- Kelly Blue Book

The 2022 Kia Forte looks much more compelling with the all-new redesign. The front is complemented with sharper LED headlights and twin LED strips and a chrome-finished grille with GT labels in the GT and GT-line models. The tiger-nose grille seems a bit narrower than the outgoing model. Embracing the new Kia logo in style, the Forte reflects ambition and class. On the lower fascia, the LED fog lamps are placed diagonally and there's large opening on the bottom. 

The bodyline is streamlined ensuring dynamically superior performance. From the side view, the Forte is shorter than other compact sedans in its class. This gives it the advantage of easy maneuverability. Sporty 15-inch alloy wheels offer a striking look but the GT trim gets unique 18-inch alloys to separate itself from the lesser ones. The rear also got a redesign and it looks much better than the outgoing model. The boxier LED taillights give the Forte a sporty appeal.

*2021MY data used for reference

The Mazda 3's ground clearance is slighty higher than the Forte. That's wontn cause a problem while getting in and out of the vehicle. Although the Hyundai Elantra and the Forte are built on the same platform, the Elantra has longer and wider proportions. The Honda Civic sports a wide wheelbase here and hence, its rear row feels spacious. Some other exterior features are:

• LED auto high-beam headlights
• LED taillights 
• LED DRLs
• LED fog lamps
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Dual exhaust tips
• Black grille with chrome surrounds
• Rear decklid spoiler
• 15, 17, 18-inch alloys

Kia also reinforced its suite of Drive Wise driver aids- Autotrader

NHTSA has crash-tested the 2022 Kia Forte and gave it a 4-star overall safety rating. As for IIHS ratings, the 2021 model's ratings are taken into consideration as there are no structural changes. It was honored with the Top Safety Pick award as it received the best possible ratings in all evaluations. 

Offering high-quality cars with a robust body structure and advanced driver aids inside has been the gameplay of Kia for a while. Offering great value for money, the Forte hosts a wide range of standard safety features and advanced driver aids. More importantly, Kia has updated the safety features list for 2022. Some of them are:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
• Back-up Camera
• Lane-Departure Warning
• Blind-Spot Monitor
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Lane Change Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Rear Parking Sensors

2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic costs a few thousand dollars more than the Forte and it offers fewer standard features. However, its engines are more powerful and it feels more engaging to drive. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers more rear-seat space than the Forte but it falls short on the trunk capacity. Overall, the Civic is a better choice for a better driving experience whereas the Forte is a better value for money. 

2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra

Despite having similar performance numbers and prices, the nature of both vehicles is different. While the Hyundai Elantra provides class shattering fuel economy and interior cabin space, the Forte provides impressive driving dynamics. Through its GT trim, holds the potential for breathtaking performance. Its cabin is dressed with nicer materials and has an edge in terms of cargo. 

2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is known for its excellent driving dynamics. In its most powerful form, the Mazda 3 is way quicker than the Forte. The cabin feels more upscale, attractive and it is equally spacious as the Forte. The Forte offers more standard creature comforts and better cargo volume. On the flip side, some driver aids that are optional on the Forte are standard on the Mazda 3. 

The latest Kia Forte equips a robust powertrain and its exterior is compelling with boxier LED headlights and a lengthy structure. The interior space depicts class and sporty vibes with the plush seating arrangement and updated infotainment range. Advanced safety features and driver aids along with all the creature comforts adds true value for money.