2018 Kia Forte in Sanford, ME - $13,827

Kia Motors has introduced the refreshed 2017 Forte sedan with several refinements. Along with fresh exterior styling, the 2017 Forte gains a new base engine that’s been engineered for improved fuel economy and performance, plus a host of advanced convenience and driver-assistance features. Visual enhancements add even more sophistication to its European sport-sedan styling. Up front, the Forte dons a new front bumper and “tiger nose” grille that has been extended to connect with newly designed headlights, which are available with Xenon HID lights. This new take on the front fascia gives the Forte a more fluid appearance, and customers will have the choice of two designs, one highlighting the Forte’s sophisticated personality and one that’s more aggressive and sporty.

Completing the exterior redesign are newly designed taillights, with optional LEDs.

Now available in three trims, a new sporty S trim sits in between the entry-level LX trim and the top-trim EX model. The new S trim amps up the Forte’s dynamic demeanor by adding a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED positioning lights, rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip. The EX trim remains the top of the range, and with that, comes standard with premium exterior features such as LED taillights, Smart Key with perimeter approach lighting and front door pocket lighting, and new 17-inch alloy wheels. Like its bigger Optima sibling, the Forte is available with Dynamic Bending Light technology, which uses steering wheel inputs to angle the light around corners and bends.

This year introduces a larger 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine. The new base engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, though a second-generation six-speed automatic transmission is available. The automaker’s tried-and-true 2.0L GDI four-cylinder engine is also an available option. The 2.0L GDI is matched to the newly engineered six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard control hardware for the Forte sedan consists of McPherson struts upfront and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. Depending on trim, the Forte also comes with Kia’s Drive Mode System, which allows the driver to change the driving experience based on their preference: Normal, Eco, or Sport.

Inside the passenger cabin, LX and S trims get upgraded cloth materials for the seats, with the S trim featuring exclusive black cloth seats with white contrasting stitching, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The EX now comes standard with leather seats with heated front seats, dual-zone full automatic temperature control, rear vents, and a push-button start with Smart Key.

As for infotainment, both the S and EX trims come standard with UVO35 telematics, which is displayed on a seven-inch touch screen display and includes a suite of core smartphone functions via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (late availability). Both platforms elevate the Forte’s in-vehicle connectivity by allowing drivers to conveniently use the touch screen for smartphone functions like sending text messages, streaming music, and looking up driving directions.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 106.3; overall length: 179.5; width: 70.1; height: 56.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder – 147 hp at 6200 rpm and 132 lbs-ft of torque at 4500 rpm; 2.0L GDI four-cylinder – 164 hp at 6200 and 151 lbs-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder – 25 city/34 hwy. (manual), 29 city/38 hwy. (automatic); 2.0L GDI four-cylinder – 25 city/33 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 14.9 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, dual front seat side-impact airbags, dual front/rear head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist control, side-impact door beams, Bluetooth hands free phone system, remote keyless entry, tire mobility kit, and tire pressure monitoring system. S adds automatic headlamps. EX adds front fog lights, push-button engine start with Smart Key, and engine immobilizer.

Optional safety features include: navigation system, Xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection system, blind spot detection with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, front collision warning system, lane departure warning system, and lane keep assist system.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Kia Forte sedan starts from $16,490 for the LX manual upto $21,200 for the EX automatic. Destination charges add $850.