A not-so-compact sedan comes with midsize attitude
Buyers of small sedans tend to be younger first-timers, or people who live in multi-car households requiring an occasional-use set of wheels.
The 2019 Kia Forte deserves to be considered as a top pick for both groups, but it’s also an acceptable alternative for typical midsize-sedan shoppers, especially those on tight budgets.
Over the years, the Forte, along with many of its competitors, has grown up (physically and stylistically) to a point where it could easily qualify as a principal family sedan. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2019 Forte is more than 3 inches longer and nearly an inch wider. The distance between the front and rear wheels remains the same. A modest gain in roof height means more overall passenger space as well as increased cargo volume. (The previous Forte bested the current Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla’s current capacities.)
Kia claims the Forte’s design was inspired by the new-for-2019 Stinger sedan, which is difficult to acknowledge since most of the automakers’ products have similar-looking grilles and other design cues. Suffice to say, the 2019 Forte comes with a more expressive front end, while the remaining sheetmetal has enough curves and swirls to avoid being tagged as bland.
Interior accommodations are also where the Forte has matured. The comfy, well-bolstered front seats appear to be carryovers, but they have lighter and stronger frames. Kia says that denser foam improves overall comfort and increases lower-back support.
The split-folding rear-seat area is also a supportive and spacious spot, but lowering one or both seatbacks to create extra stowage room can only be done from inside the trunk, which can be awkward.
The redesigned soft-touch dashboard and control panel results in a larger floor console/armrest and improved shifter placement. Additionally, the 8-inch touchscreen is perched above the air vents for easier viewing.
The starter button fires up a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. That’s the same output as before, even with some minor component adjustments to improve fuel economy. Although not exactly a powerhouse, the Forte is lively, while the retuned suspension is smooth and inspires cornering confidence.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard for the base model, while a continuously variable unit (CVT) is available in the base, but standard for all other trims. It replaces the previously optional six-speed automatic and is lauded by Kia for its fuel-conserving ways. The CVT’s eight
simulated shift points are effective at copying a geared automatic’s operation and will fool most drivers.
Included with the CVT are Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes, each with their own shift points and engine characteristics.
The CVT earns a combined city/ highway rating of 34 mpg, two better than the six-speed-automatic Forte’s rating.
The least-expensive (of four trim levels) Forte FE starts at $18,600, including destination fees. That modest sum gets you dual-zone climate control plus forward-collision warning/intervention and lane-keeping assist.
At the top end, the EX comes with faux-leather seat coverings, poweradjustable driver’s seat and a trunk lid that automatically opens when the key holder stands near for more than three seconds. EX options include a power sunroof, navigation, 320-watt Harmon Kardon-brand audio system and a wireless phone charger.
The 2019 Forte stands out on its high-style looks, accommodating interior and thrifty four-cylinder. It’s also large enough to play the familycar role at a price that’s thousands less than a midsize sedan. If you don’t need that extra size, why pay for it?