2019 Kia Forte | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Shop for the 2019 Kia Forte: cargur.us/r5psx
The Kia Forte is no longer just a good-value option for folks looking for reliable transportation at a low cost. With great tech, impressive standard safety features, and an interior that made George Kennedy think “Audi,” the Forte is now knocking on the Honda Civic’s door for the title of “best compact sedan.”
The Forte’s exterior is more of an evolution from the previous generation than a revolution. The grille has grown wider, a couple windows have been added to the rear quarters to better frame the doors, and the front has gained a set of futuristic headlights. Inside, the new Forte has a decidedly Audi-like feel.
A 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine powers the front wheels to the tune of 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Managed by either a 6-speed manual or a CVT in base FE trim or standard CVT in all other trims, the powertrain is efficient enough to top out at 31 miles per gallon city, 41 highway, and 35 combined.
Kia’s UVO infotainment system offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and runs on a standard 8-inch color touchscreen. Lane-departure warning, forward-collision avoidance, and driver-attention warning all come as standard safety tech.
Pricing starts at $17,690 on the FE trim and rises to $21,990 for the top-level EX trim, although option packages can raise that price further. Our test vehicle came with an MSRP of $26,220. For more information on the 2019 Kia Forte, read George’s review on CarGurus: cargur.us/r5ps9
Presenter: George Kennedy
Cinematographer: Andrew Zubatkin
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Пікірлер: 93

  • @angelovalavanis2314
    @angelovalavanis23144 жыл бұрын

    I just bought one this past Saturday! Yesterday while I was on the sidewalk outside of the car someone did a double take on the car and took off his shades to look at the logo. He stopped and couldn't believe it was a Kia!

  • @CloakedHDTV

    @CloakedHDTV

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lol dude that’s awesome 😂😎

  • @kingofme8863

    @kingofme8863

    3 жыл бұрын

    What color did you buy?

  • @angelovalavanis2314

    @angelovalavanis2314

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@kingofme8863 I have the 2019 Kia Forte EX Launch Edition. At the time the Launch Edition came in Fire Orange.

  • @tipstravels2925

    @tipstravels2925

    Жыл бұрын

    I have a black and got the same looks lmao

  • @GeneticVTX
    @GeneticVTX4 жыл бұрын

    So I went from a 2010 fully loaded Lincoln MKZ to a 2020 Kia Forte. I was after better gas mileage and lower maintenance costs. The Kia impressed me. Just slightly smaller than my MKZ was. 1000 LBS lighter and much smaller engine with CVT trans. Makes the forte fun around corners. I get more than double the gas mileage and my car insurance went down. It’s a pretty quick car for the size of the engine. I like the seats better than that of my Lincoln. Everything about the car is sportier than the mkz. The redesign of the car is awesome! Looks like a really nice car! Oh and the active lane assist is awesome! Kinda freaked me out at first that the car was steering itself

  • @Ibby25
    @Ibby255 жыл бұрын

    It amazes me how far this company, and Hyundai of course, has come in the last decade. I remember the Kia Sephia and what a joke that car was, when literally no one took Kia serious. And look at them now. Congrats Kia, well done!

  • @GPeterG-km1xj

    @GPeterG-km1xj

    5 жыл бұрын

    Harvey Lee it is cheaper than competitor 2-3k at new, you sell cheaper 2k-3k down the road is worth it.

  • @enosalesna3203
    @enosalesna32033 жыл бұрын

    recently got mine last week and i love this car

  • @jameshiasmith7867
    @jameshiasmith78673 жыл бұрын

    I just bought my Kia Forte 2019 at the age of 18 😌

  • @mariselaquintero705

    @mariselaquintero705

    3 жыл бұрын

    how much did you get it for if you don't mind me asking :) and was it used? thinking about getting one that's why!

  • @cmoney944

    @cmoney944

    3 жыл бұрын

    I just got mine too and I love it!

  • @QuatonioHatt

    @QuatonioHatt

    3 жыл бұрын

    Me too 💯

  • @jeffjames15

    @jeffjames15

    3 жыл бұрын

    Rich kids. I plan to get one and I’m 35😂

  • @CrisKlu

    @CrisKlu

    3 жыл бұрын

    ME TOO I JUST BOUGHT IT TODAYYY

  • @thomasruggiero4828
    @thomasruggiero48284 жыл бұрын

    I just bought the 2019 Forte S. It’s excellent and i love the red 🎉🎊

  • @jeffmorse645
    @jeffmorse6452 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for mentioning how tall you are George. I'm 6' 3" as well and had pretty much the same reaction. I have just enough headroom, but tons of legroom. I actually had to pull the seat up an inch from its maximum. Ordered a 2022 GT-Line with both premium packages to get the Harman-Kardon sound system, ventilated seats with power driver's seat. There's nothing else out there with so many features for so little money. I also have a 2021 Subaru Legacy Touring XT (top trim) and the Forte I ordered literally has everything it does except for real leather seats and AWD. All for $12,000 less.

  • @o4liberty
    @o4liberty3 жыл бұрын

    I just picked up a used 2020 LXS in the same color Silky Silver. The first sedan I have ever owned and I am super impressed with it drives better than I thought it would I highly recommend it.

  • @BabyFresh2.0
    @BabyFresh2.04 жыл бұрын

    yo! cargurus how far can I go up to tire size without messing up the way it drives,thought about putting either 17's or 18's on it,i have the 2019 lxs series let me know thanks.

  • @lolo-san8818
    @lolo-san88183 жыл бұрын

    Just parted with my 2018 civic. Kia Forte looking real nice.

  • @chrisc9195
    @chrisc91955 жыл бұрын

    I've had a 2012 forte koup and a 16 forte koup and this week I'm upgrading to the 19EX in orange. For someone as tech stupid as me it's almost too car but I've heard some great things about it. I should love it

  • @RetroGamer97sharemyURLthanks
    @RetroGamer97sharemyURLthanks4 жыл бұрын

    Just got my S forte last night so far it’s been great !

  • @lucasarmstrong3901

    @lucasarmstrong3901

    4 жыл бұрын

    RetroGamer 97 just got one too and it’s great hopefully the cvt can last long

  • @RetroGamer97sharemyURLthanks

    @RetroGamer97sharemyURLthanks

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lucas Armstrong yea I’ve had the car since October and no issues at all just treat it right and take it to get maintenance done at the dealership on time ! Or early !

  • @rbielarski
    @rbielarski5 жыл бұрын

    Great review sir, love your channel and the classy reviews. This car has a lot to offer, I like it better than the Elantra.

  • @JamesCovalentBond
    @JamesCovalentBond5 жыл бұрын

    well, you people asked for better fuel economy, so Kia decided to put newly invented CVT...if you guys want performance, just get Forte gt with dual clutch transmission, 1.6t engine, and independent multi-link rear suspension later, with more money....despite that has CVT, it may be enough for most people since everyone does not drive like a racer for every time...

  • @cameronjohns3169
    @cameronjohns31693 жыл бұрын

    More like does the Civic have what it take to compete with the Forte

  • @travisk08
    @travisk082 жыл бұрын

    I'm picking mine up Friday

  • @fracturedmind8124
    @fracturedmind81242 жыл бұрын

    I have the 2020 LXS. While I would like some of the nicer features and upgrades, but it has everything I need. It’s a very nice car, drives well, and is comfortable.

  • @frisconar0
    @frisconar02 жыл бұрын

    I’m still deciding between this and a honda accord, can anybody help me out?

  • @xavierrobinson200
    @xavierrobinson2004 жыл бұрын

    I want the GT model

  • @79BCL
    @79BCL5 жыл бұрын

    Test drove an S model and I was impressed at it's features, ride comfort and general feel. For the price it definitely should compete with Toyota & Honda.

  • @Reddylion

    @Reddylion

    3 жыл бұрын

    Rather Toyota & Honda compete with Kia Forte be it price, features ,drive etc.

  • @automandan
    @automandan4 жыл бұрын

    I love the new Forte it's roomy gets good Mileage and offers so many things for not much money. While it's not as quick as a 2019 Chevy Cruze which is a little rocket. However since Toyota redesigned the Corolla I now need to try that car.

  • @alexotoo4149
    @alexotoo41493 жыл бұрын

    How much do u think I will get this model used one at the moment..

  • @ihmpall

    @ihmpall

    3 жыл бұрын

    Buy new

  • @racineurr.8924
    @racineurr.89243 жыл бұрын

    You review is like you're reading a list of amenities. What about the comfort, the road, tire and wind noise? Seats, visibility and ease of getting the car? All review nowadays forger about these. They're more like a dissection of a body than a complete review. Of course, you will tell me it's a test drive but where else can you know about comfort an noises if not doing a test drive?

  • @wilsonramosconnected
    @wilsonramosconnected5 жыл бұрын

    i LIKE IT A LOT

  • @jaffarbaqi
    @jaffarbaqi5 жыл бұрын

    Comparison to the Civic extends to the grainy ride and a not so quiet cabin.

  • @mike3963
    @mike3963 Жыл бұрын

    I’ve had one for a few years (LXS model) and I have to say there’s a few things wrong here when it comes to the transmission. Smart mode does not go between the two. It keeps you one programmed gear higher than you would be in normal mode except or higher speeds. If you’re going 60 or below it does and helps fuel economy. If not it just throttles you down going up hills. And it hurts breaking having too low of rpm coming to a stop. Normal mode does not accelerate as quickly as sport mode. I do agree though with the handling and acceleration. For the price it handles very well and drives comfortably. It sounds pretty good too under acceleration. I’ll never forget the time I saw a Subaru accelerate under a bridge and then I did too and it drowned the sound of it out and sounded much better. The Subaru went across 2 lanes to turn off. I do love the thing. It’s been fun and reliable. My only real complaint with the car is the seats. I’m 6’ and 235 pounds. I’m a little husky. The seats are just not built for me😂

  • @ianjung1164
    @ianjung11644 жыл бұрын

    I have 2019 Forte and it has the best CVT transmission. Good handling and very reliable.

  • @johnbeckham1483

    @johnbeckham1483

    3 жыл бұрын

    Ian, how has the IVT been performing?

  • @Reddylion
    @Reddylion3 жыл бұрын

    Kia Forte a winner for be price it more competitive.

  • @bh2155
    @bh21555 жыл бұрын

    Handsome car!

  • @stevewise1656
    @stevewise16564 жыл бұрын

    Honda hasn’t made any significant changes to the Civic in years. The infotainment is still problematic.

  • @JoePvpii
    @JoePvpii3 жыл бұрын

    So the recalls on the 19' & 20' forte, were they real or ppl just hating.

  • @TTundra__

    @TTundra__

    3 жыл бұрын

    They were real. My 2019 kia forte sedan had open recall 2 times in 2 years.

  • @JoePvpii

    @JoePvpii

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@TTundra__ Did they end up fixing the Problem or you got rid of the car Altogether 🤔

  • @alanwilliams843
    @alanwilliams8432 жыл бұрын

    Can you please tell me why when I remove my phone with android auto on it I loose my connection?.

  • @nehemiahbrown4019

    @nehemiahbrown4019

    2 жыл бұрын

    Are you talking about the usb cable? It only works when plugged up

  • @alanwilliams843

    @alanwilliams843

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@nehemiahbrown4019 yes that's right!i

  • @aayonce4
    @aayonce44 жыл бұрын

    I am wary of the chassis is it rigid enough to not feel the car will fall apart when cornering and hits an unavoidable pothole

  • @jacobrael9872

    @jacobrael9872

    4 жыл бұрын

    Kia hyundai has some of the strongest chassis in the industry since they make their own steel and they have the strongest steel in the industry that's why they have good safety results

  • @mateoaponte7556
    @mateoaponte7556 Жыл бұрын

    cmon lets go for a walk

  • @MrAntonioDP
    @MrAntonioDP5 жыл бұрын

    y do u guys have a super tall guy review compact cars?

  • @boxingscenariot.v47
    @boxingscenariot.v475 жыл бұрын

    I just recently purchased a 2019 S model. Ive had it a month now and I'm completely satisfied. #WhiteWithBlackTrim

  • @gsmack9636

    @gsmack9636

    5 жыл бұрын

    Just bought mine a week ago and very impressive

  • @RetroGamer97sharemyURLthanks

    @RetroGamer97sharemyURLthanks

    4 жыл бұрын

    BoxingScenario T.V just got mine yesterday!

  • @jcmarin3223
    @jcmarin32235 жыл бұрын

    CarGurus USED to be a cool site to advert cars, now it's become really difficult to advert there... print pages with pics, open the door to verify that the person isn't a bot or whatever. What else would you like me to do? Dance on front of the car. Oh well, all good things come to an end.

  • @BanBiofuels
    @BanBiofuels5 жыл бұрын

    The Civic has independent rear suspension. That is vital.

  • @swanblake

    @swanblake

    5 жыл бұрын

    And a peppy engine

  • @BanBiofuels

    @BanBiofuels

    5 жыл бұрын

    @S. D. H. I do not disagree with you. I hope the Honda CVTs last longer, but I am suspicious of them. For ride quality, I demand a proper rear suspension. That is a separate issue. For looks, I like the Hyundai Sonata and little Hyundai Accent the best. I don't like the Civic looks either.

  • @seansean681

    @seansean681

    5 жыл бұрын

    S. D. H. this new Forte also comes with a “cut rate” CVT transmission as well.

  • @matios83

    @matios83

    5 жыл бұрын

    Mine Kia Forte 2015 work like a charm,.. And alot of km

  • @GPeterG-km1xj

    @GPeterG-km1xj

    5 жыл бұрын

    Christopher Calder most people won’t know the difference. Also, for 2k-3k difference in price will justify the that. Rear torsion beam suspension can be easily and cheaply upgraded by aftermarket KYB.

  • @hunter1701d
    @hunter1701d5 жыл бұрын

    I own a 2017 Elantra. They have a 2.0 Atkinson cycle variant of the Nu engine. I would stay away. Mine, and according to many reports the dealer told me they get, is they make a loud ticking/tapping noise when cold. It sounds like a diesel. Dealer reported Hyundai said it was normal because the metal shrinks in cold weather. I have never ever had a car do this in cold weather and I have had my fair share of bombs. I bought it used so am only covered up to 60000 miles. I said to Hyundai ok if this is so normal cover my car to the full 10 year 100000 mile warranty. They just keep giving me the run around. I mean if there is no issue with the car it would not cost them anything to give the full powertrain warranty. I have no confidence in the longevity of this engine and unfortunately it looks like they are putting these in more models like the Kona. Also I think these engines are in the Kia Forte and other Kia models.

  • @hubsanrcproductions7222

    @hubsanrcproductions7222

    4 жыл бұрын

    How reliable is the Hyundai 1.6L 4 cylinders engines found on the Hyundai Accent, and the Kia Rio...?

  • @jermainec2462

    @jermainec2462

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@hubsanrcproductions7222 very reliable I easily put 100k on 2018 accent ... The 1.6 l is fine you just have to do a car and clean every now and then since it's direct injection but other than that runs fine if you keep the maintenance up

  • @user-tu3jy7rn6c
    @user-tu3jy7rn6c5 жыл бұрын

    سعرها مرتفع

  • @thomastommy1192
    @thomastommy11923 жыл бұрын

    I just bought a new Kia Forte and I don't think the gas mileage is good at all. But over all I like the car.

  • @crazyone1067
    @crazyone10674 жыл бұрын

    CVT, No Thanks!

  • @mitchflorida
    @mitchflorida5 жыл бұрын

    The powertrain is a snooze. Nice styling though.

  • @swanblake

    @swanblake

    5 жыл бұрын

    @S. D. H. easy, old guy. We get it, you bought one and now need to defend its glacial pace in every comment.

  • @rachelhilgert2902
    @rachelhilgert29025 жыл бұрын

    you're very cute

  • @IFPACPT
    @IFPACPT5 ай бұрын

    The ride of my 2019 forte is absolutely horrid. Might as well ride a school bus

  • @swanblake
    @swanblake5 жыл бұрын

    Torsion beam rear suspension, CVT, same weak engine, this is one of the few vehicles that has taken a step backwards for Kia vs the prior gen. It's all about tech and not about the drive. Shame. Was hjj hoping this new gen would challenge the Civic and Mazda 3, insteaditis battling the now dead, Chevy Cruze for last place in class.

  • @palebeachbum

    @palebeachbum

    5 жыл бұрын

    Those cars cost more, so you better get independent rear suspension and better handling with those cars. Civic is too ugly to be seen in though.

  • @palebeachbum

    @palebeachbum

    5 жыл бұрын

    @Grieg Ragen how do you feel about the CVT in your Forte? Does it behave like a regular geared transmission? Are the "shifts" smooth? I opted for a new 2018 Hyundai Elantra in Dec 2018. It has a regular 6-spd auto, but it's a weird behaving unit. Took me a few months to get used to. The 2019 Forte was really tempting, but the new CVT and black only interior put me off. Our cars have the same 2.0L engine.

  • @kiwi22207

    @kiwi22207

    5 жыл бұрын

    I got the silver one. Like the contrast of the lighter colors against the black inside and trims. White looked good to but just had a white car. It's am excellent car to drive. No problems so far

  • @palebeachbum

    @palebeachbum

    5 жыл бұрын

    @Grieg Ragen That's exactly why I opted for my Elantra in the pearl white with beige interior. Cooler to live with here in FL.

  • @palebeachbum

    @palebeachbum

    5 жыл бұрын

    @Grieg Ragen I've heard the Forte does tend to have issues with squeaks and rattles. My Elantra is no different. The steering column buzzes when I launch. The front passenger door makes a rustling noise above 60mph, but it's not present every trip. Strange cuz the car feels very solidly built. Like a class above.