Introduction
If you’re in the market for a reliable, compact car that delivers strong value, the Kia Forte deserves your attention. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, shopping for a commuter vehicle, or looking for an affordable used car that offers strong features and low ownership cost, the Forte presents a compelling package. At Approved Auto Finance, we want you to make an informed decision—and that includes considering how auto financing fits into your budget and future plans. (See our auto financing guide for details.)
In this deep dive we’ll cover the Forte’s overview, performance, interior and technology, exterior styling, maintenance & ownership costs, value & benefits, and how it stacks up against rivals. Then you’ll be equipped to decide whether it’s the right vehicle for you—and how to move forward with financing when you’re ready.
Vehicle Overview
Brief History & Recent Model Highlights
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan (and in some markets a hatchback/Forte5) that has been offered globally. For the Canadian market, the Forte has made a name for itself by offering more features than many in its class while staying budget-friendly. (Wikipedia)
For the 2024 model year, the Forte continues largely unchanged from the previous year, emphasising value rather than radical redesign. According to KBB: “The 2024 Kia Forte is the bargain among compact sedans, offering loads of room, impressive fuel economy, and solid resale value.” (Kbb.com)
Trim levels commonly include base, mid-range, and sporty variants—often labelled LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT—offering different engine, feature and price levels.
Engine Options & Specifications
In Canada you’ll see the Forte with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine (in many trims). For example, the 2023 Forte was equipped with a 2.0 L 4-cyl producing about 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. (Driveman)
Key specs:
- Horsepower: ~147 hp (for 2.0-L in base/standard trims)
- Torque: ~132 lb-ft (for the same engine)
- Transmission: CVT (continuously variable transmission) in many trims. (Driveman)
- Starting price in US (2024): around $21,145 USD; in Canada the equivalent will depend on trim/options. (Kbb.com)
If you’re shopping used, the Forte’s combination of compact size, adequate power and strong feature set make it a standout in the “best cars for people in the market for a used car” category.
Performance & Driving Experience
Engine, Transmission & Efficiency
The Forte’s 2.0-litre engine delivers modest but respectable performance for everyday driving—city commutes, highway cruising and errands. Reviewers highlight its “impressive fuel economy and a string of standard features at a lower price than rivals.” (Edmunds) (Edmunds)
Fuel efficiency is one of the Forte’s strengths: according to Consumer Reports the model delivers around 34 mpg (~6.9 L/100 km) combined. (Consumer Reports)
Ride, Handling & Safety
While the Forte handles its business competently, some criticisms exist. Consumer Reports notes it has “an overly stiff ride; passengers feel every bump.” (Consumer Reports)
In real-world impressions (Canada review): “the 2023 Kia Forte Sedan… is a fantastic value… a comfortable, quiet interior and an extensive list of available features.” (Edmunds)
For safety, the Forte benefits from modern driver-assistance and safety technologies (blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, etc., depending on trim). And on dependability, the Forte achieved top marks: according to J.D. Power, the 2023 Forte was named the most reliable small car. (Toronto Kia)
Financing Perspective
From a financing standpoint, the stronger the efficiency and reliability of your vehicle, the lower your total cost of ownership and thus the more favourable your loan/insurance scenario. Use our loan calculator to model monthly payments based on your down payment, term and rate.
Interior & Technology
Cabin Space & Comfort
Despite being a compact car, the Forte surprisingly delivers comfortable seating and usable space for passengers. In a Canadian review of the 2019 Forte: “loads of space for rear passengers… the Forte provides plenty of trunk space, plus the ability to extend it via 60/40-split rear seatbacks.” (CarCostCanada)
The materials in lower trims may lean toward practical rather than premium, but the higher trims (GT-Line, GT) feature upgrades like power-adjustable seats, leather/ SynTex seating surfaces, heated front seats and more. (Driveman)
Infotainment & Connectivity
Technology features are one of the Forte’s strong points. Features you’ll commonly find:
- Large touchscreen display (e.g., 10.25-inch in higher trims)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity. (Driveman)
- USB ports, Bluetooth, WiFi (in some markets/features)
- Options like premium audio system, digital instrument cluster (depending on trim)
Compared to competitors, the Forte stands out for offering generous standard and available features at a lower cost.
Exterior & Styling
Design Highlights
The Kia Forte features modern, sharp styling—distinct lines, strong front fascia, and contemporary lighting. Car & Driver described the 2024 Forte as having “sharp styling, roomy interior, plentiful standard features.” (Car and Driver)
Practical Exterior Features
- Trunk/cargo space: The Forte delivers a practical trunk for its class, and in models with split rear seats the flexibility exists to carry longer items. (CarCostCanada)
- Lighting & wheels: LED lighting is available in higher trims; wheel sizes vary by trim but you’ll see increasingly larger wheels in sporty trims.
- Trim variety: From base, to mid-level (EX), to sporty GT/GT-Line, the exterior styling allows you to match your aesthetic and budget.
Maintenance & Cost of Ownership
Average Maintenance & Reliability
The cost to own and maintain a car is a major factor—especially for used car buyers. For the Kia Forte:
- RepairPal indicates average annual repair/maintenance cost is about US$451. (RepairPal.com)
- CarEdge says about US$6,226 for maintenance & repairs during first 10 years; a little higher than industry average for its segment. (CarEdge)
- According to Edmunds “True Cost to Own” (US data): For the 2023 Forte, five-year cost around US$33,589. (Edmunds)
Note: These numbers are U.S.-based and need adjustment for the Canadian market (currency, insurance, province-specific fees). However, they give a solid baseline.
Fuel Economy & Other Costs
Fuel economy is favourable for the segment, which helps lower your cost of ownership. Insurance and local tax/fees vary widely in Canada by province.
Depreciation is another key cost—according to Kelley Blue Book: for the 2024 Forte, average annual depreciation about US$2,472 (~CA$3,300) and five-year depreciation about US$12,363 (~CA$16,600). (Kbb.com)
Tips for Ownership Cost Reduction
To reduce your overall ownership cost:
- Choose a well-maintained used model with full service history.
- Opt for mid-range trim rather than top end; you’ll minimize premium cost yet still get strong features.
- Ensure you budget for regular service (oil changes, tires, brakes) rather than postponing.
- Use our internal resource for ownership cost reduction: Tips for reducing vehicle ownership costs.
- Consider total cost when financing, not just monthly payment.
Value & Benefits of the Kia Forte
Strengths
- Outstanding value: multiple reviewers note Forte offers more features for less money.
- Excellent reliability: as per J.D. Power, the 2023 Forte was the most reliable small car segment. (Toronto Kia)
- Low to moderate ownership costs given fuel economy and maintenance statistics.
- Good for buyers needing a compact but capable “used car” choice.
- Wide appeal: from commuters to small families.
Weaknesses
- Ride comfort: some comment the ride is firmer than rivals. (Consumer Reports)
- Rear legroom and some material quality may not match the most premium rivals.
- Performance: while adequate, not as sporty or powerful as some compact alternatives in “fun to drive” category. (Edmunds)
Ideal Buyers for the Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is ideal for:
- First-time drivers or young professionals seeking strong value.
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want modern features.
- Families or commuters needing reliability, economy and compact practicality.
- Used-car buyers who want a dependable compact sedan with low ownership cost and financing options.
When choosing a trim, prioritize:
- Mid-trim (EX or similar) for best value/features.
- Consider higher trim only if you value premium features and can realistically amortize higher cost.
- If financing, ensure you don’t stretch the loan term too long (which may increase interest cost and depreciation risk).
Side-by-Side Competitor Comparison Table
| Vehicle | Approx. Price* (CAD) | Engine | Fuel Economy (est) | Safety / Reliability | Cargo Space / Utility | Warranty & Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte | ~$22,000-$28,000 | 2.0 L 4-cyl ~147 hp | ~6.9 L/100 km (combined) | Excellent reliability (J.D. Power) (Toronto Kia) | Spacious for class; usable trunk (CarCostCanada) | 5-yr/100k km warranty in Canada (check local) |
| Toyota Corolla | ~$24,000-$30,000 | 1.8-L/2.0-L 4-cyl | ~7.0-7.5 L/100 km | Very high safety & reliability | Good utility | Strong brand & resale value |
| Honda Civic | ~$25,000-$32,000 | 2.0-L/1.5-L turbo 4-cyl | ~7.0 L/100 km | Strong reputation | Slightly larger interior | Premium feel; higher cost |
| Hyundai Elantra | ~$23,000-$28,000 | 2.0-L 4-cyl or turbo 1.6-L | ~6.8-7.2 L/100 km | Strong value | Similar class size | Often similar value strategy as Kia |
*Estimated base pricing for Canada; actual pricing will depend on trim, options, incentives.
Table Notes:
- Pricing is approximate and may vary by Canadian province, options and currency exchange.
- Fuel economy is estimated combined consumption and may differ in Canadian driving conditions/winter.
- Safety/Reliability ratings drawn from sources like J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, etc.
- Warranty coverage varies in Canada; verify specific terms at your local dealership.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money in the compact sedan segment.
- Feature-rich for base/mid-trim models (tech, connectivity).
- Strong reliability credentials (top small car reliability award).
- Good fuel economy and moderate maintenance costs.
- Practical for everyday driving, commuting and small families.
Cons:
- Ride quality may feel firmer than some competitor sedans.
- Performance is adequate but not thrilling compared to sportier alternatives.
- Rear legroom and premium feel may lag top rivals.
- If you opt top trim, cost begins creeping toward higher segments.
Final Verdict
If you’re searching for a compact car that delivers smart value, modern features and dependable ownership, the Kia Forte is a standout choice—especially for Canadian buyers looking for trusted used or new cars in the segment. It offers an excellent blend of practicality, efficiency, and technology.
Trim recommendation:
- Go for the mid-trim (EX or equivalent) if you want a balance of features and cost.
- Only consider base if budget is tight and you can live without extras.
- Top sporty trims are appealing, but only if you value the premium features and understand the cost trade-offs.
And when you’re ready to move ahead, financing is key. Whether you’re buying new or used, getting pre-approved puts you in a stronger position at the dealership.
👉 Ready to drive your Kia Forte? Explore your auto financing options today with Approved Auto Finance (https://approvedautofinance.ca/apply), and get pre-approved in minutes for the best rates available!
Thank you for reading this in-depth review of the Kia Forte in Canada. Let us know if you’d like help comparing used examples, or financing scenarios to fit your budget.
