Kia Forte trim levels explained

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Kia Forte was sold through the 2024 model year; the K4 took its place for 2025. The 2019–2024 Forte used a 2.0L four with an IVT, including a high-mpg FE version, plus a 1.6L turbo from 2020. The 2014–2018 Forte offered 1.8L and 2.0L fours.

Previous Forte trim levels: Third generation

EPA listings for 2019–2024 show a 2.0L four with an IVT (and a 6-speed manual through 2021), a separately rated Forte FE, and a 1.6L turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch or 6-speed manual from 2020.[1][2][3][4]

Kia Forte Third generation trims in ladder order, engines and key standard equipment
TrimBase MSRP (USD)EnginesKey standard equipment
2.0L IVT models—MSRP not sourced
  • 2.0L I4 (IVT)
  • Front-wheel drive
  • EPA 28/39/32 mpg (2024)
[1][2][5]
FE—MSRP not sourced
  • 2.0L I4 (IVT)
  • Listed by EPA as a separate fuel-economy variant, 2019–2024
[6]
2.0L manual models (2019–2021)—MSRP not sourced
  • 2.0L I4 (6-speed manual)
  • Last listed for 2021
[1][7][8]
1.6L turbo models (2020–2024)—MSRP not sourced
  • 1.6L turbo I4 (7-speed dual-clutch or 6-speed manual)
  • Front-wheel drive
  • EPA 27/35/30 mpg (2024 dual-clutch)
[9][2][10]

MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Kia pricing source.

Previous Forte trim levels: Second generation

EPA listings for 2014–2018 show the Forte with a 1.8L four (through 2016) and a 2.0L four, with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.[11][12]

Kia Forte Second generation trims in ladder order, engines and key standard equipment
TrimBase MSRP (USD)EnginesKey standard equipment
1.8L models (2014–2016)—MSRP not sourced
  • 1.8L I4 (6-speed manual or automatic)
  • Front-wheel drive
[11][13]
2.0L models—MSRP not sourced
  • 2.0L I4 (6-speed manual or automatic)
  • Front-wheel drive
  • EPA 29/37/32 mpg (2018 automatic)
[11][12][14]

MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a Kia pricing source.

Related Forte research

See which trim and packages a Forte was built with.

Trim names on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Kia build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Kia build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

When was the Kia Forte discontinued?

EPA listings end with the 2024 Forte; the K4 compact sedan is listed from 2025.

Which Forte has a turbo?

EPA lists a 1.6L turbo Forte for 2020–2024, with a 7-speed dual-clutch or a 6-speed manual.

What is the Forte FE?

A fuel-economy version of the 2.0L IVT Forte that EPA rates separately for 2019–2024.

What mpg does a Kia Forte get?

The 2024 Forte 2.0L IVT is EPA-rated 28/39/32 mpg; the 2024 1.6L turbo with dual-clutch is 27/35/30.

Sources

Prices and equipment are as published by Kia for the model year shown; trim content changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2019 Kia Forte powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  2. 2024 Kia Forte powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. 2024 Kia model list — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. 2025 Kia model list — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. 2024 Kia Forte 2.0L IVT (EPA record) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. 2024 Kia Forte FE powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. 2021 Kia Forte powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. 2022 Kia Forte powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. 2020 Kia Forte powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. 2024 Kia Forte 1.6L turbo (EPA record) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. 2014 Kia Forte powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. 2017 Kia Forte powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. 2016 Kia Forte powertrains — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  14. 2018 Kia Forte 2.0L (EPA record) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)

More Kia tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia America, Kia Corporation or Hyundai Motor Group. Kia and the model names are trademarks of their owners.