The 2019 Kia Forte: Stylish and Practical

The compact-sedan category got a new player a few years ago when Kia released the Forte. The 2019 Kia Forte is the model’s third generation, and with its release, the car maker made a few changes. Updates to the 2019 include size. The new Forte is wider, taller and longer than earlier versions.

Kia increased the length of the Forte by 3.2 inches. It now measures 182.7 inches long, bringing it more in line with competitors like the Honda Civic and the Mazda3. The new Forte is wider by 0.8 inches and higher by 0.2 inches. By increasing the size of the vehicle, Forte owners will have more overall room and more cargo space.

To attract millennials, Kia increased the technology in the vehicle. The base FE model comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also has dual-zone climate control, lane keep assistance and driver attention warning. Additional technology includes collision avoidance assistance and forward collision warning. Those who upgrade to the LXS will have a car with 16-inch alloy wheels as well as a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The S model comes with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights.

Kia is offering buyers a manual transmission in the Forte, giving consumers the option of buying a car that gives them a little more control over their driving experience. According to reviews, the automatic transmission gets 31 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway while the manual transmission gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. The manual transmission is only available with the base FE trim. The car company is equipping the Forte with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, one that emits 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque.

The Forte also features a keyless ignition in addition to small convenience amenities like USB ports, a light in the glove box and LED turn signals on the side mirrors. Available upgrades are a power moonroof, satellite radio and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Peter Schreyer, a former designer for Audi, started designing cars for Kia in 2006. Ever since, the car company has been commended for its fine vehicle designs including the Forte. Featuring a crisp, contemporary exterior design, the 2019 Kia Forte is stylish and eye-catching. Its hood is long and sleek while the grille design just looks fast. The Forte’s front headlights exhibit modernity as do the taillights.

The 2019 Kia Forte is a practical vehicle, one that offers a comfortable amount of interior space, good fuel economy and a nice ride. With its modern looking exterior and affordable price tag, those who buy the Forte are unlikely to suffer from buyer’s remorse.