HiTLeR Posted March 23, 2021 Posted March 23, 2021 In the compact sedan realm, the 2021 Kia Forte distinguishes itself with its roominess, safety features, and impressive standard equipment. And that’s before Kia’s outstanding 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. There’s a range of models from the basic up to the sporty GT, and there’s even a manual transmission. Every 2021 Kia Forte is front-wheel drive, and there are two engine choices. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque powers every model except the GT. The GT boasts a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, although there’s a very good continuously variable transmission available as an option. The GT comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, and the 6-speed manual is available as an option for an extra $600. Inside, the 2021 Forte is comfortable and has a clean design. There’s a touch more hard plastic than we would like, although the upper trims get such things as a soft-touch dash in the LXS and simulated leather upholstery in the EX. Changes for 2021 include minor tweaks to equipment levels, including more standard equipment for the base EX trim and a few upgrades to the GT and GT Line Premium. The 2021 Kia Forte earns a 4-star NHTSA safety rating. Five Trim Levels The 2021 Kia Forte offers five trim levels that run the gamut from the base FE up to the sporty-looking GT Line, the more luxuriously appointed EX, and the performance-oriented GT. The base FE model starts at $17,890 ($900 more for the automatic transmission), and the range tops out at the GT for $23,655. Adding the 6-speed manual transmission to the GT model will tack on $600. The destination charge is $965 extra. We’re impressed with the FE’s standard safety equipment, which includes forward-collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver attention monitor. Also included are air-conditioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, an 8-inch touchscreen, USB port, Bluetooth, and a 4-speaker audio system. The next up LXS adds some soft-touch plastics, but we like the GT Line. It adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, heated mirrors, and a better audio setup. It has an optional Premium package that adds a 320-watt Harman Kardon audio system and a 10-way power driver’s seat.
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