Kia Forte — All Years
We have Kia Forte specifications on file for 15 model years, 2010–2024, covering saloon/sedan trims. Across those years EPA data lists 4 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 29 to 42 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 3 of the 13 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.
| Year | Engine(s) | Fuel | MPG (UK) | CO₂ g/km | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–41 | 162 | 4★ | 0 | 26 |
| 2023 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–41 | 162 | 4★ | 3 | 63 |
| 2022 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–42 | 159 | 4★ | 1 | 27 |
| 2021 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 34–42 | 159 | 4★ | 2 | 69 |
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 34–42 | 159 | 4★ | 0 | 76 |
| 2019 | 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 37–42 | 159 | 4★ | 2 | 147 |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 30–38 | 173 | 5★ | 3 | 136 |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–34 | 195 | 5★ | 3 | 304 |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 29–36 | 183 | — | 1 | 138 |
| 2015 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 29–36 | 183 | 5★ | 1 | 260 |
| 2014 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 29–35 | 190 | 4★ | 3 | 444 |
| 2013 | 2L 4-cyl / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–34 | 195 | 4★ | 5 | 211 |
| 2012 | 2L 4-cyl / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–34 | 197 | 4★ | 4 | 306 |
| 2011 | 2L 4-cyl / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–35 | 190 | 4★ | 3 | 161 |
| 2010 | 2L 4-cyl / 2.4L 4-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 31–36 | 184 | — | 3 | 232 |
Best and Worst Kia Forte Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows
Across the 13 Kia Forte model years from 2010 to 2022 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 161 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:
Fewest owner complaints
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Engine History
- 2L 4-cyl — 2010–2024
- 2.4L 4-cyl — 2010–2013
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo — 2014–2018, 2020–2024
- 1.8L 4-cyl — 2014–2016
Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.
Compare the Kia Forte With Rivals
- Kia Forte vs Nissan Sentra
- Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Forte
- Kia Forte vs Toyota Corolla
- Honda Accord vs Kia Forte
Frequently Asked Questions
What years is the Kia Forte covered on this site?
We have data for 15 model years of the Kia Forte, from 2010 to 2024.
What engines does the Kia Forte come with?
EPA data lists: 2L 4-cyl (2010–2024); 2.4L 4-cyl (2010–2013); 1.6L 4-cyl turbo (2014–2018, 2020–2024); 1.8L 4-cyl (2014–2016).
Which Kia Forte year has the best fuel economy?
The 2022 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 42 mpg on its most efficient configuration.
Does the Kia Forte have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?
Yes — the 2015, 2017, 2018 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.
Which Kia Forte model years have the most recalls and complaints?
The 2013 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (5), and the 2014 has the most owner complaints (444). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2020 and 2024. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.
What body style is the Kia Forte?
The Kia Forte is classed as a saloon/sedan on this site.
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