2014 Kia Forte — Full Specifications
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The 2014 Kia Forte is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 29–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Kia Forte workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2014 listings: Kia Forte 5, Kia Forte Koup.
Compared with the 2013 Kia Forte: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. EPA lists new engine options for 2014: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl. No longer listed: 2.4L 4-cyl. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating. EPA passenger volume changes from 97 to 96 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 1.8L 4-cyl · 2L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 96 cu ft (2,718 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 30 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 25 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 6 configurations for the 2014 Kia Forte across 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 24 to 29 mpg (US), or 29 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/29) | 219 | $2,700 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (22/29) | 224 | $2,800 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/34) | 191 | $2,300 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/36) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/35) | 198 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/34) | 200 | $2,500 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2014 Kia Forte
Running Costs: 2014 Kia Forte
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2014 Kia Forte at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2014 Kia Forte Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2014 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine (1), Service brakes (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Engine — campaign 20V750000, reported 2 December 2020. Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Service brakes — campaign 17V773000, reported 1 December 2017. Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the…
- Electrical system — campaign 15V015000, reported 16 January 2015. Risk: If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Owners have filed 444 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas are Engine (216), Steering (64), Air bags (63). Complaints include 32 reported crashes, 36 reported fires, 29 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 147 complaints across the 15 Kia Forte model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2014 Kia Forte
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (1 recall campaign · 216 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 58 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Steering (64 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Air bags (63 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 35 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 34 mpg average for Kia models in our database. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 17 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Kia average.
Of the 15 Kia Forte model years we cover, the 2014 ranks 11th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Kia Forte year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2014 Kia Forte
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2014 Kia Forte have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2014 Kia Forte: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.8L 4-cyl with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Kia Forte?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 29 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2014 Kia Forte cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2014 Kia Forte have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 3 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2014 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2014 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine (1), Service brakes (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2014 Kia Forte?
Among the 444 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (216 complaints), Steering (64 complaints), Air bags (63 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2014 Kia Forte have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.