2018 Kia Forte — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2018 Kia Forte is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Kia Forte workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2018 listings: Kia Forte 5.
Compared with the 2017 Kia Forte: Fuel economy improves from 34 to 38 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating. EPA passenger volume changes from 92 to 96 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| 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) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 173 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2018 Kia Forte across 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 32 mpg (US), or 30 to 38 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 (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (25/30) | 206 | $2,500 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/29) | 219 | $2,700 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 173 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/34) | 195 | $2,400 |
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 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Kia Forte
Running Costs: 2018 Kia Forte
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Kia Forte at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 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.
2018 Kia Forte Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1), Latches/locks/linkages (1), Engine and engine cooling (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 22V031000, reported 25 January 2022. Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 21V622000, reported 9 August 2021. Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 21V260000, reported 13 April 2021. Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas are Engine (57), Unspecified (30), Electrical system (16). Complaints include 13 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 9 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 147 complaints across the 15 Kia Forte model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 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 (57 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 16 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (16 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Doors & latches (1 recall campaign) — Test every door, boot and bonnet latch and the central locking.
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
Kia models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2018 Kia Forte's 38 mpg is 4 mpg above that make average. Its 173 g/km CO₂ figure is 34 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Kia average.
Of the 15 Kia Forte model years we cover, the 2018 ranks 7th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 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 2018 Kia Forte
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Kia Forte have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Kia Forte: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Kia Forte?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Kia Forte cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 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 2018 Kia Forte have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1), Latches/locks/linkages (1), Engine and engine cooling (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 2018 Kia Forte?
Among the 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (57 complaints), Unspecified (30 complaints), Electrical system (16 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 2018 Kia Forte have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.