2019 Kia Forte — Full Specifications
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The 2019 Kia Forte is a saloon/sedan powered by a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) / 35 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 37–42 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Kia Forte workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2018 Kia Forte: Fuel economy improves from 38 to 42 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. No longer listed: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 5★ to 4★.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| 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) | 42 combined / 37 urban / 49 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 35 combined / 31 city / 41 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 159 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 8 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2019 Kia Forte, all with the 2L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 31 to 35 mpg (US), or 37 to 42 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 | 35 (31/41) | 159 | $1,900 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (27/37) | 180 | $2,150 |
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 2019 Kia Forte
Running Costs: 2019 Kia Forte
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2019 Kia Forte at 42 mpg combined, expect roughly 866 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,900 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.
2019 Kia Forte Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2019 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Exterior lighting (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 20V459000, reported 5 August 2020. Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 18V771000, reported 31 October 2018. Risk: If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas are Power train (47), Engine (36), Electrical system (22). Complaints include 11 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 5 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 2019 Kia Forte
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 47 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (36 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (22 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
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 2019 Kia Forte's 42 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 159 g/km CO₂ figure is 48 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Kia average.
Of the 15 Kia Forte model years we cover, the 2019 is the most economical on its best configuration (42 mpg UK combined). 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 2019 Kia Forte
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2019 Kia Forte have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Kia Forte?
The most efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) combined, or 35 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 37 to 42 mpg.
How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,900 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 2019 Kia Forte have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2019 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2019 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Exterior lighting (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 2019 Kia Forte?
Among the 147 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (47 complaints), Engine (36 complaints), Electrical system (22 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 2019 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.