2022 Kia Forte — Full Specifications
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The 2022 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 42 mpg (UK) / 35 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–42 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Kia Forte workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2021 Kia Forte: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 42 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | 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 | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2022 Kia Forte across 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 35 mpg (US), or 31 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (27/35) | 184 | $2,250 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/31) | 216 | $2,600 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 | 35 (31/41) | 159 | $1,900 |
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 2022 Kia Forte
Running Costs: 2022 Kia Forte
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2022 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.
2022 Kia Forte Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2022 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Steering — campaign 22V304000, reported 5 May 2022. Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (9), Engine (4), Forward collision avoidance (4). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 2 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 147 complaints across the 15 Kia Forte model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2022 Kia Forte
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Steering (1 recall campaign) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Engine (4 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Driver-assist sensors (4 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Electrical system (3 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
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 2022 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 2022 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 2022 Kia Forte
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2022 Kia Forte have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2022 Kia Forte: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2022 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 31 to 42 mpg.
How much does the 2022 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 2022 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 2022 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2022 Kia Forte (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Steering (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 2022 Kia Forte?
Among the 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (9 complaints), Engine (4 complaints), Forward collision avoidance (4 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 2022 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.