One of the few small sedans left on the US market going into the 2023 model year, although it doesn’t bring any upgrades to the 2022 model. While nothing major new, the Kia Forte 2023 is slightly more expensive across all trim levels. More on that later, but let’s see what the entry-level South Korean sedan has to offer first.
The automaker refreshed the Forte last year with a more prominent front fascia with a fresh new look to the company’s “tiger nose” grille. Other visual changes include a sportier-looking front bumper with diagonally-arranged three-point LED fog lamps in the GT trim level, also available for the GT-Line class with different LED taillights. New 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the visual upgrades on the pre-facelift model.
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For the 2023 model year, the Forte continues to be available in the same four trim levels – FE, LXS, GT-Line and GT – as last year. Changes in the lineup include the discontinuation of the GT Technology Package, as well as the addition of the FCA Fusion safety package to the GT model with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. In addition, all LX, LXS and GT-Line models equipped with the 2.0 liter engine are now SULEV30 compliant.
Speaking of powertrains, the Forte 2023 doesn’t see any changes in the engine range and continues to be available with either the standard 2.0-liter unit or the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. The base engine has an output of 147 horsepower (110 kilowatts) and 132 pound-feet (179 Newton-meters) of torque, while the 1.6 – available on the GT model – produces 201 hp (150 kW) and 195 lb-ft (265Nm). If you opt for a sportier model, you can order it with a seven-speed dual-clutch manual or automatic gearbox.
The entry-level Forte LX 2023 starts at $19,490 (excluding the $1,095) goal or $400 more than the Forte LX 2022. Highest-range GT models start at $24,190 (DCT) and $24,890 (MT). Somewhere in between, the LXS costs at least $19990, and the middle child GT-Line will set you back at least $21,690.
