In the competitive compact sedan market, the Kia Forte has long been at the top of the class. For the 2022 model year, the Forte received a significant update, with refreshed styling and new features. Now available at Tom Kadlec Kia, the 2023 Kia Forte carries forward its distinctive styling, comfortable tech-rich cabin, and sporty performance for drivers in Rochester, MN, with a revised trim lineup. Read on to learn more, or call us today at (507) 215-8923.
Outstanding Styling
For 2023, the entry-level Forte FE trim has been renamed the LX, joining the LXS, GT-Line, GT, and GT manual models. With its dynamic lower grille, signature tiger nose upper grille, sleek wraparound headlights, fluid profile, and stylish rear end, the Forte has a dominant road presence that stands out wherever you go.
The LX offers automatic projector beam headlights, daytime running lights (DRL), 15-inch steel wheels, and body color mirrors. Solar control glass helps reduce the UV light entering the cabin. The LXS adds 16-inch alloy wheels.
Moving up to the GT-Line gets you sporty GT body styling and aerodynamic enhancements. You’ll get a gloss black bumper with red inserts, LED DRL, unique three-point diagonal LED fog lights, 17-inch wheels, sport side sills, gloss black mirrors with turn signals, LED taillights, and a rear spoiler.
In the GT-Line and GT models, the trunk opens automatically when you stand behind the car with your smart key, making it easy to load up when your hands are full. The top-of-the-line GT is further enhanced with LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, red rear diffuser accents, and dual exhaust tips.
Power and Performance
Most Forte trims are powered by a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. It’s matched with an intelligent variable transmission (IVT) for seamless gear shifting.
Under the hood of the GT model is a lively 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. You can opt for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters for fingertip control. Alternatively, for three-pedal driving, you can choose the six-speed manual transmission.
Around Rochester city streets, the frugal LX will reward you with up to 31 mpg, while cruising the Minnesota highways will get you 41 mpg. The LXS and GT-Line return 29 mpg for city driving and 39 mpg for highway driving. With the automatic transmission, the GT will give you 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the GT manual model will give you 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The Forte’s compact size makes it easy to navigate around town and get into those tight parking spots. When you head out on the twisty back roads, you’ll appreciate the punchy performance, sharp steering, and agile handling of this fun-to-drive car. With the IVT and automatic transmission, Drive Mode Select lets you choose your driving style from Normal, Sport, or Smart modes. The GT’s powerful turbocharged engine, sport suspension, and performance tires serve to heighten your driving pleasure.
Stylish and Spacious Interior
The Forte’s stylish and modern interior cabin can seat five adults in its comfortable and supportive seats, while at 15.3 cubic feet, the trunk is the largest in its class. The LXS trim and higher models feature 60/40-split folding rear seats, enabling you to carry longer cargo items.
Several technologies and premium packages are available to upgrade your chosen model. Standard interior features for LX models include remote keyless entry, woven cloth upholstery, six-way adjustable front seats, air conditioning, steering wheel mounted controls, and a tilting and telescoping steering column. The LXS adds soft touch door trim for an additional touch of refinement.
The GT-Line features a smart key entry, remote start, cloth-trimmed simulated leather sports seats, alloy sports pedals, a leatherbound flat-bottom sports steering wheel, a leatherbound gear selector knob, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The GT adds paddle shifters, while the GT manual offers push button start, full synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and LED interior lighting.
Technology and Infotainment
The Forte’s instrument cluster features a high-resolution 4.2-inch color display, putting essential driver information where you need it. The LX and LXS models have an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and USB and auxiliary inputs. Turn up the volume on the high-quality, four-speaker audio system to enjoy your favorite tunes.
The Forte GT-Line offers a 10.25-inch touch screen, voice command navigation, a front USB charging port, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite and HD radio. GT models add a wireless phone charger and a rear USB charging port. The GT-Line and GT trims also offer the option of an eight-speaker Harman Kardon 320-Watt audio system for amazing sound reproduction.
Safety Features
To help keep you and your passengers safe on Minnesota’s roads, the Kia Forte has many standard and available safety features. Electronic stability control, traction control, an anti-lock braking system, and hill start assist combine to provide you with added confidence while you drive. With lower anchors and tethers for children, you can safely install car seats, while the child safety rear door locks and rear occupant alert add extra assurance.
Kia Drive Wise is a suite of driver assistance technologies. As standard, it includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-following assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. With the GT-Line, you get blind spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and safe exit warning.
Go with the GT for navigation-based adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go and forward collision warning with cyclist detection. On applicable highways, the Forte GT’s highway driving assist can take control of the car’s acceleration, steering, and braking functions in emergency situations.
Check Out the 2023 Kia Forte at Tom Kadlec Kia
If you’re in the market for a stylish and well-equipped compact sedan, the 2023 Kia Forte should be at the top of your list. Visit us at Tom Kadlec Kia to see all the Forte’s superb features for yourself, or contact us to arrange a test drive. We’re pretty sure that once you’ve driven it, you’ll want to keep it.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.