I just get a model “S” on Silky silver, black interior after 3 optimas. Im glad that I listen to my wife and get it. Have a 1,200 miles trip from CT to FL, with only $65.00 on gas great miles x gallon. Still learning and adjusting to all the gadgets but so far we are very happy a great car.
KIA is clearly playing a long term game here. Manufacturers know that if they can capture first time purchasers those buyers are more likely to stick with the brand when they later "trade up" to more expensive vehicles. KIA's old strategy of offering cheap (both in terms of price and quality) alternatives has been replaced by offering vehicles that compete primarily in terms of more and better features at near equivalent MSRP's (with better discounts than Toyota and Honda dealers typically offer.) It's clearly a successful strategy for them.
Well, they got me. I bought a 2019 Forte S. My 2nd Forte. I still have my 2010 with 200k miles, and it still runs very well. Looking foward to the same kind of reliability out of my 2019.
I have to agree with Boxing Scenario . . . three years of a reliable, economical and satisfying experience with a 2018 Santa Fe Sport will probably have me in the Hyundai/Kia dealer for my next car.
My understanding is that this new Forte is based on the current Elantra and uses the same 2.0L 4cyl engine. What's interesting is this engine in the Elantra is paired to a 6-spd automatic and is rated 37mpg highway, while it's rated 41mpg highway with the CVT in this new Forte. That shows how much CVTs really can improve fuel economy. This new Forte looks really, really good. I especially like the rear. If they offer it in a hatchback body style, I'll have to put it on my shopping list. Honda and Toyota, this is what an attractive compact looks like. Take note.
Supplant that CVT with an 8-speed automatic or a decent DSG/DCT and you can achieve the same fuel economy without sacrificing the driveability of the vehicle.
Michael, I know the Cerato is the more global name as fewer countries get the Forte name, but otherwise yeah, they’re basically the same. Just a royal shame that we don’t get the 6-speed auto as well.
Definitely a very good looking sedan! Both the interior and the exterior look like they will age quite well over the years. Can't wait to see (and review) a new 2019 Forte in person. As always, keep up the great reviews!
Alex, big fan, some suggestions on your videos 1) comment on air conditioner. Noise and how cold. had a q7, terrible ac. 2). Headroom- long torso and long neck. Need 40 inches headroom. Some cars like a5 sportback looks like enough from specs, but went to dealer and didn’t fit. Would help tremendously if there is some way to get real life headroom review. it’s so important to sit properly and have good air condition. A ruler or something? Just 2 seconds of video on it would be great. 3) noise.. the decibel are always so close, is there a more precise measure? Seems like all cars are around 67-69dcb. Lastly, no need to spend so much time on car exterior...I mean, I can see it just fine. More on little things such as a shot of what the key looks like, or tire sizes and width. Lastly, live the more technical stuff, such as running the ac in a hybrid while parked, or how 4wd on certain brands work, or how air suspension works. Stuff that salespeople can’t explain. Keep up the good work.
I have the 2010 Kia Forte EX and I’ve been waiting for this video! Not disappointed at all. Never had a CVT or driven one. Even the rentals that I’ve had did not have the CVT. If Alex says the CVT is noticeable then I’ll glady take his word for it.
i just test drove one of these, it was the base. now, Ive been completely against CVT, but i was pleasantly surprised by how good this felt to drive. and for 147hp it was actually pretty peppy. looking forward to a sportier version with 201hp and a manual transmission
Mine has a DCT but now I'm used to it find it a bit better than expected. Mine has the hatchback and turbo, which reminds me of my mini in 1960's.... It's great and people looking for a car/hatch should check out KIA. They are doing a phenomenal job ... Cheers
Took me a while, but I noticed your talking a bit slower and adding more conviction to your vocals. I've always liked your reviews, but this is a welcome improvement. Don't know if this was intentional, but keep it up!
This body design deserves a sport version with turbo, independent rear suspension and DCT or 6-speed manual. It would be a waste not to offer that. I don't outright dislike the Civic, but it has that Hotwheels toy car look to it. Whereas this Forte looks very mature. I don't know about the US market, but in Canada the base model has 6-speed manual, 8" touchscreen, rear-view camera, heated seats, heating steering wheel, air conditioning and a whole lot more for about CAD $18k + sales tax. In order to get that in the previous model you had to go to the level # 3 car with automatic transmission which was $21,500 (but you could negotiate down to an even $20K). No wonder Chrysler, Ford and GM are discontinuing some or all of their regular passenger cars. They can't compete with such an offering. Plus 5 year warranty vs. their 3 year warranty. I realize that this car is made in Mexico. But perhaps people would pay an extra $1k to have it made in USA or Canada. Who knows.
I just bought the GT version of this car, just released in Australis. It's called the Cerato here. It has the 1.6 petrol turbo, and is specced up with all the goodies you'd want. Has multi link rear, not IRS, but the price point is amazing. Sure, they could provide IRS, but that would add cost. As it is, the only option for the GT version is metallic paint. Check out Australian Kia Cerato GT if you are interested. P.S. I bought the hatchback, comes in both sedan and hatch.
Owned a 2018 Elantra with the 5 speed auto, great car. I had to move so sold it. Recently got the Forte EX with the CVT. Pretty much the same car with better mileage. Definitely recommend.
Great review, maybe you should do a comparison review for $25000 and $20000 price brackets. Always love your videos, it feels like I'm test driving it, except you know what to look for.
I’m so excited to take a look at the 2019 Forte SX with the 1.6t and a manual. Hopefully it can be optioned with the B&M short throw found in the veloster.
I’m confused by what I see online. It appears the front collision WARNING is standard, but autonomous braking appears to come with the launch trim only. Is the launch trim really only available in orange?
People keep saying that this new forte's styling is based on the Stinger, but the tail lights and headlights are both 1:1 the same as the current gen Sportage.
When you get blind spot monitoring you usually get rear cross traffic alert. It would be nice if you mentioned whether or not rear cross traffic alert is included. When it comes to adaptive cruise control, it would be nice if you mentioned whether it is traditional ACC or smart SCC with full stop/start. Rear cross traffic alert and smart ACC with stop/start are two very important features that I look for when purchasing a new vehicle.
If you get the EX, you do get rear cross-traffic warning, both audible and visual, although I don't believe it will brake for you. Smart cruise control, only works down to 20 mph, and then shuts off, a disappointing design for me.
I test drove this Stinger. Manager is a friend and he lend me a loaner to keep for a weekend. After a weekend I can tell you these 2 things. Most annoying thing is front seats are uncomfortable. It feels like you are sitting on a bench. After about 20 mins of time in the seat you start feeling your back and hips are being annoyed. And lastly anybody who sat in the back seat complained loud road noise. And those are big no for me. I was considering this for my friend who is looking to commute about 50km one way to work. But instead went with 2019 Civic LX.
Alex, I am looking forward to your review of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, which has a low cost twist beam rear suspension like the Forte. I would like to know how the two vehicles compare in ride quality. I have yet to find a car without independent rear suspension that did not feel dead in the back, as if it were hauling a trailer. You can feel every bump, which I hate. I like the height of the Kia better than the Civic. Getting into the Civic is like squeezing into a telephone book. For looks, the Volkswagen Jetta is the winner hands down in my opinion, but Volkswagen reliability is still suspect in the minds of many consumers. The 2019 Hyundai Elantra looks very hard and ugly, in my opinion, but I look forward to your opinion on that vehicle as well.
Absolutely spectacular vehicle, especially compared to the mediocre Corolla and garish Civic. Both this and it’s platform brother, the Elantra, are absolutely stellar vehicles! The build quality and feature sets are far beyond the competition, and the style and refinement classes it far above vehicles like the Corolla and Civic mainstays.
kia have done very well for them self's. i would not buy anything else , only a kia. i have a 2012 kia optima , no trouble at all, only brakes, oil changes and tires. it has 180000 kms on it and still going strong !!
Currently own a 2015 EX Sedan. From what I saw in your video, looks like Kia eliminates the below listed features from the 2015 model: 1) Memory driver’s seat 2j Heated steering wheel 3) Heated outboard rear seats 4) Power folding exterior mirrors 5) As you mentioned, real leather seats Missing some of these features is a step backwards in my opinion.
Well as Alex mentioned Kia had to cut costs somewhere in order to improve the car and add features, in order to keep the price from increasing substantially. I think the only one on your list that's an issue is the heated steering wheel. I mean how much does that really cost them? It's frustrating like how Kia doesn't offer a 360 camera in the Stinger, which I can't park without now 😫.
Dan...it's really weird! The new Forte (K3) still comes with all of those features here in Korea. I don't know why they would bother taking them off for the US. I also own a fully loaded 2015 K3. Love it!
Dan Leung, BUT you now have that big, shiny object, the iPad like touch screen. Seats, steering wheels, mirrors, leather gone in favor of a big screen. You know, they really ought to rethink the glove compartment. So yesterday. Replace it with a wider screen !👌
Ohh and then when buying last year was concerned over the stated fuel consumption. I am happy to report that has really not been an issue. Since it seems they may be understating the fuel consumption figures?
Exactly. I test dorve this and was sufficient for merging and leaving stop lights. For this price cant expect it to be a race car and have all the features it has
I was hoping you would have compared this to the Hyundai Elantra more. I was thinking of getting one or the other. Any comments, advice suggestions welcomed by me. Thank you!
It would help if you added actual civic volume measurements to the size line plot graphics you put on the bottom when you explain the size. Like I see that the Civic and Forte are close but how close? Without actually putting numbers in it’s just an arbitrary scale
Oh, man, I like Kia. It has the right ride and handling I like. I don't like stiff ride. It's quiet even for its compact sized car - rio. Amazing job, Kia, keep doing great.
Like many others, I'm no fan of CVT's. But I have to admit that manufacturers have made significant strides in engineering that technology in the six or seven years since I first drove a vehicle with a CVT. (A droning Nissan Murano) These days I suspect that the vast majority of car buyers neither notice (nor care) about the peculiarities of CVT's but they do notice the advantages in terms of fuel efficiency, especially when coupled with a small displacement turbo engine. Self-styled "enthusiasts" will still lament the disappearance of manual transmissions or (like me) opt for a DCT if an automatic is required, but the writing is on the wall; CVT's will continue to gain acceptance, especially as easy-to-drive daily drivers.
I'm curious about DCTs. I've heard they have to go through Neutral for every gear change and that they're clunky at low speeds. How are they to parallel park? Do they break down more or need more servicing due to complexity and more shifting? What do they do if you need to make a change in speed that they're not prepared for? I've considered some hybrids, but when I see DCT, I think twice.
David Morse: I can only comment on the VW DCT in the GTI, a version that's widely considered among the best DCT's available. I've heard some of the complaints you've mentioned with other vehicles but for the GTI, they're largely non-existent. No, the DCT does not "go through neutral for every gear change." When you're in a selected gear the next gear (up) is already pre-engaged with a second clutch. When the transmission shifts (either automatically or manually) it simply engages that gear and clutch. In the VW version, up shifts (and downshifts for that matter) are virtually instantaneous. Apparently some DCT's are "clunky at low speeds." That, however, is not true of the VW DCT. Shifts are noticeable, much as they are for a good manual transmission, but I've never found that the DCT "hunts" for a correct gear in low speeds and it is anything but "clunky". And unlike a stick shift, the DCT automatically downshifts to second and then to first gear as I slow to a stop. Likewise, as noted above, even a two gear downshift for passing is virtually instantaneous. (Of course, in manual mode, such a gear change simply requires two clicks of the paddle shifter. Again, it's easily as quick as a traditional automatic transmission downshift.) It's worth noting, by the way, that my GTI has a six speed DCT. In the Golf R and reportedly in the 2019 GTI, a seventh gear has been added. I suspect that was done in part to make the shift points even less noticeable as well as to maximize fuel efficiency. It's also worth noting that at least for the VW DCT, third party firms (e.g. APR) offer a DCT "tune" that enables changes in the behavior of the DCT to suit an individual driver for about $800. Takes only about 30 minutes and involves simply reprogramming the DCT computer chip. Try that with a traditional automatic. As for "parallel parking," again no issue. In fact, my GTI parallel parks automatically (though I seldom use the feature since the GTI is so easy to park.) Just pull up to a car in front of the space, put the transmission in reverse, and when the car has pulled into the space automatically, it alerts the driver to put the transmission in "D" to pull forward and center the VW between the car in front and the one in back. I frequent several VW/GTI forums and I've literally never heard of a DCT breaking down, even those tuned for much higher HP and torque than a stock VW. In contrast, major "tuning" of VW's with manual transmissions do require periodic replacement/upgrading the clutch, a burden that doesn't exist for the DCT. Finally, it is true that a DCT is more expensive to service than a traditional automatic. But for my GTI, that several hundred dollar dealer service only comes along every 40,000 miles. Logically, a DCT is might be less durable than a comparable automatic but I know of no empirical evidence that that is the case. Furthermore, as manufacturers add more and more gears to their traditional automatics, the likelihood of problems with reliability and durability would appear to increase. In over 40 years of driving, I always had at least one manual transmission in my garage before I purchased my first GTI in 2012. IMO, the DCT provides the best of both a manual and an automatic transmission. When I prefer I can select the gear I want in manual mode and the GTI holds it all the way to redline. It acts exactly like a manual transmission without the need to use my left foot when I change gears. And when I'm in heavy traffic or cruising on the interstate, I let the DCT handle the duties. All I miss from my manual transmission cars is the requirement to depress the clutch when I'm coming to a stop. Not a great sacrifice. As noted, all of these comments apply to the VW version of a DCT. Unfortunately, it appears that the earlier trend to DCT's has waned as CVT's have improved and traditional automatics are offering more and more gears. It's not a trend I like but it seems inevitable at least in the short run.
Stephen Hendricks, wow, thanks for the detailed reply; I should have remembered that a DCT doesn't go through neutral on normal shifts, because I know the point of it is to prepare for the next gear up or down. I was mainly concerned with parallel parking and low-speed maneuvers. I also have to remember not every company may execute it as well as VW. Thanks again.
A Kia forte n-spec possibility is oddly intriguing. Reminds me of the stories u hear about the 80's and 90's where car manufacturers took boring cars and hooked them up with power and handling packages. Edited for typing while sleep deprived.
When he was talking about the steering wheel, I had a flashback while I was test driving the car. Totally enjoyed the moments but forgotten to take note of the of that steering wheel size. What is the size of that steering wheel? 320? 380? I had a momo steering wheel on my current car which is 320.
I have an EX with about 3000 miles on it, and I'm regularly getting about 40 mpg or more on the road. I drove it about 70 miles today on I-95 and I got 42.4 mpg.
I grant that a turbo engine is always more expensive, but the real combo suited to how most people drive is a small turbo 4 and a CVT. I hope that Hyundai/Kia will at least pair their very good 1.6 turbo with this CVT for the next Optima/Sonata, or even that motor with the 8-speed auto in the new Santa Fe. That 7-speed DCT seems to have reliability issues.
I don't like the Hyundai/Kia trend of incorporating headlights and taillights in bumpers. That makes for higher replacement costs when you bust a light for bumping into something.
Didn't think my comment would actually trigger someone, but ok. This Forte and the Kona are making the lights seemingly purposefully vulnerable. Also, give me some examples of other companies doing the same. FCA already changed the Cherokee headlights to more conventional placement. Otherwise, you may find some front turn signals incorporated in other brands, but not as obvious as the Korean makes.
I believe this Forte utilizes a chain as well, but don’t quote me on that. I can’t remember if Alex mentioned as I watched the video a few hours ago while eating, lmao
Darren Persad I agree they are not that much more efficient than a good traditional automatic, and their reliability is VERY questionable, also they don't shift gears in a pleasing way. Even the electronic steps on new CVTs aren't good.
Oh, no doubt. They’ll never come close to the raw feeling of a traditional automatic, a DCT, or manual, and they just aren’t as capable on the whole, but I do think it’s foolish to write off a car altogether on just the transmission. They’ll be reliable enough with the proper upkeep, although admittedly that upkeep is more frequent and demanding than other traditional transmissions, but ultimately they are smooth and simple, at least. I’d say this car’s pros far outweigh the cons of having a CVT. Personally, I don’t like them much either, and they certainly wouldn’t be my choice, but the Forte is too good to simple ignore it.
Just got 20 Forte GT with GT2 option in Deepsea blue. It is a very fun and great looking car! The new Honda's in my opinion are horrible looking cars. And not even a choice I would consider. Wait for GT its sweet!
The position of the rear reverse and turn singnals is such a bad place because one bump or hit and you have more damage than you would with any car costing you more, bad design feature including the front.
Steve Franklin Yes, the insurance companies will raise our rates when items become more easily damaged and they have claims coming in related to that weakness. Plus it looks stupid too.
I'd love to get this, yes right now in summer 2020. Mainly attracted by the rich features like rear vents, great mpg. Not so much about the looks/exterior. To me Kia' grille (especially on this Forte) and the design of its lights (especially rear) make it look rigid, robotic... like it's a Robocop's car. You know, that Cyclops goggles. I'm more inclined toward slicker looking fronts like the Hyundai's trapeze.
Engine 2.0 liters 147 hp? How so? Is it a fuel economy setting? Korean model 1.6 liter ivt (cvt) 123hp It has 15.7kg.m and GT 1.6 Turbo 204HP. The fuel economy of the basic 1.6 model also has a level that is not bad....
I think at that price, they really should have put LED headlights. I'd rather have safe lights and a smaller infotainment screen. I like how it looks, the Corolla needs a redesign in comparison, but I think the Civic is still the model to beat. Side note, does a headroom difference of up to 4/10 of an inch really make that much of a difference? I'd guess anybody taller or shorter than you must not perceive a difference.
Alex had you heard the problem with the Honda 1.5 turbo. My friends civic burns a lot oil. They could fix and gave him a motor because the melt interior
For a cheap car they did a really nice job with the styling. It looks like a small luxury sedan. This is what is lacking in the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruse and Dodge Dart. This is why the Big 3 is dropping out of the car game because they can not compete with the Japanese and Koreans.
The car has a standard backup camera and so there should be no excuses for parallel parking mishaps. The only other issue of concern beyond that would be driver skill!
$25,000 for this? For that kind of cash it should have a better engine option. Usually you do more comparing with the Mazda3 in this segment. The S Grand Touring Mazda3 offers more value for the price at $24,195. The Forte definitely looks better than the previous generation, and people will always buy it because that 10yr 100k warranty is a magnet.
Alex, sorry to say but I get 30 mpg avg with manual Mazda6. On the other note, the engine sound in Forte, Corolla, Elantra, some other cars is just weak. Get into Mazda3 and you hear a satisfying growl.
Don't be so sure. Can't comment on the Forte but I recently traded a 2012 Kia Sorento for a new one. The KIA dealer gave me a trade-in value within $1000 of the KBB estimate of a trade-in of an equivalent 2012 Toyota Highlander. The dealer then sold my trade-in three days later for $3000 more than my trade-in. When I factored in the discount I had received on both the 2012 and the 2018 Kia Sorento compared to the Toyota (where dealer discounts are rare), I actually came out ahead. Bottom line is that in real world prices the overall improvement in Kia vehicles over the last few years has begun to impact resale values both as trade-ins and in the used market, at least here in the Pacific Northwest.
Peter schreyer did a fantastic job on this exterior! He should go over to Honda and help them out with their hideous designed Accord 🙂 Who would have ever thought Kia would build desireable vehicles 🤔
@@hamidmghazi yes they are due to UGLY DUCKLING DISCOUNTS 😂😂 they were stock piled on lots. Some dealerships had over 480 accords sitting on the lot😂😂😂 I hear some folks were able to attain a 2.0t for 24k before taxes😂😂🤣🤣
Honda fanboys will snap them up, just as they do the ugly Civics. I still wonder why the Accord has such a low grille, with that white thing behind it that looks like styrofoam.
I wonder how many people but a car with other than a manual change, actually use those switches and knobs to drive emulating a manual version? I know I haven't ....
