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    Categories: New Launch

2016 Kia Forte Sedan Review

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

The award-winning Forte is a carryover for 2016 with updated packaging and enhancements that further sets it apart in a very competitive compact sedan segment.

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

Available in LX and EX variants, both trims offer customers a long list of standard and optional features. The LX model comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth® wireless technology. Power windows, air conditioning and power heated outside mirrors are among the many features that make the Forte a standout in its segment. New for 2016, the optional Popular Plus Package adds cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels and a Rear Camera Display. Other options include Cruise Control, Tweeter speakers, upgraded cloth seats, sliding front armrest, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, Led turn signal indicators, front passenger seat back pocket, and illuminated ignition. Now standard on the 2016 Forte is keyless entry with remote trunk release.

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

Additional standard EX features include Rear Camera Display, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED positioning lights, and front fog lights. Features found in the optional Premium Package include heated front seats, leather seat trim, power sunroof, push-button start with Smart Key and, new for 2016, navigation with HD RadioTM, which was previously only available on the Technology Package. The new-for-2016 Premium Plus Package includes LED tail lights, 4.2-inch TFT color LCD supervision meter cluster, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with cooled ventilation, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and dual-zone automatic temperature control with center console rear vents.

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

The 2016 Forte offers a choice of an efficient 1.8-liter MPI engine or a more powerful 2.0-liter GDI engine. The standard LX 1.8-liter powerplant produces 145-horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque delivered through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic gearbox. The EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter engine that produces 173-horsepower and a robust 154 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic. Both engines route power through the front wheels. FlexSteer®, standard on the EX trim, puts the driver in control with settings for Comfort, Normal and Sport, which vary steering effort at the touch of a button.

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

Influenced by European sport-sedan styling, the Forte’s modern and stylish appearance was penned at Kia’s U.S.-based design center in Irvine, California. The Forte represents the heart of KMA’s small-car line-up. Slotted between the Rio sub-compact sedan and the best-selling Optima midsize sedan, the Forte easily accommodates five passengers and their belongings in the spacious and modern cabin.

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

What’s New

  • Additional exterior colors for Forte LX
    – Clear White
    – Silky Silver
    – Steel Blue
    – Crimson Red
  • Add Remote Keyless Entry standard on LX
  • LX Popular Package
  • New Audio 3.0B
  • Rear-camera display in LX and EX
  • EX gets 17” alloy wheels
  • Forte EX Premium Package adds navigation system

Specifications

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors



LXEX
Engine
Type/layout
1.8L 4-Cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
2.0L 4-Cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Horsepower
145 hp @ 6500 rpm (ULEV-II/SULEV)
173 hp @ 6,500 rpm (ULEV-II) / 166 hp @ 6,500 rpm (SULEV)
Torque
130 lb.-ft @ 4,700 rpm (ULEV/SULEV)
154 lb.-ft @ 4,700 (ULEV-II) / 148 lb-ft @ 4,700 (SULEV)
Engine material
Aluminum block and head
Aluminum block and head
Valve System
DOHC D-CVVT 16V/V
DOHC D-CVVT 16V/V
Displacement (cc)
1,797 cc
1,999 cc
Bore x stroke (mm)
81.0 x 87.2
81.0 x 97.0
Compression ratio
10.3:1
11.5:1
Fuel System
MPI (Multi Point Injection)
GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection)
Fuel Requirement
Regular unleaded (87 Octane or higher)
Regular unleaded (87 Octane or higher)
Cooling System
Water cooled circulation, centrifugal
Water cooled circulation, centrifugal
Emission Control System
Gasoline Unleaded Fuel, SULEV/ULEV-II : WCC+UCC(MPI)
Gasoline Unleaded Fuel, SULEV : WCC+UCC(GDI), ULEV-II : CCC(GDI)
Lubrication System
Mechanical gear type oil pump
Mechanical gear type oil pump
Fuel tank capacity (gal.)
13.2 gallons
13.2 gallons
Electrical System
Battery (AH)
60AH / 70AH AGM (with ISG)
68AH
Alternator
90A
90A
Starter
1.2 KW/ 1.4 KW (with ISG)
1.2 KW
Drivetrain
Transmission Gear Ratios: 6-speed manual transmission
-
-
First
3.308:1
-
Second
1.962:1
-
Third
1.257:1
-
Fourth
0.976:1
-
Fifth
0.778:1
-
Sixth
0.633:1
-
Reverse
3.583:1
-
Final gear ratio
4.333:1
-
Transmission Gear Ratios: 6-speed automatic transmission
-
-
First
4.400:1
4.212:1
Second
2.726:1
2.637:1
Third
1.834:1
1.800:1
Fourth
1.392:1
1.386:1
Fifth
1.000:1
1.000:1
Sixth
0.774:1
0.772:1
Reverse
3.440:1
3.385:1
Final gear ratio
2.937:1
3.064:1
Layout/drive
Front engine/FWD
Front engine/FWD
Exterior Dimensions
Length (in.)
179.5 in.
179.5 in.
Width (in.)
70.1 in.
70.1 in.
Height (in.)
56.3 in.
56.3 in.
Wheelbase (in.)
106.3 in.
106.3 in.
Track, front/rear (in.)
61.5 in./62.0 in. (15" wheel) / 61.1 in./61.6 in. (16" wheel)
61.3 in./61.8 in.
Overhang, front/rear (in.)
34.6 in./38.6 in.
34.6 in./38.6 in.
Min. ground clearance (in.)
5.3 in.
5.3 in.
Approach Angle (degree)
15.2
15.2
Departure Angle (degree)
20.4
20.4
Interior Dimensions
Seating capacity
5 passenger
5 passenger
Length (in.)
76.0 in.
76.0 in.
Width (in.)
59.4 in.
59.4 in.
Height (in.)
47.2 in.
47.2 in.
Head room, front/rear (in.)
39.1 in./ 37.3 in.
39.1 in./ 37.3 in.
Leg room, front/rear (in.)
42.2 in./ 35.9 in.
42.2 in./ 35.9 in.
Shoulder room, front/rear (in.)
56.1 in./ 54.9 in.
56.1 in./ 54.9 in.
Hip room, front/rear (in.)
53.8 in./ 53.1 in.
53.8 in./ 53.1 in.
Interior Luggage capacity, without sunroof (cu. ft.)
96.2 cu. ft.
96.2 cu. ft.
Interior Luggage capacity, with sunroof (cu. ft.)
-
95.0 cu. ft.
Cargo capacity (cu. ft.)
14.9 cu. ft.
14.9 cu. ft.
Chassis/Suspension
Front
McPherson Strut type
McPherson Strut type
Rear
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA)
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA)
Shock Absorber Type
Monotube (Mando)
Monotube (Mando)
Construction
Unibody
Unibody
Steering
Type / Power source
Rack and Pinion / Electric motor
Rack and Pinion / Electric motor
Turns, lock-to-lock
2.96
2.96
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft)
34.8
34.8
Steering ratio
15.7:1
15.7:1
Brakes
Type front/rear
Vented disc / solid disc
Vented disc / solid disc
Size (in.) front/rear
11.0 / 10.3
11.0 / 10.3
Wheels/Tires
Wheel size (in.)
6.0J×15 (Steel) / 6.5J×16 (Alloy)
7.0J×17 (Alloy)
Tire size
P195/65R15 / P205/55R16 (OPT)
P215/45R17
Spare Tire
Tire Mending Kit (TMK)
Tire Mending Kit (TMK)
Curb Weight
Manual transmission (min/max)
2804/2937
-
Automatic transmission (min/max)
2844/2983
2906/3030
GVWR
Manual transmission (lbs.)
3,836
-
Automatic transmission (lbs.)
3,880
3,902
Estimated Fuel Economy
Manual transmission, city/highway/combined (mpg)
25 / 37 / 30
-
Automatic transmission, city/highway/combined (mpg)
26 / 39 / 31
24 / 35 / 28

Features & Options

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors



LXEX
Engine
Type/layout
1.8L 4-Cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
2.0L 4-Cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Horsepower
145 hp @ 6500 rpm (ULEV-II/SULEV)
173 hp @ 6,500 rpm (ULEV-II) / 166 hp @ 6,500 rpm (SULEV)
Torque
130 lb.-ft @ 4,700 rpm (ULEV/SULEV)
154 lb.-ft @ 4,700 (ULEV-II) / 148 lb-ft @ 4,700 (SULEV)
Engine material
Aluminum block and head
Aluminum block and head
Valve System
DOHC D-CVVT 16V/V
DOHC D-CVVT 16V/V
Displacement (cc)
1,797 cc
1,999 cc
Bore x stroke (mm)
81.0 x 87.2
81.0 x 97.0
Compression ratio
10.3:1
11.5:1
Fuel System
MPI (Multi Point Injection)
GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection)
Fuel Requirement
Regular unleaded (87 Octane or higher)
Regular unleaded (87 Octane or higher)
Cooling System
Water cooled circulation, centrifugal
Water cooled circulation, centrifugal
Emission Control System
Gasoline Unleaded Fuel, SULEV/ULEV-II : WCC+UCC(MPI)
Gasoline Unleaded Fuel, SULEV : WCC+UCC(GDI), ULEV-II : CCC(GDI)
Lubrication System
Mechanical gear type oil pump
Mechanical gear type oil pump
Fuel tank capacity (gal.)
13.2 gallons
13.2 gallons
Electrical System
Battery (AH)
60AH / 70AH AGM (with ISG)
68AH
Alternator
90A
90A
Starter
1.2 KW/ 1.4 KW (with ISG)
1.2 KW
Drivetrain
Transmission Gear Ratios: 6-speed manual transmission
-
-
First
3.308:1
-
Second
1.962:1
-
Third
1.257:1
-
Fourth
0.976:1
-
Fifth
0.778:1
-
Sixth
0.633:1
-
Reverse
3.583:1
-
Final gear ratio
4.333:1
-
Transmission Gear Ratios: 6-speed automatic transmission
-
-
First
4.400:1
4.212:1
Second
2.726:1
2.637:1
Third
1.834:1
1.800:1
Fourth
1.392:1
1.386:1
Fifth
1.000:1
1.000:1
Sixth
0.774:1
0.772:1
Reverse
3.440:1
3.385:1
Final gear ratio
2.937:1
3.064:1
Layout/drive
Front engine/FWD
Front engine/FWD
Exterior Dimensions
Length (in.)
179.5 in.
179.5 in.
Width (in.)
70.1 in.
70.1 in.
Height (in.)
56.3 in.
56.3 in.
Wheelbase (in.)
106.3 in.
106.3 in.
Track, front/rear (in.)
61.5 in./62.0 in. (15" wheel) / 61.1 in./61.6 in. (16" wheel)
61.3 in./61.8 in.
Overhang, front/rear (in.)
34.6 in./38.6 in.
34.6 in./38.6 in.
Min. ground clearance (in.)
5.3 in.
5.3 in.
Approach Angle (degree)
15.2
15.2
Departure Angle (degree)
20.4
20.4
Interior Dimensions
Seating capacity
5 passenger
5 passenger
Length (in.)
76.0 in.
76.0 in.
Width (in.)
59.4 in.
59.4 in.
Height (in.)
47.2 in.
47.2 in.
Head room, front/rear (in.)
39.1 in./ 37.3 in.
39.1 in./ 37.3 in.
Leg room, front/rear (in.)
42.2 in./ 35.9 in.
42.2 in./ 35.9 in.
Shoulder room, front/rear (in.)
56.1 in./ 54.9 in.
56.1 in./ 54.9 in.
Hip room, front/rear (in.)
53.8 in./ 53.1 in.
53.8 in./ 53.1 in.
Interior Luggage capacity, without sunroof (cu. ft.)
96.2 cu. ft.
96.2 cu. ft.
Interior Luggage capacity, with sunroof (cu. ft.)
-
95.0 cu. ft.
Cargo capacity (cu. ft.)
14.9 cu. ft.
14.9 cu. ft.
Chassis/Suspension
Front
McPherson Strut type
McPherson Strut type
Rear
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA)
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA)
Shock Absorber Type
Monotube (Mando)
Monotube (Mando)
Construction
Unibody
Unibody
Steering
Type / Power source
Rack and Pinion / Electric motor
Rack and Pinion / Electric motor
Turns, lock-to-lock
2.96
2.96
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft)
34.8
34.8
Steering ratio
15.7:1
15.7:1
Brakes
Type front/rear
Vented disc / solid disc
Vented disc / solid disc
Size (in.) front/rear
11.0 / 10.3
11.0 / 10.3
Wheels/Tires
Wheel size (in.)
6.0J×15 (Steel) / 6.5J×16 (Alloy)
7.0J×17 (Alloy)
Tire size
P195/65R15 / P205/55R16 (OPT)
P215/45R17
Spare Tire
Tire Mending Kit (TMK)
Tire Mending Kit (TMK)
Curb Weight
Manual transmission (min/max)
2804/2937
-
Automatic transmission (min/max)
2844/2983
2906/3030
GVWR
Manual transmission (lbs.)
3,836
-
Automatic transmission (lbs.)
3,880
3,902
Estimated Fuel Economy
Manual transmission, city/highway/combined (mpg)
25 / 37 / 30
-
Automatic transmission, city/highway/combined (mpg)
26 / 39 / 31
24 / 35 / 28

Pricing

2016 Kia Forte Sedan © Kia Motors

ModelDescriptionMsrp
Forte LX1.8L I4 - 6 M/T $15,990.00
Forte LX1.8L I4 - 6 A/T $17,700.00
Forte EX2.0L I4 - 6 A/T $19,990.00
Steve Allen: