Why the 2022 Kia Forte Scored Very Low with Consumer Reports

The 2022 Kia Forte debuts a refreshed look. It's well equipped in base form and offers good looks with incredible value. So why does Consumer Reports beg to differ?
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
What used to be
an excellent affordable car
is now one you may want to avoid. The 2022
Kia
Forte offers sporty styling and equipment but fails to deliver an impressive performance. 
Jerry
, the
car ownership super app
, looks into why the revamped 2022 Kia Forte failed to impress the testers over at Consumer Reports.  

The 2022 Kia Forte: Performance and EPA

The 2022 Kia Forte ranges from $19,090 to $24,490. It’s faster than its previous generation and much more agile. Its responsive handling boosts driver confidence when zipping around windy roads.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) simulates the feel of a conventional automatic transmission and delivers a best-in-class EPA of 34 mpg. The 2022 Kia Forte can ramp up to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. 
Drivers who opt for the more expensive GT version will receive a seven-speed automated manual transmission and a feisty turbocharged engine.  
However, testers at
Consumer Reports
noticed a huge loss in ride quality with the new 2022 model. Passengers feel every road seam, bump, and pothole, making for an extremely stiff ride. The cabin also lacks noise isolation, so drivers can hear the engine and road loud and clear. 
Unfortunately, the unsupportive front seats don’t help the matter. The GT-Line or GT trims offer adjustable lumbar support and power-adjustable seats. The rear seat is what you’d expect from a compact sedan, and the truck has plenty of room for luggage. 
Consumer Reports appreciated the automatic climate control system and easy-to-operate  switches and knobs. The standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is user-friendly and includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
GT-Line and GT trims offer larger 10.3-inch screens with in-dash navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. Drivers of all models will receive a secondary 4.2-inch color display located between the gauges. 
Testers found the key fob tricky to use and were disappointed in the absence of a keyless entry and push-button start from the mid-trim LXS.

The 2022 Kia Forte: Interior and driver assist

This Kia Forte uses a ton of hard, black plastic trim in its noisy cabin. Consumer Reports was surprised by the lack of soft-touch surfaces where passengers pay to rest their hands, elbows, and arms. Even the armrests are under-padded.
Occupants will find a steering wheel made of basic urethane, and seats covered with basic cloth. 
Most drivers found the interior pretty roomy, with ample headroom and plenty of telescoping range from the steering wheel. The low-positioned, hard plastic center console pressed up against the driver’s shin was among the biggest complaints. 
While blind spot warning is optional, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assistance come standard. 

Consumer Reports weighs in

Though this Kia Forte sedan was deemed a Green Choice by Consumer Reports, it still received an overall score of 39. 
The auto scored a 4 out of 5 for its acceleration, transmission, route handling, emergency handling, braking, driving position, and climate system.  
The 2022 Kia Forte received a 3 out of 5 rating for headlights, front-seat comfort, rear seat comfort, front/rear access, trunk/cargo area, and interior fit and finish. Its smog rating scored 5 out of 10, and its ride and noise earned a 2 out of 5.
When it came to overall predicted reliability and overall owner satisfaction, Consumer Reports gave the car a mere 1 out of 5.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings