One doesn’t have to be a car expert to see that the all-new 2019 Kia Forte is a major departure from its predecessor.
We’re talking about design, obviously, as the new model clearly looks more attractive than its rather lackluster forerunner. Influences from the Kia Stinger sports sedan are easy to see, helping the Forte look more modern and sharper than you’d expect from a budget model.
But what is it like to drive? The folks from Edmunds had a go in the new Forte and their impressions paint a promising picture. While the compact sedan faces tough competition, it may be one of the best choices out there.
The ride quality is a bit stiff for the class, but not harsh. The upside is that the 2019 Forte handles much better than before. It may not be quite as fun to drive as the Mazda3 sedan, but it’s close and trumps most other competitors in this respect.
Also read: Kia Forte Product Manager Hints At “More Exciting” Variant
The Forte has the upper hand on the Mazda when it comes to equipment, though. That’s because the Korean model offers more features as standard than the Mazda3 — or any other competitor for that matter. The base 2019 Forte offers an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, and driving assistance systems such as Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist-Line, and Rear-View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance.
Add to that the much-improved interior (both in terms of quality and practicality), as well as its $18,595 starting price (including destination), and it becomes clear the new Forte will give its rivals a good run for their money.