2012 Kia Forte Sedan

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 2729
City (MPG) 25
Hwy (MPG) 34
Horsepower 156@6200
Torque (lb-ft) 144@4300
Wheelbase 104.3
Length (in.) 178.3
Width (in.) 69.9
Height (in.) 57.5

Designed as a replacement to the Spectra, Kia 's Forte debuted as an all-new model starting in 2010 with sedan, hatchback and two-door "Koup" models

The sedan is available in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard features, such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats.

Forte EX and SX models also include standard cruise control with an optional sunroof and leather-trimmed seats. Also standard on SX models is a telescoping steering column as well as sport cloth seats with red stitching.

Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which delivers 173 horsepower.

Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic manual shifting.

With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, Forte offers one of the roomiest cabins in its class, according to Kia . The car has a total of 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, with 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. A number of chassis and body refinements promise to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

The optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter powerplant, includes the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering and low-rolling resistance tires with aero enhancements. These improvements result in fuel economy of 36 mpg on the highway.

Forte comes with a standard four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. Standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players. Standard Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. The EX and SX packages also add a standard six speaker surround audio system and steering wheel controls.

Key Competitors
Car shoppers considering the Forte should also research the refined Chevrolet Cruze and the aging but popular Toyota Corolla . Kia's partner company, Hyundai , also builds a fine compact sedan known as the Elantra.


    • General
    • Body Style: Sedan
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Economy
    • Weight: 2729 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 178.3 in.
    • Width: 69.9 in.
    • Height: 57.5 in.
    • Wheelbase: 104.3 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 5.9 in.
    • Front Track: 61.3 in.
    • Rear Track: 61.6 in.
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 96.8 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 14.7 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 43.3 in.
    • Head Room: 40.0 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.7 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.0 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 35.0 in.
    • Head Room: 37.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 54.7 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.3 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.0L I4
    • Power: 156 hp @ 6200 rpm
    • Torque: 144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 34 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Torsion-Beam
    • Wheels
    • Front: 15" Steel
    • Front Tires: 195/65R15
    • Rear: 15" Steel
    • Rear Tires: 195/65R15
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD
  • $0

    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

    • Close

      LX


      • 156hp, DOHC 2.0L l4 Engine
      • 15-inch Tires with Steel Wheels
      • Dual Body-Color Remote Mirrors
      • AM/FM/CD/MP3/SIRIUS Audio System with 4 Speakers
      • USB and Auxiliary Input Jacks
      • BLUETOOTH Wireless Technology
      • 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat with Center Armrest and Adjustable Rear Headrests
      • Advanced Airbags System
      • 4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System(ABS)

      Info
    • Close

      EX


      • 156hp, DOHC 2.0L l4 Engine
      • 6-speed Automatic Transmission
      • 15-inch Tires with Steel Wheels
      • Dual Body-Color Heated Power Mirrors with Turn Signal Indicators
      • AM/FM/CD/MP3/SIRIUS Audio System with 6 Speakers
      • BLUETOOTH Wireless Technology with Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls
      • Steerinf Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls
      • Cruise Control with Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
      • Power Windows and Door Locks with Remote Keyless Entry
      • Advanced Airbags System
      • 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

      Info
    • Close

      SX


      • 173hp, DOHC 2.4L l4 Engine
      • 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
      • 17-inch Tires with Alloy Wheels
      • Automatic Headlights
      • Front Fog Lights
      • Sport-Tuned Suspension
      • Supervision Gauge with Trip Computer
      • Paddle Shifters
      • BLUETOOTH Wireless Technology
      • Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls
      • Advanced Airbags System
      • 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

      Info

    Transmission

    Next
    Total Price:
  • $0

    Step 2 - Options

    $0

    Options & Accessories

    • Close

      Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass


      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Cargo Net


      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Carpeted Floormats


      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Rear Spoiler


      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Rear Bumper Applique


      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Cargo Tray


      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Auto Dimming Mirror w/Compass & HomeLink


      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Body Kit


      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Cargo Mat


      • N/A

      Info
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