2024 Kia Forte Receives Minor Price Bump And Increased Safety Spec

Kia has announced pricing and updates for the 2024 Forte, the brand's Corolla and Civic rival. The compact sedan benefits from several helpful updates, focusing on enhanced active safety features.

Five models are available, with the entry-level LX priced at $19,790. This trim level is sensibly specced and receives air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and several standard safety assists. This includes forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, drive attention warning, and high-beam assist, among other things.

The plusher LXS is $500 more expensive than the LX but has plenty of additional features. 16-inch alloy wheels are part of the package, along with additional soft-touch interior plastics. Customers can also specify rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and safe exit warning at an additional cost. Not bad for $20,290.

The $22,290 GT Line derivative receives 17-inch wheels, an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), sporty pedals, push-button start, a smart key, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, and other nice-to-haves. For 2024, the GT-Line will receive standard Highway Drive Assist, navigation-based smart cruise control, and a front collision alert system. The Tech Package is no longer offered for this grade.

The LX, LXS, and GT Line are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission.

If you're looking for more power, the GT models will be to your liking. The range-topping variants employ a turbocharged 1.6-liter motor with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. A six-speed manual-equipped model costs $25,190, but a seven-speed DCT variant is available for $24,490.

Regarding specs, the GT models are packed to the rafters with luxury equipment. Sporty 18-inch wheels and LED headlights liven up the exterior, while the sports-tuned exhaust receives a unique chrome exhaust tip finisher. Interestingly, the manual GT is better equipped and receives full synthetic leather upholstery and a standard Harmon Kardon audio system. These features are options on the DCT-equipped model.

The Forte was facelifted in late 2021, so we're not surprised that Kia has kept changes to a minimum. It was first introduced as a MY2019 model, which means the Forte is heading into its fifth year. Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, habitually replace cars, so we expect to see a replacement model very soon.

We wouldn't be surprised if the Forte is replaced by the recently revealed K3, a slick-looking compact sedan that showcases the brand's new design language.

All pricing excludes Kia's $1,125 destination fee.