DecodedCars2015 Kia Forte
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- EX/Sx 4dr Sedan, Koupe EX 2dr Coupe, Koupe Sx/Sx Luxury 2dr Coupe, LX 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 26 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 171.3–179.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,804–3,025 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2015 midsize car (25.7 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Kia Forte is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,906 lb (EX/Sx 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 37 highway), 17% better than the 2015 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 259 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Forte — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Forte →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX/Sx 4dr Sedan | 179.5 in | 70.1 in | 56.3 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,906 lb | 62/38 |
| Koupe EX 2dr Coupe | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 55.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,820 lb | 63/37 |
| Koupe Sx/Sx Luxury 2dr Coupe | 178.3 in | 70.1 in | 55.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,983 lb | 63/37 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 179.5 in | 70.1 in | 56.3 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,804 lb | 62/38 |
| 5 LX/EX 4dr Hatchback | 171.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,862 lb | 62/38 |
| 5 Sx/Sx Luxury 4dr Hatchback | 171.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,025 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +17% | $2,250 | 294 |
| Forte | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +13% | $2,300 | 303 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +13% | $2,300 | 310 |
| Forte Koup | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 314 |
| Forte 5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +34% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Forte Koup | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +3% | $2,500 | 323 |
| Forte Koup | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 353 |
| Forte Koup | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | -9% | $2,800 | 360 |
| Forte 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +15% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Forte 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +15% | $2,800 | 368 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Kia Forte.
Similar 2015 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Forte (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2015 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Hyundai Elantra | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Engine · Dec 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · 294,756 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Not every 2015 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Kia Forte buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 158 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 23 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Forte. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forte years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 26 |
| 2023 Forte | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 66 |
| 2022 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2021 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 69 |
| 2020 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 78 |
| 2019 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 150 |
| 2018 Forte | 32 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 136 |
| 2017 Forte | 32 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 305 |
| 2016 Forte | 30 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 138 |
| 2014 Forte | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 421 |
| 2013 Forte | 30 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 197 |
| 2012 Forte | 30 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →