DecodedCars2020 Kia Forte
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, GT 4dr Sedan, 5 EX 5dr Hatch, 5 GT 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 31 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 178–182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,769–3,095 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 27% better than the average 2020 midsize car (27.6 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Kia Forte is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,769 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 41 highway), 27% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2020
- Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Forte →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 182.7 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,769 lb | 61/39 |
| GT 4dr Sedan | 182.7 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,012 lb | 61/39 |
| 5 EX 5dr Hatch | 178 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 2,864 lb | 61/39 |
| 5 GT 5dr Hatch | 178 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,095 lb | 61/39 |
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 FE | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 41 / 35 | +27% | $1,900 | 256 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 40 / 33 | +20% | $2,050 | 269 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +12% | $2,150 | 290 |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +1% | $2,400 | 326 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Forte (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Forte.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Kia Forte buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 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 2020 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 |
| 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 |
| 2015 Forte | 30 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 259 |
| 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 →