DecodedCars2022 Kia Forte
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 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
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2022 midsize car (27.1 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 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), 29% better than the 2022 midsize car average of 27.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Forte — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 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 | +29% | $1,900 | 256 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +22% | $2,050 | 271 |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +11% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | -4% | $2,600 | 348 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2022 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia Forte (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2022 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Column · May 5, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V304000 · 30 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Not every 2022 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Kia Forte buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 4 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,840 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 2022 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →