DecodedCars2023 Kia Forte
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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
- Horsepower
- 147–201 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 30 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 178–182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,769–3,095 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2023 midsize car (27 MPG).
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 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 34 MPG combined (30 city / 41 highway), 26% better than the 2023 midsize car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Forte — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Forte →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2023 Forte configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 | 30 / 41 / 34 | +26% | $1,950 | 261 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 277 |
| 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 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2023 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Forte (this car) | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2023 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Apr 1, 2024 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 24V244000 · 215 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
- Risk
- Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC306. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V-649.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Sep 22, 2023 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 23V649000 · 3,866 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
- Risk
- Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC283.
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm · Dec 8, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V906000 · 939 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC259.
Not every 2023 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Kia Forte buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Steering — 15 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 9 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 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 2023 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →