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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 30 / 40 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,000 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 267 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $17,182–$21,576 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2019 Kia Forte at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $17,182–$21,576, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.6/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Kia Forte is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2019 Kia Forte ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $17,182 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 38%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Kia Forte scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $20,821 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $20,215 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $19,608 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $19,002 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $18,395 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $17,789 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $17,182 | |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $16,576 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $15,969 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $15,363 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $14,756 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.0/10 | $12,250 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Exterior lighting / Headlights 31/10/2018 · 18V771000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal… |
|---|---|
| Power train / Axle assembly / Axle shaft 05/08/2020 · 20V459000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.