carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $20,215–$26,531 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.8/10, the 2024 Kia Forte Base earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10. 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 rate the Kia Forte Base's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.6/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.4/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $20,215–$26,531, 33 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.7/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2024 Kia Forte Base as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2024 Kia Forte Base ranks #347 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 74% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $20,215 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 27%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Kia Forte Base scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.8 — 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 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $20,215 | |
| 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 | 7.6/10 | $17,182 | Read review → |
| 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 → |
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
