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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $21,154–$26,529 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2021 Kia Forte S earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.3/10, while Value at 6.6/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.3/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology comes in at 7.7/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $21,154–$26,529, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Kia Forte S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in value are the only real asterisks. 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 2021 Kia Forte S 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 $21,154 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 24%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Kia Forte S scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021'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 | $23,944 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $23,247 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $22,549 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $21,852 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $21,154 | |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $20,457 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $19,759 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $19,062 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $18,364 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $17,667 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $16,969 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.