carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $26,279–$34,490 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2024 Kia Forte SL earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.5/10, while Safety 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 7.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a notable gap at 6.6/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
The 8.5/10 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 scores 8.3/10 — 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 $26,279–$34,490, 33 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. 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 SL as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in value and safety 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 2024 Kia Forte SL ranks #428 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $26,279 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Kia Forte SL scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.7 — and starts roughly $2,500 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 | $27,067 | Read review → |
| 2024 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $26,279 | |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $25,490 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $24,702 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $23,913 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $23,125 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $22,336 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $21,548 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $20,759 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $19,971 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.3/10 | $19,182 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.