carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $27,067–$31,605 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2025 Kia Forte SL at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.0/10, while Reliability at 7.1/10 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 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.0/10. The Kia Forte SL delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 9.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $27,067–$31,605, 34 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.8/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2025 Kia Forte SL is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. 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 2025 Kia Forte SL 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 $27,067 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 2022 Kia Forte SL scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.8 — 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 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $27,067 | |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $26,279 | Read review → |
| 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.