By Alexander Stoklosa

Kia’s redesigned 2014 Forte sedan is a handsome piece, and it’s larger and even better-equipped than the car it replaces. All of that added goodness, however, will only cost buyers an additional $525 relative to the least-expensive 2013 model. Kia has released pricing for the new Forte—which starts at $16,700—and released EPA fuel-economy ratings for one of the Forte’s two available powertrains. Like last year, the 2014 Forte sedan comes in LX and EX flavors, although the previously available SX trim level is absent for now. A new five-door Forte soon will replace the outgoing hatchback, but a successor to the two-door Forte Koup likely is a few years away.

The entry-level LX comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a 148-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed automatic is optional, while the uplevel EX trim level gets a standard automatic and a more powerful 173-hp, 2.0-liter four with direct injection. (Yeah, we’re just as bummed as you are that the zestier engine cannot be paired with a stick.) The 2.0-liter is rated for 24 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway, which is pretty much par for the compact class. Ratings for the 1.8-liter are forthcoming. In terms of features, the LX comes standard with power windows, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, and heated power-folding mirrors. Besides adding the burlier engine, stepping up to the EX brings Kia’s second-generation UVO infotainment system, 16-inch aluminum wheels, backup camera, cruise control, Flex Steering with three driver-selectable steering modes, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and keyless entry. Full pricing and option breakdown below:

Forte LX: $16,700 + $1500 for six-speed automatic transmission; available Popular package ($900) adds 16-inch aluminum wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, two additional audio system speakers, sliding center armrest, rear center armrest, soft-touch front door panels, and mirrors with integrated turn indicators.

Forte EX: $20,200; available Premium package ($2600) adds sunroof, leather seats, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, heated front and rear seats with driver’s seat ventilation, heated steering wheel, push-button start, illuminated exterior door handles, and puddle lamps; requires $300 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Technology package ($2300) brings navigation, a 4.2-inch color gauge-cluster display, HID headlights, LED taillights, and dual-zone automatic climate control; buyers must spec the Premium package to get the Tech bundle.

• First Drive: 2014 Kia Forte Sedan
• First Drive: 2014 Kia Sorento
• Instrumented Test: 2013 Kia Rio5 SX Manual

Compared to compact-segment stalwarts like the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta, and the newcomer Dodge Dart, the Forte’s pricing is fairly competitive, with a base price that matches up or undercuts some of those cars’ mid-level trims. While that may not seem terribly flattering for the Kia, its bevy of standard features puts it, in base trim, closer to the other offerings’ mid-level trims. At the top end, a loaded Forte EX rings in at $25,400. A similarly spec’d Dart Limited (with the base, 2.0-liter four, not the optional 1.4-liter turbo four and dual-clutch automatic) or …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver