Available in five trim levels, the 2023 Kia Forte is a smart compact sedan that comes with a couple of different engines depending on the lifestyle and preferences of the driver. The Forte FE, LXS and GT-Line come equipped with the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, along with a continuously variable transmission [CVT]. By contrast, the upgraded GT and GT MT [Manual] options get a turbocharged 1.6-liter powerplant. If the buyer goes with the GT, their car will come with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission [DCT], whereas choosing the top trim in the model range gets the more enthusiastic driver a smooth 6-speed manual. But which of the 2023 Kia Forte trim levels is right for you?
Not only does the Forte offer flexibility of performance and specification, but it also comes as standard with a 93.5 cu.-ft. interior volume, meaning that despite its compact size, this practical model can rival some midsize sedans in terms of inside space – the 15.3 cu.-ft. cargo volume is further proof of its roomy interior.
The impressive standard specification makes the Forte one of the best daily commuter cars around, but which of the 2023 Kia Forte trim levels should you go for if you’re looking to buy?
2023 Kia Forte FE vs. LXS Trim Levels
While the 2023 Kia Forte FE, as the model’s base trim level, is only supposed to cover the essentials, it does it very well, especially considering an estimated starting MSRP of $19,100.
The FE comes with electronic traction and stability control and leads the way for its rivals with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. As standard, the Forte also boasts manual air conditioning, cruise control, and power-locking windows and doors.
In general, the FE is a good-looking trim, with 15-inch wheels and power side mirrors, on top of LED perimeter lighting for door handle illumination. Inside, the cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats look smart and make the FE a solid choice if you value the overall appearance of your car. What you might not like at this base level are the wheels, which are steel and not aluminum alloy.
However, it’s in the technology department where the FE really shines as a base model. Keyless entry, a rear backup camera, and auto on/off headlights make convenience a priority. The FE’s ‘Drive Select’ mode also facilitates throttle reconfiguration for different modes – Normal, Sport, and Comfort.
When you consider that this trim comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, it’s clear how the Forte easily fends off its competition year on year.
The Forte doesn’t cheap out on safety features, either. The FE trim includes lane-keeping assist and departure warning technology, coupled with a distracted driver feature and forward collision sensors that give warnings where needed. What’s more, like the higher-level trim options, the FE comes with an automatic braking system – in this trim, it even supports pedestrian detection.
Despite the FE being a competitive and appealing base-level trim for the Forte, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go for an upgraded option, like the 2023 Kia Forte LXS. This trim comes close to the FE’s affordability at a $19,700 estimated starting price but offers a lot of additional features that justify this increase.
The LXS moves up onto 16-inch alloy wheels, complemented by the soft-touch door and dash trim. This trim also includes a range of safety features not found in the FE. Drivers can add the Technology Package for an extra $500, a bargain addition for what it offers – with this package, you’ll get a blind-spot monitor, collision avoidance assist, integrated side-mirror turn signals, and a Safe Exit Assist package designed to warn passengers of approaching traffic if they go to open the rear doors.
Another reason to go for the LXS over the FE, though, is the 60/40 split-folding rear seat that comes with the upgraded trim – this allows for added cargo space to be pulled from the trunk, without impeding on the rear-seat passenger space. As the Forte is a popular car among small families, having that extra space is a great addition, and well worth the small additional cost.
2023 Kia Forte LXS vs. GT-Line Trim Levels
If you’re not interested in a sportier edition of the Forte, but still want to find the best car that kind of money can buy, then you’d be crazy to not upgrade to the 2023 Kia Forte GT-Line trim level from the LXS. Coming in at an estimated $21,300 starting price, this trim offers a sporty appearance alongside a huge number of additional features that set the standard for mid-budget compact sedans.
With the same 2.0-liter engine and CVT as the FE and LXS trims, you’ll still benefit from a decent MPG rate. Further GT-Line additions include the Smart Key keyless access system and push-button start.
This trim looks great, too. A sleek sport grille and gloss black exterior styling elements set it apart from the lower trim levels and are accompanied by 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear trunk spoiler. Inside, you can instantly tell that you’ve gone for an upgrade, as the alloy pedals and leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel give the GT-Line a distinctive, sporty appearance.
This trim upgrade isn’t just about looks, though. The technology features included in the GT-Line are not to be missed, like the dual-zone climate control, Smart Trunk keyless trunk opener, and voice control navigation, operated by a 10.25-inch touch screen – up from the 8-inch offering of the LXS. Externally equipped with LED fog lights and daytime running lights, this trim is a step up from the LXS in the best way possible.
One of the greatest things about the GT-Line is that buyers can choose from three additional packages when placing their order:
- GT-Line Technology Package
For the safety conscious, this package adds automatic emergency braking, designed to detect cyclists and an electronic parking brake that holds the car in place even if you lift your foot off the pedal.
- GT-Line Premium Package
This package offers the safety features of the Technology Package, but also brings in a power sunroof, wireless phone charging pad, and LED interior lighting for a more upscale interior ambiance. You’ll also get the Highway Driving Assist fatigue reduction system with this addition. What’s more, if you’re a music lover, upgrading to the GT-Line Premium Package means that your new car will come fitted with a Harman Kardon audio system, equipped with eight speakers for top-class sound quality.
- GT-Line Sport Premium Package
For extra comfort, the Sport Premium package introduces a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with added lumbar support, alongside heated and ventilated front seats. In the back, you’ll find a USB charging port and rear-seat air vents.
A strange feature of the GT-Line is that it comes without wireless connectivity on the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features. However, because you can still use these features with a plug-in wire, the slight inconvenience of this odd change doesn’t outweigh the mass of benefits that come with an upgrade to the GT-Line, regardless of any additional package add-ons.
2023 Kia Forte GT-Line vs. GT Trim Levels
Moving up to the 2023 Kia Forte GT trim level is where we start to see some serious performance in the Kia Forte, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine combined with a 7-speed DCT transmission. At a $23,500 estimated MSRP, you get a lot for your money: performance-focussed features include shift paddles, a sport exhaust, and dedicated sport-tuned suspension which delivers enhanced cornering through stiffer suspension.
Not only does the Forte GT perform better, but it also builds on the GT-Line’s sporty appearance, adding auto high beams, LED headlights and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels that make a big statement. Add to this interior ambient lighting and dual illuminator visor vanity mirrors, and you have a car that not only feels the part but looks it too.
From a technical standpoint, the GT doesn’t offer a huge number of extras compared to the GT-Line, though it does include a wireless charging pad, rear air vents, and USB charge points as standard, rather than requiring them to be added through an additional package. You’ll also find a space-saver spare tire included.
Like the GT-Line, you can go for some additional packages on the Forte GT:
- GT Technology Package
This adds navigation-based adaptive cruise control and upgrades your optional automatic emergency brake to assist with cyclist as well as pedestrian detection. You’ll also get an auto-hold parking brake in the Technology Package.
- GT2 Package
As well as everything included with the GT Technology Package, the GT2 Package comes with some luxury extras. Heated and ventilated front seats are a welcome feature of the package, as well as LED interior lighting and a power sunroof. You’ll have the option of a Harman Kardon audio system upgrade, and benefit from sport seats and Highway Driving Assist.
2023 Kia Forte GT vs. GT MT Trim Levels
If your budget stretches far enough to go all the way with your Kia Forte, then the 2023 Kia Forte GT MT is the trim level to choose. At an estimated $25,500, you don’t see too many additional extras above the standard GT, but the 7-speed automatic transmission is replaced with a 6-speed manual that makes for a smooth shifting experience for the more enthusiastic driver.
You’ll get the power sunroof of the GT2 Package included as standard, as well as the heated front sports seats and LED interior lighting.
With the GT MT, you do have the option to add rear parking sensors, which makes this a great choice for drivers looking to combine safety with performance.
Which 2023 Kia Forte trim should you buy?
The Kia Forte is suitable for a wide range of drivers, and with five trim levels, you’re sure to find a version of the Forte that’s right for you. In our opinion, though, there are really only two trim options that you should consider:
If you’re shopping for a car for daily commuting that can handle long journeys in comfort, go for the GT-Line – its price point isn’t a world away from the base trim FE, and the extras available make the price well worth it.
If you’re after a sportier, high-performance model, then the GT MT is the one to go for – even if just for the sunroof and sports seats that are included as standard.