2022 Kia Forte is Beautifully Refreshed and Safer, Too
The current Kia Forte is about to enter its fourth year on the market, so a mid-cycle update is in order. Many Canadians will be happy about that. After all, the compact sedan is still the most popular vehicle in the lineup.
Contrary to earlier reports and rumours, the 2022 Forte will not be renamed K3 to match the model sold in South Korea, unlike the Optima which became the K5.
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On the outside, Kia’s new logo can be seen at both ends. The nose of the Forte looks more aggressive thanks to a redesigned grille and headlights, the latter sporting a new LED signature and a zigzag-shaped accent emulating the aforementioned K5.
Revised air intakes adorn the lower front bumper, which also features news LED fog lights. New 16- and 17-inch dark metal grey wheels are available, while the revised LED taillights in the rear have a sharp, modern look and are capped by a tiny spoiler built into the trunk lid.
The interior of the 2022 Kia Forte has not been overlooked. There’s now a standard 4.2-inch digital display (previously 3.5 inches) behind the steering wheel and an 8-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Some trim levels get a new 10.25-inch screen with navigation, an electronic parking brake button on the centre console and a USB port in the rear, not to mention remote start.
The same two engines are back. However, safety is enhanced quite a bit with new available features including Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (for upcoming curves and changing speed limits on the highway), as well as Safe Exit Warning.
Other systems were upgraded over the previous model year, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.
The 2022 Kia Forte is expected to go on sale shortly. Prices have not been announced yet for Canada, but they need to remain low enough to stand out from the next-generation Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra, two cars that impress on multiple fronts.
UPDATE -- Pricing for the 2022 Forte is as follows:
- LX Manual: $18,295
- LX: $19,895
- EX: $21,595
- EX+: $23,195
- EX Premium: $24,995
- GT-Line: $26,795
- GT Limited: $29,995
Meanwhile, the Forte5 hatchback (unchanged for 2022) starts at $22,695.