2018 Kia Forte5 SX Review and Road Test In 4K UHD!

Kia's Forte and Forte 5 hatchback soldier on for 2017 and 2018 with relatively minor changes. Although both are still a solid value in the compact sedan segment the latest Honda Civic and major refreshed from Toyota and Honda push the Forte out of top pick status for us at AoA.
0-30 : 2.7 Seconds
0-60 : 6.9 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 15.2 Sec @ 93 MPH
60-0 Braking : 115 Feet
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[@SaraK_69]

You should have mentioned that not only is KIA more affordable, but also comes with the industry leading 10 year 100,000 mile warranty!!! That's a HUGE piece of information that a buyer needs to know!

[@alasdairmackintosh]

SaraK he did mention prices

[@rainwaterd]

My new 2018 Kia Soul came with 5year/60,000 mile warranty. My GPS and 7/8 inch media screen is the bomb. 8 speakers. Turbo Fun. Loads of Room.....and it handles and feels like a sport car. My favorite car so far and I've had a lot of cars (67 years old).

[@6ixgenesis842]

My 2016 Hyundai genesis coupe has 10 year 100,000 warranty too...

[@shawnkent5578]

Simply put the most thorough reviewer on KZbin. Keep up the good work!

[@tlevans62]

I have a 2015 Forte 5 in EX trim here in the Philippines. I bought it second hand a few months ago and I had been considering replacing my 2011 Mazda 3 with the new Mazda 3 or the Honda Civic. After trying out both alternatives, I decided on the Forte 5 for the following reason: 2017 Mazda 3 hatch, loved the styling, however the interior was not as roomy as the Forte 5, it was narrower and the ride was harder with the 18inch alloys. More road noise as well, smaller space in the back seat, smaller hatch area. Things felt “cheaper” inside, the seat was hard after a few hours and not good for long distances. Otherwise, it’s a very nice car. 2017 Civic: Hated the styling, looks too Japanese “Transformer” styling. Everything is too plasticy, the infotainment system didn’t have a volume control except on the steering wheel. Roomy interior but I hate CVT transmissions, so it was just too “Buck Rogers”with no “finesse” to it, all digital and plastic. Driving impressions of the Forte 5: the electric steering takes some getting used to, but now I’m a fan and I like it. The seats are all day comfortable, I have a bad back and if I’m stuck in Manila traffic for five hours it’s a nice place to sit. Compared to my 2011 Mazda 3, it’s heaven. The 2.0 engine has plenty of power, no problem passing and it’s economical enough. I do notice the torsion beam rear end gets unsettled on uneven pavement in corners, but the ride is much better than my Mazda 3 and better than the 2017 Mazda 3 I got to drive for a couple of days. There is very low road noise and the cabin is very quiet. The car is filled with features and is great value for money. The more I drive it, the more I like it, and in fact, I come up with reasons for going for a drive in it because I enjoy it so much. There are a lot of little touches that I appreciate too, like the leatherette cover over the instrument shroud, very European. When I lived in Dubai I had many nice cars, from Mercedes to Porsche to Alfa Romeo, and I have to say I’m extremely impressed by this car. I certainly appreciate the 6 speed auto in traffic, and I’m a big fan of traditional automatics vs CVTs, they just don’t sound right to my ears, I can’t get used to them. I also like manuals, but with the traffic here a manual would be a painful workout. Dual Clutch Transmissions don’t do well in heavy stop and start traffic either, especially in the heat of the tropics. The handling is fine, we have some twisty mountain roads here and I can really carve up the canyons in the car, I even give the paddle shifters a work out. All in all, as a daily driver, the 0 to 60 times, the outright fuel economy, the razor sharp handling, are really not that important, it’s what the car is like to live with day to day. For me, this has been the perfect car for my needs, and I’m very happy with it. I also have to say, I love those tail lights too.

[@DJMontePGH]

You get it! This is what people want when reviewing cars. Your comparative charts are awesome. You're mulitiview video is so perfect. Great job. I'm sorry I didn't subscribe to you sooner.

[@Albertthegreat2010]

I think its beautiful. I cant wait to gift it to myself for Christmas.

[@BigBlooFrostie]

In 2015, I bought a brand new 2014 Kia Forte5 EX with every option package available minus remote start. At a deep discount as well. It's the best car I've owned. I can't wait to see how they design the future ones. I plan on driving mine until the wheels fall off but when it does, I'll be taking a look at the Fortes again.

[@supercooled]

I have the SX in manual but the EX is nice too. Will probably get another forte5 or a stinger used. After 5 years and 4 months I only have 90k kilometers. Will probably last me another 10 years.

[@ITILII]

One of the best videos on cars made, great presentation, very comprehensive, everything explained well and in detail. ALL videos on whatever topic should be this professional !! Thanks Alex, EXCELLENT job !!! 😁

[@robertcollis7951]

Wow! This review turns into an add for the Honda Civic.

[@gregadams558]

The manual front seats seem to have better adjustability. That is what I have, along with the dual clutch automatic. I realized if I had this car as a teen I would have gotten into so much trouble. That turbo!

[@MisterMister5893]

FWIW, I just put the stock suspensions back into my 2014 SX after having it ride on BC Racing coilovers. After years of being assaulted by pot holes, I just couldn't reconcile with the harsh ride anymore. Being almost 50 years old also doesn't help. That said, the stock suspensions are still very stiff.

[@jayhiggins5239]

Never understood why you didn't mention the Hyundai Elantra GT in the comparison

[@Croak1]

The SX Forte5 looks like a good competitor/alternative for the outgoing Fiesta ST (despite being Focus-sized).

[@supercooled]

Same size as a focus but price of a fiesta and pefromacne closely matched to an st. Can’t beat value of this car.

[@alskndlaskndal]

Thanks for the great comprehensive review, especially the comparisons at the end! I really like the new Civic Hatch but it's out of my price range. A used 2017 Forte is high on my list. However I'm looking for a hatch with a stick and there just aren't a lot on the market near me. I'll probably end up going with a Mazda3 with a few more years on it, which are easier to find.

[@mhkuang]

Wow in this day and age I didn't think it was possible to design a car with a 1.6L engine that gets 25City/30HWG whereas the competition is about 8-10MPG better. The new Honda Accord with the 2L Turbo and the new Camry with the 3.5L V6 get better fuel economy. Crazy.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Typical Hyundai / Kia. Fancy and modern on the outside, but cheap, badly engineered tech beneath.

[@mhkuang]

Mgoblagulkablong: It is particularly egregious since people are buying small cars for their fuel economy. I understand if you can't be the segment leader but the Civic 1.5T gets 42MPG on the HWY and is faster ! I am surprised Alex gave it a 'C-' for fuel economy. I would have given it a solid 'F".

[@TheAccordingtoyou]

Well as Alex stated the Forte is outdated at this point but I would say the mpg is still about the same if not better than the models you listed.

[@mhkuang]

Maybe, but the Civic 1.5T with a manual gets 32/42 MPG. Mazda3 manual 27/37. Chevu Cruz 1.4T 28/39. The Kia 25/30 is not even in the same ballpark. A Mercedes C300 with a 2L Turbo and 7-spd auto will get 25/33 while making about 40 more HP and 80 lb-ft of torque just for reference.

[@wylierudhman1603]

Great review as your normal high standard. Anxiously waiting for your review of the new Elantra GT Sport.

[@blackridge1491]

You have awesome review content. Keep doing what you're doing. Been looking at this hatch for a while, great look at it here before I have a chance to drive it. Subscribed to support.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Amazing how much better in nearly every way this Kia is over a Mazda 3.

[@robertstv8045]

Just bought a 2024 Elantra GT. Similar. These are great used values.

[@forwardthinking5102]

My gosh its beautiful

[@andreaescano9641]

Forward Thinking i know right im a honda guy but i want this car:-)

[@treelife365]

Great review! I like the chart showing size comparisons between cars.

[@limpunsing224]

Good looking little car

[@LoveStallion]

I like the looks better than the Elantra. I don't expect it to be punchy to drive.

[@Spikejou]

The Forte 5 has more cargo room than the Soul with the seats up and down. 23.2 vs 18.8 cu.ft and 56.4 vs 49.5 cu.ft. I would pick the Soul over the Forte though, mainly because of the interior styling.

[@JakeRoot]

"Reverse is all the way over to the left and up, which is not my preference. I generally prefer manual transmission reverses to be all the way over to the right and then down". Somebody grew up with American manuals! Most European cars (like this Cerato--sorry, Forte) have manuals left and up, and have had this layout for quite a long time. Works better with 6-speed gearboxes IMO. My Golf is left and up. I have very rarely put my car into reverse instead of first (don't ask me how), but I'd rather go from 1st or 2nd into reverse, rather than 5th or 6th!

[@jayg7482]

what about the new elantra gt sport? You didnt compare the car to the new elantra sport or gt sport.

[@IReahpZz]

Jay G newer platform and better trans and power delivery. Superior handling and better mpg. Only thing you can't get is cooled seats, but you can in the hatch. Until they revise the Kia platform with Hyundais tech, I'd say the elantra gt and sport are the better buy. 0-60 dips below the 6 second range in real world conditions stock with the dct. Manual has even matched this cars dct. And not to mention the smoother and control able ride and steering feel.

[@jasonschwartz8507]

Did you end up with a GT?

[@pivn7204]

So the US doesn't have the Kia C'eed, which specialy at the inside looks much better then Forte5

[@mybeeb1]

nice review Alex as usual, i want to ask is that seat ventilation is effective?

[@NileshR12]

I wish we got the new Forte5 that Canada got of the 2019 Forte

[@gvvvv2300]

AOA is on fire!

[@chairrules2007]

In summary, in relation to recent Kia's, as well as its competitors: getting better, but not quite there yet. Next version of this car should be very interesting and even better.

[@damilolaakanni]

In Africa, we don't get the Forte, but we have the Rio. I'm not sure if they sell the Rio hatchback here anymore though. Edit: we have the Forte, it's just called a different name, the Cerato.

[@sprockkets]

Don't get why for 2017 kia removed the music tab in the instrument cluster on the Soul, yet it is here. Looks almost the same cluster too.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Love the red accents!!!

[@twopeasinapodgaming]

Hi Alex. When are you going to review the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport? I would love to hear where you think that ranks within the segment.

[@watershed44]

The Kia Soul has a bit more room than the traditional HB but too many other down sides.

[@scottmurphy4946]

Big discounts for this model now in canada but the interior is so dated compared to most cars now. 2019 Forte looks great though

[@ytube777]

i like the kia soul, but it's too small... i wish the awd honda element was still around.

[@TheAccordingtoyou]

Damn Kia needs to step their game up.

[@InvestBetter.]

Looks like this does compete with the Civic Si. Price is only $1k different with the same HP

[@A_guan]

When are you reviewing the 2017/18 mazda3 hatch? Only other big player in the compact hatchback you haven't drove yet

[@fleagaunag]

Would it be better from a value standpoint to go for the top trim of the Rio or the base trim of the Forte, seeing as their prices are nearly identical?

[@Someonelowkey]

When I came the likes were 666 I made it 667, I’m a good guy

[@bchong6952]

Can we expect a review of the elantra gt/gt sport?

[@ejahsir7727]

93 Degrees outside?! 10:21 😂😂 Are you on the Sun?

[@damilolaakanni]

93°F, not °C.

[@hyperlogos]

Weird, the audio is unbalanced left. Ouch.

[@jamesallen6767]

It is true the fuel economy might be better? At least it's Regular and not Premium prices. Having driven the Forte 5 SX for about 2 weeks. Mainly around town, west coast of Canada. The acceleration is impressive for a small inexpensive car. Compared to the KIA Soul, at least there's not a pie plate on top of the dashboard. In the Soul as they put the same dash as the EV into all other models. I'm sure the KIA Soul will please many buyers. Just not for me. After 15 years of CRV, I was ready for a change. I tried all of the similar makes and models, at least once, if not multiple times. My wife and I both like this one best, for many reasons including the price. Happy, happy, KIA owner. They are all good. KIA was better, for us. Still enjoy watching the reviews, for all makes and models. Thanks Alex.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Let's see how the mid-term and long-term reliability compare with your CRV.

[@andreasalmon3430]

Revew the elantra gt sport

[@BTC909]

It's 5:33, no wait, it's 5:34.

[@icoombs73]

Mazda 3 GT doesn't have bad acceleration

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Alex, are you affected by these California forest fires?

[@danc1197]

Average mpg on my Altima is 37. And half of the distance is stop and go city driving. And that's a midsize sedan. And these so called economy cars can't even match it.

[@reserva120]

again Alex, the major reason for hatchback..an you've just stop showing all seats folded.."lip flat a box or two...two bad.

[@henrikkoukku2896]

Omg, looks 👍🏼👌🏼 Wow!!!.I waiting (Turbo) engine and 7-speed (DCT) gearbox !.

[@JC-rm6pm]

there should be only hatchbacks and 2 door coupes, sedans are the most useless type of car.. Europeans figured up long time ago

[@ast5515]

But... Why don't you guys get the Ceed in the US? It is older, but it looks and feels much newer than it is. It really is superior in every way. Except it has no sedan form, which seems to be important in the US. Don't really know why sedans are good. Yes, they look good in 2 classes above. But small sedans are butt ugly and have useless headroom in the back.

[@troy9er]

KIA was saved by Hyundai. What your looking at is a Hyundai rebadged.

[@alasdairmackintosh]

Dj Project so do they do %100 part sharing then? They must not if Kia is more cost effective. Look at the deal on the new Kia stinger compared to the genesis which is the same engine but more money. The stinger is a great value even at base value.

[@computerguy5437]

Is this even available in the US?

[@georgechew6403]

Yeeup! I have the exact color. I love it! Came from an S4 and previous GTI (electrical issues out of the gate). I love the creature-comforts of this car. Gas mpg could be a little better, but I think my left (MT) and right foot have something to do with that lol.

[@hubsanrcproductions7222]

I'd imagine at some point in the future all car manufacturers (except for Ford) will put full independent front, and rear suspension on all of their cars for much more smoother ride since y'all are complaining so much. lol

[@yccvtfxs3001]

👍

[@craigw8828]

No comparison to the VW Golf?

[@reserva120]

except for the fact it doesn't break down every half hour like a VW..their junk, just look good..

[@princeyi17]

Mazda is the best

[@bert50]

CVT sucks, no matter which car it sits in. If you like sporty forget about cvt's.

[@watershed44]

Wow that red trim especially the seats is tacky as heck. !!!!!!!!!! This model hasn't aged well, as is the case with most Hyundai and Kia designs. Seems like it would be a good deal at half the price of the Honda, Toyota or Mazda .

[@mozillagenesis]

I think it's a bit the opposite (at least for Kia), a lot of Kia designs have been restrained and have aged much better than usual. The Optima's design dates back to 2010 and it still looks fresh - I agree with you on Hyundai though.

[@watershed44]

Mozzie The only model that has aged well with H/K is the Optima.

[@AdeleDusenbury]

At the Detroit auto show, a new Kia Forte5 was announced, coming out this year, I believe.

[@PenIsland34567]

first omg im hilarious!!!!!!

[@googleaccount6328]

I lol in real

[@davidjean6753]

This car is a piece of shit. Bought a brand new one yesterday with 26 miles on it and it's already broke down in my driveway.

[@detodo2813]

Usted está es salado 🤣