2014 Kia Forte EX Review and Road Test

When Kia started selling the '94 Sephia in America, nobody was worried. Not the American car companies still adjusting to the market share lost to the Japanese competition, and not the Japanese who used cheap and reliable cars to take the market share in the first place. The laissez-faire attitude to the Korean upstart was understandable, the Sephia was a truly horrible car. In 1997 Kia filed for bankruptcy protection and the big boys patted themselves on their back for not worrying about the Asian upstart. When another unremarkable Korean company purchased 51% of Kia, nobody cared. They should have.
Through a convoluted set of financial arrangements, Hyundai and Kia are 32.8% joined at the hip and the result is greater than the sum of its parts. The reason seems to be "internal" competition with rumors of Kia/Hyundai in-fighting constantly swirling. Apparently each believes that they should be king of the hill. This means we can't talk about the 2014 Forte without talking about the Hyundai Elantra. This is not a case of Chevy/Buick/Oldsmobile badge engineering. Kia and Hyundai have access to the same platform, engine and other parts bins but they operate on their own development cycles. What that means to you is: these brothers from a different mother exist in different generations. The 2006-2010 Elantra was the cousin to the 2009-2013 Forte meaning the Kia was a "generation behind". That's changed for 2014 with the Forte being the new kid on the block and while the related Elantra won't land until the 2015 model year at the soonest.
I prefer to think of myself as "financially frugal" but at home that's spelled c h e a p. It's not that I want the cheapest car or the most economical car, I want the best deal. I can't help it, the word "bargain" ignites a fire in my loins. The new 2014 Forte is that kind of bargain. Sure, it's not as roomy as the Sentra, not as quiet as a Cruze, not as dynamic as a Focus and lacks the Civic's reputation, but this new Forte is well priced, packed with features you won't find on the competition, and I was unable to find a single thing to dislike. Kia's compact car transformation from the Sephia, a car I wouldn't make my worst enemy live with, to a car that I would recommend to friends (and have) has taken only 20 years. To copy a line, that makes Kia the fastest social climber since Cinderella. Since I care more about the driving experience and gadget list than fuel economy, this shoe fits.
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[@arielcordero]

I have to make an update. It's been two days since I got my 2014 Forte EX and...... I LOVE IT!!!! What a great little car. Well... it's not that little. I'm 6'2" tall and I feel very comfortable driving my Forte. I got the Aurora Black color with black leather seats. Love those leather seats. And if you are planning on getting this car.... you have to see it in that black color. with the chrome accents it really looks amazing. One friend of mine even told me that when he first saw it he thought it was a Lexus. Must be because of that Audi designer. It really looks way better up close. I'm glad I saw this review video before I made my choice. Alex was right on the money when he described this car as his favorite in the section. I did test drove the Mazda 3 (too expensive), the Focus (again.... too expensive if you load it up with features) and the Elantra (very different car than it's cousin the forte) and didn't liked any of those as much as I loved the Forte. The Forte really feels and looks like a way more expensive car..... for the price I paid for it. Took advantage of lots of bonuses since the dealer was liquidating the 2014 fleet to make way for the new 2015 models. So I saved a lot of money and still got a brand new car that I totally love.

[@Mejevoli]

Ariel Cordero Hey bro, can you tell us about your average mpg?

[@maremacd]

I’m thinking of buying one used. Any thoughts? Any major issues with yours over the last 4 years?

[@tlevans62]

maremacd I’ve had mine for four years, the hatchback with the 2.0. The only thing that I needed fixed was the hatch opening switch which was fixed under warranty. The rubber seals on it deteriorated due to heavy rains where I live. Most comfortable drivers seat I’ve ever had in any car.

[@jadenace2936]

I realize it is quite randomly asking but does anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online ?

[@troyaarav9971]

@Jaden Ace i watch on Flixzone. You can find it on google =)

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Elantra GT review is coming up next, likely on Friday. We will get our hands on the Mazda 3 in about 3 months.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Sorry if I was a little confusing in the video. The non-nav version doesn't have the route button either.

[@bluesfret3]

Your reviews are excellent. I appreciate how thorough your reviews are. Thanks for not using music in the background and keeping the language clean. Please consider reviewing the 2014 Kia Koup when it comes out in the fall. The 1.6 turbo really has me interested in this brand.

[@aquateen77723]

Very good review and test drive, Alex! This is also my new favorite in the class and one I might just buy very soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this stylish, sporty little ride!

[@John_N_from_NC]

Subscribed! Great review! I bought the Loaded, Aurora Black 2015 Forte EX on 01-01-2016, has everything except the Nav and LED Tail Lights. I'm really loving this Forte. This is my second KIA, my first one was a 2006 Spectra5. It had 230,000 trouble free miles on the odo when I traded it in for the Forte EX. My wife like my car so much that she is going to trade in her 2013 Forte EX for a 2016 Forte EX. My Daughter just traded in her 2011 Ford Ranger XLT for a fully loaded, Graphite Steel 2016 Forte5 EX. Yeah, we love our KIAs.

[@cargo4441]

Thanks I am looking for a new midsize but a fully loaded Fusion or Malibu costs to much but this Forte looks good to me.Very helpfull video thanks.

[@354HEMIPOWER]

tnx for review very helpful

[@jmahon2008]

Nice review. I have the 2014 Kia Forte EX, I love it! It’s a great car.

[@victorbjr23]

this is going to be my 2nd car im 19 how has it held up?

[@andreyoung857]

thanks for the review! I think that your comments were very even handed. I hope that you like the Forte 5 SX just as much.

[@GerryStilton]

A very thorough review! Thank you!

[@CmanCorporations]

wow, this was a great review. I LOVE that you compare other cars in the same class as most people will be shopping around and comparing features is very informative. Thanks a lot for your reviews! You got a new sub from me. I hope you have some mid-size reviews as I am looking forward to more great reviews from you

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The Mazda 6 review just went live on Friday. I'll see what we can do about the CX5.

[@cocotaveras8975]

Alex on Autos Hi

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We have not done a full video on the Impreza, but check out the XV Crosstrek review it is 95% the same car.

[@Dark0blivion]

Excellent review! Your editing is getting better and better. I also like the credits at the end where you summarize your findings. Other reviewers have been panning the fuel economy, but I'm inclined to approach it the way you did. It's not going to be the top of the class there, but the tradeoff comes with all the extra features and extra power from the engine. Have you ever reviewed the Impreza? That's another car in this segment which would be interesting to look at.

[@sk8erlegs]

Hey Alex! I really enjoy your reviews. Very informative and thorough. This makes me very anxious to see the 2014 hatchback. I'd love to see you're review on that. But I'm guessing you have to wait for the release like the rest of us. Thanks!

[@evillair12939]

Great review Alex, I especially liked the rundown of the entire interior with real world items placed in it. I would love to see a review of the Mazda 6 or a loaded 2014 CX5 2.5.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Well it gets a bit tricky when you compare with a different size class. The Accord gets better fuel economy, has a few more inches of rear legroom and 1 cubic foot of extra trunk space. In this comparison you get more features in the forte however. Touchscreen navigation, cooled driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, HID headlamps, folding mirrors, heated steering wheel leather seats, a longer warranty by 2 years and 20,000 miles with a powertrain warranty that is 3 years and 40K longer.

[@Thug9030]

great review and most in depth thank you

[@bgreenjr7149]

Excellent review Alex!

[@shermanada]

The best and most thorough and concise reviews. Would love to see how the new 2014 Mazda3 compares. I think you might have a new segment favorite...

[@napster21cg]

Very nice review!

[@goru426]

Best Forte review ever! Just subscribed!

[@essentialviewfinder]

As always, thorough and comprehensive review. One point of contention with Kia is that they don't use the LED strip for daytime running lights. I asked two sales reps and they confirm it. Why would you not use lights that use the least amount of power and produce the whitest light. Either every other car manufacturer is wrong or Kia knows something we don't.

[@TheMonicagal]

Hi Alex, I just subscribed to you! Could you do an updated review on the 2016-2017 Forte? I am trying to figure out which car to go with the Elantra vs. Forte....could you do that comparison once both have their 2017 models out? Thanks so much!!

[@Azmodan911]

Hi Alex, love your reviews! I was wondering if you might be testing the new 2014 Mazda 6 sometime soon...?

[@bbokdoong]

Very comprehensive review!

[@trouson]

Great video. Alex, could you do a Hyundai Elantra 2014 and compare with this Forte?

[@ZackryRose]

Actually I just recently purchased a 2014 Kia Forte EX trim and those folding mirrors have actually helped in a few tight parking situations where people can't park completely straight. I live in Texas and the majority of the people down here drive HUGE trucks that they can't always fit into the sometimes tight parking lots out here so for me it's most certainly not a gimmick it has actually helped a lot. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone that wants a luxury feel WO spending the $.

[@emmabaptiste129]

I enjoy the video on the KIA forte. I like all your other car videos because are the only video and site to go full detailed on all the cars that you have shown and review. There is a car that I am waiting to buy and I would like for you to do a complete video/review on it so I can get a complete knowledge on it. It's the KIA Optima EX hybrid. Thank you in advance and I will send a good comments and rating on it for you when I see it. And again thanks and GOD Bless!

[@nictia83]

You have don't a great job with your review. You basically sold me the car by far the best video I've seen KIA should send you commission. Thank you

[@canule12]

Best review i,ve seen on this model i would like u to do a comparison with the elentra sedan

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The manual on the Kia is decent but the feel on the Golf is superior. I think that I could accept the slightly rubber feel because of the Forte's discount pricing and high feature content however. The new Mazda3 should be in our hands in about a month so stay tuned for that. Mazda typically has excellent shifter feel. The Elantra is closely related to the Forte and feel is about the same with a slight nod to the Kia.

[@kc5077]

Thanks Alex for another great comprehensive review. I'd love to see a review of the Hyundai Elantra Coupe and GT variants. And definitely the new Mazda 3 when it comes out.

[@sjuaree685]

nice video really helped!!

[@adriennethierry2051]

amazing review.. I love this car

[@adilchakir5269]

Best reviews ever

[@andygold]

Always great reviews! In your wrap up you mention "memory seat", but i don't remember seeing that in the review. Does it remember for multiple drivers? By key, or by button? Also, nobody reviews this...if equipped with remote start, can you have the climate control automatically come on to your settings, and also the seat heaters & cooler? I live where it gets down to 30°F below zero. Heaters coming on with remote start is a definite plus!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Yes the Forte has seat memory settings which is very unusual in this price range. It's just in the top end trim and it is 2-position with buttons on the car, not on the remote. Typically remote start systems will just remember the last setting. So if the car has auto climate it will heat or cool to get to your set temp and if the controls are manual you would want to set it to whatever you need when you start it. As far as I know the Forte does not have a remote start option from the factory but there is a dealer-installed kit from Kia that will add this.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Logically Kia's 10 year 100K powertrain warranty implies that the engine has been thoroughly tested. This seems to bear out in Kia's general reliability scores which are high for the segment.

[@tron3entertainment]

Great review. Please review 2014 KIA Optima EX.

[@arov235]

Awesome review. Can you review a 2013 328i

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We don't have the Quest on our list but I'll see what we can do.

[@Jetstorm-vc6ul]

I will subscribe to your channel very nice review

[@roxburyranger]

Hey Alex! When do you plan to review the "all new" 2014 Corolla? I look forward to the kind of unbiased review only you seem to be able to give.

[@MrAfrica1963]

I discovered TTAB recently. By far you do the best and most informative reviews that I have seen. I enjoyed this review. But what about the manual transmission? Is it decent to drive? I am looking for a small hatch or sedan with a 6 spd. manual transmission (VW Golf Mk7; 2014 Mazda 3; 2014 Hyundai Elantra; this Forte). It would be nice if you could do something like this. I'd be even willing to help you to do it...if you'd like. Just le me know. Keep up the good work. Paul

[@jumbojellyfish814]

Great Video. Do you think that you could do a chevy cruze?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'll see what I can do

[@arielcordero]

Hello Alex! Great review videos. I was wondering.... Kia Forte or Hyundai Elantra? Or Kia Forte Five or Elantra GT? From what I get on the review videos... they are pretty similar cars. But which one is better? I'm planning to get a new car (current one is a 2006 Scion XB) but I don't like the 2nd generation XBs that much. Thanks!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Personally I prefer the Kia.

[@arielcordero]

Alex on Autos Awesome! Thanks!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

As with any warranty it can depend on your dealer.

[@mrvico001]

Alex, can you review the new 2015 kia Rio hatchback please? Thanks!

[@burping6224]

Hey Alex are their any upcoming Nissan reviews, like the quest ?

[@LarryBirrd]

Hi Alex! Could you please do a review of 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel please. Thank you. I really like your videos. I would like to see how would the 2014 Kia Forte stack up against the 2014 Toyota Corolla.

[@King_Kenny66]

Hi Alex, would you say the Forte has similar headroom for the driver as the Elantra? Thanks

[@RMDGHORI]

I thinking of purchasing one of the three. Hundai Elantra GT, Hyundai Accent or Kia Forte. Which do you recommend?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I am eagerly awaiting the Mazda 3, until then this is my fav. The 3 is likely to be a better handling vehicle given Mazda's typical focus, but the value side is probably still going to be with Kia ad Mazda has increased pricing on certain models recently.

[@ricardoholguinn]

Hello Alex, great videos, you're very clear and honest about your comments and you have enough knowledge about every car you review, congratulations !!!, let me ask you something, if you have to choose a car between the "Kia Forte" and the "Toyota Corolla L", what would you choose in terms of fuel economy and general performance, thank you !!!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

***** I'd take the Forte hands down.

[@MrHanzo507]

Alex on Autos And Between the Kia Forte and the Hyundai Elantra? I just can't decide man. In the same terms (fuel economy and performance), considering you said that the fuel economy of the Forte was not that good.

[@KBzPTGT]

+MrHanzo507 I dont think he said fuel economy was not that good but he did say it was not the best in that segment

[@ZackryRose]

@sean yes they do have back up cameras. The 2014 Forte has it and all of the other ones do as well as long as you go higher than the base model.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It is similar in design but as far as I know no parts are shared.

[@peipeizhao4637]

good job!!

[@chigasaki06]

When you get a chance, please review the Infinity Q50 sport AWD.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The drive and dedication is important of course, but having an English degree or formal writing training helps a great deal as well. Personally, I don't find much value in journalism degrees, it seems few in the auto business have them. The single most important thing however is a good day job. This sort of thing doesn't pay well and only a select few in the business make enough to live on.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Some do, some don't. I expect the Koup to however since the Forte does.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

That is high on my list for sure.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We sure will. Infiniti has indicated we should start seeing production models in the coming few months.

[@infinite_vortex]

Do Kia's have rearview cameras? I'm thinking about getting a 2014 Forte Koup, but as crazy as it sounds, the lack of rearview camera may be a deal breaker.

[@b2flyer1]

How about a review of the Kia Forte' EX Koup

[@formattester6]

where is the rear view camera located?

[@fakebrake]

Had mine for over a month. Yes it is very nice !!

[@roberttophan9314]

Hey alex do you happen to know wich color of blue that kia forte was?if not could u findout?

[@MalamIbnMalam]

I would like you to review the 2014 Toyota Corolla S Premium if possible.

[@alexchad1000]

ALEX is the suspension similar to the HYUNDAI ELANTRA ??

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I would say always consider every option. Try the Cruze, Elantra, new Corolla, Civic, etc. If nothing else that will just reinforce your decision.

[@350pink]

You should make a video of the 2014 Kia Sedonah

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We have one on the 328i luxury version, its an older video but if you search on our channel you will find it.

[@Dark0blivion]

I've found that odd as well. I've seen them on a few reviews of the vehicle, but it's not listed as a feature on Kia's web site. I do know that other markets get advanced features that North America isn't getting. I saw a review of the car in one of the Asia markets that had a full parking assist feature, where the car parallel parks itself.

[@minkant03]

Hay Alex u should review a Subaru sti.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Oddly enough I just drove it at a Toyota event and we should have the video up in about a week.

[@alexdykes]

I have only had a limited time behind the wheel of the Dart so it's a bit harder to comment but I found the interior quality on the Dart below the Kia in terms of both material and fit and finish. I do like the uConnect system and the 8-inch LCD gauge cluster but I think the Kia's feature set and expected turbo engine model combined with their longer warranty would sway me.

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

So wait, if you have the route feature, whats the need for a nav system??

[@ThabieMelvin]

Hey Alex can you review the 2013 Kia rio Hatchback of 2014 if you can find it !! Can you review on with bluetooth!!

[@FranzKrammer4746]

I got to drive a rental Rio for a month while shopping for a new car; the one thing I didn`t like was the rattles, but I liked the amazing power and torque; Now my new Kia Forte rattles only its right door handles on rough roads at a slow speed but only occasionally

[@ThabieMelvin]

Franz K do you by chance know the life expectancy of the Rio 5 door . In terms of the predicted amount of time it will last!! Was the rattling on the door handles of the rio as well !! Is it only country roads and stuff or roads that are rough and need road work!! Also please tell what torque is on cars I have heard the term a lot !!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Right now I'd go with the Forte. I find the Accent just a little to cheap and the Elantra is a bit behind the curve as well.

[@MalamIbnMalam]

I live in the bay area too, is your job hiring for car reviewers?

[@RMDGHORI]

Should I consider any other car, that falls in the same range, before purchasing Forte?

[@henry18hk]

When will the kias forte 5 Doors come out ?

[@sarahBrown-bk1bc]

Does this car have a backup camera?

[@cyang2012]

Do the new outback and xv crosstrek

[@jlnmswaq99]

Is this a good car for a new teen driver? Im debating between this car and a ford focus

[@cashkenterprises5584]

Well… what did you buy?

[@billmeador1034]

What about the crash test rating? I like the 2014 KIA Forte too but the crash test rating is lacking in certain categories.

[@BLAKEamtrak]

can you do a 2014 corolla S

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It depends on whether or not Kia has a release event and invites me, I'd call it a 50/50 chance.

[@lanell2004]

Which is better kia soul or kia forte?

[@frankevich]

Another first rate review Mr. Dykes. Now how about a review of the Chevy Sonic LT with 1.4L turbo and auto trans? This model is priced right and, we believe, very popular, and also has many sensible attractions (like the turbo, auto trans, and 15" wheels.) Many thanks.

[@kokopuffs5789]

15" wheels?......... are you being serious?

[@Rotarson]

The LT only comes with a 1.8 non-turbo. The LTZ and above trims have the 1.4L Turbo.

[@AK47Uprising]

8 inch screen is part of the tech package not standard. Just FYI.

[@viva2312]

Can you review the mercedes CLA?

[@sarahBrown-bk1bc]

Does this car have come keyless entry?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We should have that up in 2 weeks.

[@trevine33]

Alex on Autos Is the HID headlamps low beam only?

[@Darklightttt]

Your HID's stay on but your high beams are just plain ol bulbs

[@bizcraft]

Isn't that with P on the button auto parking ? Not a parking sensor, I believe

[@mommafine770]

how real is the 10 year 100000 mile warranty? do you know the fine prints?

[@mikelieber1]

Your car has the front and back sonar sensors - but I dont see them listed on KIA;s website and the dealers say that dont come with them on any trim level - can you verify ? please... Thanks...

[@zaidahmed3509]

Very buteful