The 2020 Kia Forte GT is the Best Sport Compact Value

I review the all-new 2020 Kia Forte GT. With a starting price of just $22,490 and this fully loaded example at just $26,400, the Forte GT is a fun-to-drive sport compact that undercuts both the VW Jetta GLI and the Honda Civic Si, making it a fantastic value. Add in its impressive interior for this price segment, and the Forte GT becomes a very strong contender that competes not only because of its value, but also for the fantastic combination of features and performance, not to mention good looks. What do you think of the Forte GT? Would you take it over a Jetta GLI or Civic Si?
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:51 Initial driving impressions
4:43 Acceleration
7:20 Handling
10:28 Handling comparison vs competition
12:33 Other observations
14:20 Fuel economy
15:40 Pricing and value
19:55 Final thoughts
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[@demiurgeobzen327]

Lol gotta love the man children getting mad at Matt for showing approval to something that isnt a high end performance car. As an owner of a challenger scatpack and overall muscle car enthusiast I appreciate any and all cars that are properly built/engineered. Kia has come a LONG way from what they were years ago and I'm glad they're getting the recognition they deserve. It's okay guys, other people are allowed to have their own opinions. If you dont like it just dont watch the video or simply unsubscribe, Matt will continue to make content and the world will move on without you :P

[@Kev_inn_]

Well said!

[@demiurgeobzen327]

@@theodoresmith4371 Yep! In a sea of youtubers that review nothing but high end luxury cars it's nice to see someone review real world vehicles. It provides content for both enthusiasts and future buyers.

[@martinm2921]

i own a challenger scat pack and am considering getting one of these as a daily. they look so good!

[@victorfigueroa9905]

I don't get why people give Kia so much crap. It's like judging people in 2020 for stuff they did in middle school in the early 2000s. Things improve over time and I think people should give them a shot

[@audioextremez]

Couldn't have said it better myself. I worked at the manufacturing plant in west point, Georgia for 6 years 2009-2015 and they have improved on quality exponentially from where they were in the early 2000s. They listen to the consumers and brought in engineers formally from AUDI and have stepped up there game by a huge margin. The quality you get for the price is definitely top Teir in the auto industry IMO. Yes, I drive a 2012 KIA Forte Koup SX.

[@XZAKLY99]

People refuse to let go of the ""cheap Kia" stigma. All you need to do is sit in one to see how much they've improved. I'm sick of people judging these cars when they've never even driven one themselves.

[@adambabcock4069]

@@audioextremez I love my 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX hahah.... such a great car man! The maintenance is soo easy to do as well. 0 complaints from me. Hows yours holding up? I just hit 147k

[@audioextremez]

@@adambabcock4069 just hit 158K. I love mine bro, it the 6 speed manual and I was a little hard on the transmission in the first 50k so I had to get the transmission rebuilt under warranty, they have weak shift fork bushings and synchronizers. Other than that I've had 0 problems, just general maintenance. I'm an automotive Technician and it is an easy car to work on. Love it man.

[@adambabcock4069]

@@audioextremez nice, i actually work on marine engines, and was super suprised to see how easy it was and the placement of where they put everything. Glad to meet a fellow Kia Koup owner having the same experience im having. Mine is an auto bc its my daily driver. I love it. My Evo had synchro problems as well. No an uncommon problem in any brand of vehicle.

[@XZAKLY99]

The Koreans are dropping new cars like crazy and I can't find anything to dislike about any of them.

[@tommylee4135]

bro your last name is Forte, this car is meant to be yours

[@tiredoldman5329]

Really? Google it!

[@luism8612]

Eh their dual clutch transmissions are absolute garbage nice try

[@ihmpall]

@@luism8612 drive your pickup truck

[@Daniel-mw7pu]

I owned a Kia 20 years ago. Kia and Hyundai got busted selling new cars with used engines and transmissions. The settlement covered a new car. Their current cars are having engine fires. I wouldn’t put them in the same category as the Japanese, they’re more like American cars. Reliability problems abound.

[@TheRoninTezz]

I just got this car two weeks ago fully loaded and I am absolutely in love with the car. I originally wanted the stinger but I have no complaints with this car.

[@TheRoninTezz]

SCIENCEoverRELIGIONS Lol congratulations, you are a cool internet guy 😂😂😂 gtfo of here. I like what I like kid.

[@TheRoninTezz]

SCIENCEoverRELIGIONS well I’m a 21 y/o college student who wanted something affordable and fun so that’s what I got. Why does it bother you clown? Lol

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Sorry about the hater Kuro, some people are still living in the 90s and can't wrap their head around the idea that Kias are better than most of their competitors. I had the same people losing their mind when I said the Stinger GT was amazing too lol.

[@2R1V3R]

Great choice man... enjoy it. 👍🏻

[@davidvalentin783]

@@MattMaranMotoring amazing response lmfaooo best comment ever 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lesterbarnard1059]

Bought a 2021 and absolutely love this car. Very well built and is a pleasure to drive.

[@jonlaprade7977]

Just took advantage of this crazy market, sold my leased Civic SI and was able to pick one of these 2021's up, fully loaded (even remote start), and still kept nearly $1,000 from the deal. While this doesn't have quite the kick of the GLI, I agree I like how it drives better (and how the exhaust sounds better). You're one of the reasons I picked this up. Thanks for the vid!

[@2R1V3R]

I have a full loaded 2012 kia optima sx with 65k miles an still running strong with no issues an extended life time warranty on the motor. Great review Matt like always..

[@2R1V3R]

@J L thats great man.. glad is all well.. good luck my friend.. are you on Kia Optima K5 on Facebook?

[@Tool0GT92]

lol 65k miles isn't anything

[@2R1V3R]

@@Tool0GT92 i know man.. but for a Kia its a big deal 😆

[@isfrozen3103]

If you hate kia no one cares. Go drive the car and then you can have an opinion about it. I dont like ford quality but that doesn’t mean i go on every ford video and freak out on people in the comments. Chill out people, i fail to see how this car is attacking you so why are you hating so hard on something you’ve never even seen IRL.

[@theburgermeister7214]

Thank you my point exactly. This car is awesome for its class I dont get why people watch reviews for cars they dont like.

[@Rain-bp4di]

If you let every little thing stupid people say on the internet...it’s not a place for you...

[@mugensamurai]

I am a hardcore Honda fan and I think this thing is amazing.

[@donr2670]

Looking for new - Honda boxed me out with CVT or rev hang. Expensive 10speed only Honda option???

[@carreraenzo90]

One of your best reviews Matt. Seriously. Tons of high quality information here, lots of subjective information too (which I value a lot) whether it's praise or legit critique. Love the enthusiasm too.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[@yadvindergakhal4294]

You did an amazing job on this review Matt! Let the haters hate, don't worry about them.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks man!

[@JohnH46307]

I bought one a couple weeks ago and love it. Went from a focus st3 and I love this car. It's a blast to drive.

[@JohnH46307]

Have the manual version though.

[@Blaze_556]

why did you get rid of your st? im car shopping right now and doing some research. i was liking a 2016+ ST, but i found this forte GT that im looking into.

[@JohnH46307]

@@Blaze_556 Had issues with the transmission and the clutch was starting to go. It was a great car. Just needed something new. I've got a lot done to this GT already and its a blast to drive.

[@Blaze_556]

John Hunt I’ve been doing a lot of research the past week. I think the forte GT is at the top of my list. Nothing else at the price range ($20k) matches in power, gas mileage, sportiness etc etc. all of the other 4 door cars in the class are too slow for my liking

[@JohnH46307]

@@Blaze_556 You will like it. It responds well to mods.

[@theburgermeister7214]

Awesome review I've been waiting so long for this review! Always thought this was a very under the radar car I've heard great things about it.

[@AnsonReviewsThing]

so much hate towards Hyundai and KIA lol! i had a Hyundai,KIA and now Honda i can honestly they are all really good to drive and the quality is top notch but i would pick Hyundai/KIA again just because their styling has been amazing and also much more features! great video as always.

[@FlyBoiQ1]

How long did you have the car? How was the trans?

[@jonathanrivera870]

I love my accent 2013. 7 year of serving without any big problem. I just change the stock brake pads & spark plugs after 7 years with them. It's a good economy car. Oh & I'm one of those people to drive slow cars fast everytime I use it. I even race against my shadow.

[@mysticalgamer1013]

I remember seeing a Volkswagen GLI in person, it was awesome. I just absolutely love the red trim that goes across the grille, which is awesome!

[@dazdncnfusd6447]

I have a 2021 Forte GT, and your review was the best I watched before I bought it, and one of the big reasons I went with it. You test drive a lot of FAST cars. The first time you got on throttle, when you giggled....It was very telling, and very accurate. Mine is in Gravity Gray, and also has the GT 2 package with the DCT. I saw another review where they clocked 0-60 right at 6 flat. I LOVE MY GT! No other way to say it. lol Several people have ridden in it, and been shocked at how well it rides, and how fast it is. I've been blue lighted at 103 (no ticket, thankfully...) and seen 122 in it. The thing that gets me is that it is smooth over 100. A lot of the smaller, lighter cars get shaky and jumpy at speed. Not this one. It is so smooth, you don't feel the speed when you're on the highway. The foot in the radiator off the line is a BLAST. I've had mine for about a year, and still laugh when I get on it. Plus, when you look at all of the bells and whistles you get for the price... It's really not a close competition. And, that doesn't even count the double length powertrain warranty. The one knock I'd give is it should come with all LED lighting, to include the fog lights, reverse lights, turn signals and internal lights. But, that's about a $50ish upgrade that you can easily do. Otherwise...For the price, I don't think you can beat it, and I'd be surprised if any of the competitors are as fun to drive, honestly. It's not a M3...Got it. But, for what it is, it's an amazing little car. Thanks for the outstanding review!

[@CristianCarpio]

Amazing job man! Thoroughly enjoyed your review on this value packed forte

[@specford6511]

I didn’t even know this car existed until I saw your review. Looks pretty good, this segment of cars is probably one of the most exciting ones for me. There’s so much value for your money!

[@spades512]

Great review here, just got a forte gt and loving it so far.

[@tryingagain1960]

Inside and out it looks amazing

[@jalapenovibes]

I had a 2020 Forte as a rental and I am blown away at how little wind noise you can hear inside the car. Very impressed!

[@chrisshura4827]

I have a GT with the DCT without the GT2 package. Handles awesomely, is plenty quick and will get you into trouble quite easily. Also, the Kumho Solus all season tires are great in the snow and have plenty of grip for tearing up a back road. I drove one with the Michelin's but I live in Michigan and don't have room to swap out tires in my garage for the winter. Sticker on mine was $23515, an insane deal for the amount of performance you get. Even the base 6 speaker audio system has XM and sounds bangin'. 😁😎 Was seriously considering a Civic sport model until I drove this. I'm glad I did, I got a lot more car for the same money I would have paid for the Honda with a CVT and 2.0 NA 4 cylinder.

[@brownnzenn]

I test drove the Forte GT also. I loved it. Awesome ride and the engine and exhaust sound is freaking awesome as well.

[@killerbutters947]

Awesome review, just picked up one in white and love it

[@StrycD]

Great job Matt! Love the channel (especially your weekly car news updates) and how you have incorporated your wife into the interior reviews. Keep up the great work. 👍🏼

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks David!

[@andrewperbegloo6219]

I'm glad you are making these vids! please never stop! just keep doing what your doing! this car is pretty much if you can't buy a Stinger honestly or don't want to pay that $3,000 something dollars extra for a GLI. This KIA and pretty much all KIA's have come a long way! there are always improvements to all cars in the coming years. People shouldn't be discourage to buy this GT. It can be a fun and afforadable car to drive Manual or DSG!

[@radi204]

Kia has really been stepping up its game! Also great job on the review 🤘🏻

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review Matt, Kia has really upped their game in the past year or so which is great to see!

[@javautube]

Korean-built with German DNA The DCT is pretty good. This will be on my list.

[@chargertkc]

Have absolutely loved mine so far!!!

[@troy9er]

I’m a Hyundai guy but this has really peaked my interest. Still am leaning towards the Veloster and the Elantra Sport. I know and love my local dealer, the service department is also one of the best. Nice review Matt!

[@adambabcock4069]

Great review. Cool to see the improvements and the positive review. My 2012 Forte Koup has 147k miles and still running strong to this day. Great cars if you give them a chance. Also for anyone with some technician experience, working on these cars by yourself is in my opinion very easy. Kia has made it very very easy for you to work on these yourself after your warranty is over. Very tech friendly. I can only speak for my wifes Sorento and my Forte but I'd imagine they would only get further improved throughout time. Thanks for the honest review Matt. Glad to see it got your stamp of approval.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for sharing your experience Adam!

[@rico1k13]

Been seeing these on the road, they’ve been getting my attention

[@RobeeBarrera]

Just picked it up in gravity gray. Great car!

[@macmichaelhenson-rogers9850]

Had those same tires on my 2013 Focus Titanium. It was a blast to corner in that thing!

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Sofyan said this is much better handling then even the mazda 3, looks really engaging from this video......

[@ned8249]

TheTrucker Ed Show the Mazda 3 really has been a disappointment.

[@NOFATCHICK1]

@@ned8249 if you talking about performance of the new Mazda 3 then yes it is a bit disappointing, but other than that the new Mazda 3 is fantastic.

[@Ivan-bg1jp]

It's Sofyan! that person isn't a soy fanboy

[@truckercowboyed2638]

@@Ivan-bg1jp actually all i did was get the f and y in the wrong place, ive seen plenty others spell it Soyfan as well, wasn't meant as disrespect

[@Ivan-bg1jp]

@@truckercowboyed2638 lol dude chill i meant that as a joke, but i guess i failed on that one LOL

[@kayeanne]

I have this car for 3 months now and I loooooove it ❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️ Great review Matt! I have the same exact color too! But I don’t have the red lining on the seats though 😞

[@windlockatc]

You must have the GT-Line... Same as me.

[@BobThe9534]

hi Matt. nice vid. liked b4 watching b/c i knew it was going to b good

[@boxingvortex4364]

Great review Matt, I have a 2018 Forte S with the anemic naturally aspirated engine. The Newest Forte GT is definitely my next vehicle!!

[@supercededman]

I owned a GT with DCT and did 27K miles in it before it was stolen and totalled. I drove a hire Forte with naturally aspirated engine for 2 weeks. Like chalk and cheese ... If anyone drove the GT they'd never get the other.

[@ceooffacts5375]

@@supercededman it's actually funner to drive a slow car fast and to try to keep a fast car slow.

[@M4B21S88]

@@ceooffacts5375 Yea, but the GT is not "FAST" car fast...Its a sleeper type of car. No one expect a Forte to pick up and go that quick...Not many ppl know about the Forte GT.. There's nothing fun about driving a slow car fast.....

[@dazdncnfusd6447]

@@M4B21S88 The BEST thing is when you're on the highway, and a Camaro/Charger/etc. rolls up, and you roll with them. I can't count how many times a muscle car guy let off of throttle, dropped back and looked to see WTF I was driving because he didn't leave the little family car like he thought he should have. BAHAHAHAH I just nod and smile. Best feeling ever.

[@historymjh]

Great review. I gave it a very long look, but really wanted a manual and got a Civic Si. The deciding factor for me was some of the equipment the Si included (e.g. adaptive cruise and heated seats). I am very happy with my Civic Si. The rev hang is not an issue for me, though I know it bothers some people. If I was in the market for a DCT, or if they Forte included the equipment I wanted in manual, I would have unhesitatingly gone with the Forte.

[@johnnywong83]

Just picked up one last night for my fiance. Forte GT DCT, didn't get the GT2 but in orange. Looks great and I was impressed how it drove and how it handled. Now I am rethinking my option Kia definitely stepped up their game.

[@Blaze_556]

How are you liking it so far? I’m still trying to find one local

[@jasonyelland4428]

I just bought the Kia Forte GT manual, it has very little rev hang. I absolutely love my Forte, I have gotten as good as 42mpg in it. Since I can push the RPMs quite a bit further the exhaust gets more of a throat note to it and you can even hear the release from the turbo. If you get a chance to drive one you would take it over the 7 speed. Test drove both had to go with the 6 speed.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for the info about rev hang! Haven't heard from any other manual owners so that's great to hear!

[@gladdy02]

Would love to see a shootout between this, civic si, and GLI

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

Si takes the cakes in performance but loses to the other two in technology and comfort. But if you had to pick the choice between a GLI or a Forte GT? Take the GT. That warranty and reliability of the 1.6L.

[@daphenom45]

@@boygonewhoopdataZZ how when it's performance numbers are worse than the GLI by a lot lol

[@reyfuentes4572]

@@boygonewhoopdataZZ bro the SI gets bbc'd by the gli wdym?😑

[@reyfuentes4572]

@@boygonewhoopdataZZ oh and the forte gt dual clutch walks a manual Si😂

[@buildmorefarms1007]

@@boygonewhoopdataZZ Si has horrible rev hang...

[@francistorresNP]

I miss this thing man. I've had mine for about six months and this stupidass soccer mom clobbered into me in a round a bout. Its been a month but was told itll be fixed soon. Thanks for the review, Matt. Can't wait to get back into my baby soon.

[@jamc204]

How did you find the road noise? Sounded a bit noisy in the video. Great review, by the way. Thanks.

[@curroofficial9156]

Thanks to you and Rati’s review of this car I went and bought the 2021 DCT GT and I absolutely love it. This car is really amazing for the price and I have to say KIA did a smart thing by hiring albert b. From audi to help with this and the stinger.

[@shawnlow1038]

Great review Matt, bang on with your comments. I purchased of these about four months ago. Was looking for something that was fun to drive and came loaded with lots of features. Has been an excellent daily driver. Kia has built a stylish, fun to drive car with tons of power for a very reasonable at price. Would totally recommend one of these.

[@jfz313]

Sold my 2022 Civic Si {hated the looks} with 3,000 miles and purchased a used 2022 pearl white Forte Gt manual with about 11,000 miles driven and this is one incredible car and it is such a blast to drive. This is coming from an owner of a 2021 rally red Civic Type R which I will never part with.

[@justinwieduwilt5420]

I recently test drove a 2022 pearl white GT manual with about 11k miles on it! But it smelled like the previous owner chain smoked in it for a year straight. I thought about trying to talk the dealer down on it, but then they told me they had sold it to another dealership… So instead I found a different dealer who had a brand new one coming in, also GT manual in Snow White pearl l, and I bought it as soon as it came off the truck! So far I’m enjoying it more and more every time I drive it, it’s breaking in really nicely. Oh, and a couple weeks before I got the GT I test drove and almost bought a Civic SI… had the chance to buy it at MSRP, but I’m glad I waited and went with the Kia. Honestly I think the Forte is a better overall car for the money. I was kinda underwhelmed by the SI, I guess I was expecting more given all the positive press it gets. but I was totally surprised by the Forte, I really never expected I’d end up buying a Kia.

[@marlowe2572]

i have the 2010 Forte for 8 years with no problem whatsoever..i would buy a Kia in a heartbeat!!!

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

I have a 2018 KIA Forte and love it. I would love to have the GT. Only issue as you notice in your video and my experience is road noise. KIA needs to put down better sound isolation on the floor. I plan on doing so on mine, remove seats and carpet and install better sound barrier.

[@mitraa5810]

This car sounds so good Love it

[@franudd]

I am very proud to say I own one of these, bought it 5 month ago , I got the hatch version, amazing car, Im very happy and satisfied with it, fun fact , Im from Chile and here its called Cerato GT , not Forte, thanks for this amazing review

[@supercededman]

yup. I've owned the hatch version (in Australia called Cerato GT, too) for a year. 19,000 miles later and I'm still in love with it.

[@dazdncnfusd6447]

Unfortunately, in the USA, the Forte 5 is not available. I'd have definitely got that version if it were.

[@lance_r72]

Matt good job! I don't mind gushing if it's deserved! Kia is killing it the last few years. But did the color difference show in person as much as it did on camera? The front fascia looks to be a darker shade than the rest of the car. Enjoying you adding Beth for the interior reviews!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Lance! The paint match looked better in person to me.

[@01contenidoreservado]

Excellent review as allways. im in mexico and here kia dont offer the kia with summer tires. Which are the best summer tires i can get for a Kia Forte GT HB 2021? (17 inches - also is the offer to Mexico because our bumpy roads)

[@jcstang8952]

I just bought this car, 2021 2 days ago. My first DCT car. Yes I feel the engagement of the clutch but it doesn't bother me at all. Not even something to mention for me and let me tell you, I'm one picky MFr when it comes to cars. I like this DCT and I like this car. Although it only has 34 miles on it. It had a rattle in the interior but I found out it was the mirror cover under the sun visor. I moved the cover to the open position and put the vizor back up and boom, problem solved. The car is quiet enough inside for me.

[@bbart609]

So I have the previous gen Jetta GLI (MK6) and have only ever used all-season tires. I'm strongly considering an upgrade to summer tires within the next 5k miles (which may take a while given the COVID pandemic...but I digress). Thoughts on this move and tires to consider if so?

[@Asa-bh7zi]

I have the 2019 LXS and to be honest I really like it, it honestly surprised me. Wow, this looks like an amazing upgrade.

[@thecentralman]

How are the 4 speakers? Are they decent? I bought an 2019 Elantra SEL instead solely for that reason (6 speakers)

[@Asa-bh7zi]

@@thecentralman To be honest, they're not bad at all, but they're one of the weaker parts of the interior. Better than the speakers on the non-GT stinger, but nowhere near the speakers on the Telluride, if that helps.

[@redhelmetmann]

I got to say Kia is really improving, this car is very nice for the price.

[@thomastommy1192]

What State are you in here?Awesome video thanks for sharing.

[@South_China_Sea_Yacht_Club]

He’s on the north east coast

[@AveryPlaysBass]

Excellent video, thanks for adding a review to what seems like a void as far as this Kia is concerned. Curious to hear what your thoughts are on this versus the Veloster R Spec? I know they’re different vehicles but their price points are similar (if it’s a base GT with the dual clutch) and performance is about the same as well.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching! Veloster feels lighter and even more eager to dive into corners, so it has the handling advantage over this. The manual in the R-spec is great too. If you’d like the hatch or don’t mind a smaller backseat, from a driving standpoint I’d pick the Veloster. Forte GT has a much nicer and roomier interior though for the same money.

[@AveryPlaysBass]

Matt Maran Motoring thanks! 🙏🏽

[@edwardgarde924]

I just purchased this in australia but it's not name forte gt but re badged it cerato gt in runway red fully loaded got a few extra goodies came with it aswell like tinted windows floor mats and slimline wheathershields all around got a great deal from kia

[@ashwinkundeti7383]

I found one of these with the GT2 package (same one he reviewed) for 19k and imo that's a bonkers deal for a brand new car like this and you'll be saving so much with that 10 year warranty.

[@killahkosha]

$22k for me already felt like a bonkers deal compared to the GTI Autobahn (with more features than the GTI)

[@ashwinkundeti7383]

@@killahkosha yea even 22k is really good

[@thecentralman]

Which dealer? Just curious, many of them include fake dealer discounts.

[@ashwinkundeti7383]

@@thecentralman well this has been listed for a while. I found it at this Kia dealer in Oklahoma

[@xB2KxRewindZ]

Hey Matt, you wouldn't happen to possibly know anything about how easy the manual transmission ones are to learn? I know you said that you haven't driven one yet in the video, but I'm looking to get a Forte GT and would like to get a manual, but I just don't have any experience with one. I know and understand how you're supposed to drive with one, but just haven't had the chance to get experience with one yet. Great video by the way! I may just end up getting an automatic one anyways lol, and buy a cheap Honda to learn on.

[@aluisious]

PS4 tires are the absolute greatest. Comfy, wear reasonably, and GRIP. Kia is doing the right thing offering them as an option, I would definitely spec it that way.

[@alvarrodriguez7425]

Hi! I just bougth a 2020 KIA Forte GT Hatchback, in México comes in 17 inch alloy wheels, but I want this 18 inch, I dont know if may buy this alone, and what size ofrece tire is recommended for my Forte. Thanks a lot!

[@Promisedland_garage]

I have a bmw 328i f30 2013,and this interior is really similar,amazed

[@compacheo603]

Elantra sport 2018 ftw!🙌🏼

[@drmanikhossain7537]

I own the same car! To me, its better to have a fully loaded car instead of having a base model (I love to spend more times in the cabin and to have a lill performance oriented car) in this price point (~29K CAD). I had an intention to buy a Stinger yet I had somehow a big negative equity from my previous car so I couldn’t afford at that moment (I had both Honda and Toyota in past and I do have respect for both brands). BTW, I never regret buying this GT, had 8K on it already but enjoyed each and every rides in last 3 months (smart looking, quite fast not a super class for sure- i would suggest you to have a good radar detector if your province allows, comes with most of the updated features, effective safety plus, easy to use and clean interior looks, cuts the road wind very efficiently, better warranties, and quite good gas mileage; however, I feel cabin noise could be better and needs to upgrade some interior materials)! In this price segment only Civic SI (only manual option, ~3K CAD more, sometimes it could break the deal for some people) can beat or shoulder to shoulder fight against this GT (201 HP, only DCT option in Canada, would be better to have a manual option but unfortunately no) in a 0-60 drag race IMO. Few things many of us don’t know about Kia. Kia had introduced in North American market in 1994 but Kia had started its journey in 1944 in Korea (Hyundae- ~1964, they are sharing the same platform these days)! Few haters have an allergy on Asian cars even tho some guys don’t know where Japan is- Just joking (since 1980-90’s Korea is known for quality engineering and other cutting edge researches). IMO we need to appreciate how Kia/Hyundae and/or Genesis came forward to giving us the value and features we are looking for. And I personally don’t like the term “cheap” (for 29K CAD, I would able to buy 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE, Honda Civic Sports/Touring - both brands are renowned for their reliability but I went for Forte GT because of the look, wanted to give Kia a try, better performance and deal from the dealership; Kia’s reliability is not too far from them as well specially last 5-10 years according to the different boards and customer reviews) instead of “relatively less expensive” (i.e. they have their own steel company and less labour cost ratio) compared to its rivals whereas Kia/Hyundae/Genesis brands carry 100K cars (many of us don’t know lol) in the market as well. I hope some of us will be a proud owner of a stinger or k9000 or genesis g70/80/90 in near future! BTW thank you for your genuine review bud! Y’all stay safe!

[@aroundomaha]

KIA and Hyundai are doing a great job of delivering sporty cars the others won't. Ford & GM don't have a sporty sub-compact that handles, and FCA killed the Abarth 500 in North America. If I hadn't found a great deal on a GTI I would have bought an Elantra GT N-Line or used Civic SI. Thank you for dropping this review of an underestimated car.

[@Noahinthe802]

Great vid. Obviously the bumper covers are painted separately but did anyone else see the huge color variation between them and the rest of the car? Owner of a 2010 SX 6MT sedan, they're a bit hard to find now. Still goes great at 178k! Although on its 3rd engine...

[@theproudamericanusa6617]

Matt. Thanks for the review. Try to drive the manual. I'd love to hear your opinion. I test drove a manual and I loved it. Very fun car. We can find those cars now around 5k off MSRP. Thats crazy.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching! I’d love to review a manual, we’ll see if Kia adds one to the media fleet eventually.

[@handsomesohan]

Trying to decide between getting this or the new Mazda 3 sedan Premium with AWD for my first car. What do you guys think I should get?

[@zachbackar5389]

I just came home with the 2021 version and am so amazed by the quality and ride. What a value for all the smiles. Did I mention it got some spunk too.

[@jcstang8952]

195 torque at 1500 RPM it's sick. I just got one on Saturday. Hated the K5. Drove the Forte GT and loved it.

[@M4B21S88]

Do you pump 87 or 93?

[@zachbackar5389]

@@M4B21S88 takes regular gas.

[@M4B21S88]

@@zachbackar5389 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZqbqIijhr6UqZY with 93 octane :)

[@lancerichardson6666]

Have 3 Kia's. The 2011 Sorento might be the best car I have ever owned as far as reliability!

[@YvpKeene]

Still too early to tell

[@stockey]

Actually, i had Toyotas and Kias, and the Kias were more reliable than the Toyotas.

[@shaeramirez2382]

I like the looks of the Kia Forte, me being a former Kia employee at one of there dealership and being a Kia owner to a 2010 Kia Soul, I'd get one of this but really want a suv for my next car. But I would do a Kia Forte for my next car tho, my bf says I can get a new car once we pay of his Tahoe.

[@bruceyep8671]

Took drive test last month in the Forte GT and not one creak or squeak, period! Extremely solid and well planted on twisty roads. I have also test driven the GLI and just wasn't impressed with the overall value or the build quality in spite of the pricing near 30K. I know that both are imported from Mexico with the manufacturing plants there but I saw a video on the precise automation assembly line used by Kia and I was impressed. I have also test driven both versions of the Stinger 4 and 6 and came extremely close on getting the turbo 4 with AWD. Was only disappointed by the mileage and premium fuel needs. This car is very well balanced, loaded, and wonderfully light with dynamic performance. Bottom line... the pricing is phenomenal with a solid warranty. Provided we all survive this pandemic, daddy gets a new set of wheels this summer.

[@geraldacevedo2003]

are theses turbo engines reliable. I've seen them being used on other models...

[@TGU_Monstor]

Love how he is talking smack about the 7-speed dual clutch. What is really nice about this transmission is that Kia does not require maintenance on this Transmission... EVER. It is also a DRY CLUTCH dual clutch transmission. This transmission is amazing!

[@skifree0]

EVER*... unless you live in what Hyundai/kia considers "Severe Conditions" which can be as common as "Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather" the service interval is to replace fluid every 75,000 miles. so basically if you live in the salt belt (or just all of Canada) it's typical tranny maintenance. And if it's anything like the 2017 ES I test-drove, I can definitely understand him talking down the DCT...compared to the likes of a DSG it's not even close in terms of transmission tuning. I still remember the salesman talking up the DCT during my test-drive and then after the back to back test with the manual version, there was nothing that I preferred the DCT more, especially with how forgiving and easy to drive Hyundai's clutches are on the manual.

[@jrag1000]

THis looks good too, reminds me of the FOrd Focus.

[@yurkshirelad]

So the DCT will be rough in cold, Canadian winters?

[@jaredshelton4718]

Love this car.

[@dyingangelo]

i went to enterprise for rental and the worker parked it next to my 2013 civic si coupe and was surprised how its similar on wheel base and height and it was the sedan! i was not expecting it to drive that well too and i didnt even have the gt version just the N/A cvt.

[@ericdolby1622]

Why do the bumper colors not match the fenders? Look at it at like 4:20 for example.

[@nickiwhitlock]

I have the manual and the sport mode puts you back in your seat.

[@carreraenzo90]

Actually have a question - how noisy is the cabin? maybe you updated your microphones, but there is more background road noise. Given that you said the car is 2700 lbs (crazy light?!), does the car seem less refined? Did they skimp out on NVH isolation? That would make sense for why the price is so low.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

On rough roads (like the back road I was on) it definitely has more noise, but honestly it never bothered me. And on well paved roads like those later in the video, it's really quiet for this class of vehicle.

[@jordanandrews4626]

I almost bought this car but I didn’t because of the road noise. On some surfaces anyways it’s bad.

[@Michael0697]

It may very have to do with their choice of Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, they are a very performance oriented street legal tire, and the stickier rubber compounds on more performance oriented tires tend to directly result in an increase in road noise.

[@Nico-gp9ie]

I'll wait for the 2022 model, it has that k5 like front end. Can't wait to trade in my gt86.

[@carlosmoreira779]

Any news on the Forte5 GT being sold in the US?

[@nathanv7320]

Can you review the kia seltos 2021 sx turbo

[@jameslewis7256]

This is a nice looking car. Looks like a popular car u would see all around town

[@rolieg81]

Way better looking then most other sedans

[@peterbuckley3877]

My wife purchased what we call the Cerato in Australia but we decided not to go with the GT solely because it’s fitted with a DCT transmission which is not really good for stop start traffic, I’ve got the Optima GT and it’s a great car to drive and fully equipped which makes it a pleasure to drive.

[@tywilson3689]

DCT is completely fine in stop and go traffic

[@peterbuckley3877]

Tymon Wilson not if you owned a Ford with the Powershift transmission, they single handedly poisoned the DCT market

[@matthewaguiar3746]

The car is wonderful, I bought a 2019 Kia Forte and love it until around 28,000K miles and my transmission went out on while doing 70mph on the highway. I had the warranty, and KIA replaced my transmission in February of this year. Flashforward to the end of March and an additional 3,000K miles were put on and my transmission went out again. I did some research and a lot of Forte owners experienced the same issues I had. That being said, I could have gotten a shitty new CVT transmission put in, but it's all covered due to that 100K/10 year warranty. Love the car, just be aware of these issues in case any of you decide to purchase.

[@Michael0697]

Also should be known this is the GT model, it does not have the CVT and as such no GT purchaser will be dealing with CVT issues.

[@michaelm.a.4541]

I would love to see a review on the new 2022 Forte GT with a manual transmission 🙏

[@markjiannino5643]

I’m pretty sure the new model is almost the same as the outgoing one. The exterior is different and the price is a little higher but I think it’s not much different

[@genisandreu3059]

Nice video! but I was waiting for and april fools video today!

[@cefrayer]

Hi Matt. Could you please tell me where you got this vehicle? I’ve been looking all over Florida (20+ dealership inventories) and I have been unable to find a 2020 Forte GT with the GT2 package AND dual-zone automatic climate control. I was convinced this combo was not possible, then I saw your review. I’ve seen dozens (hundreds?) of the GT2 Fortes, but every single one has only the single-zone manual climate control. Thanks!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

This was a Kia press car. It sounds like U.S. cars actually can’t get this dual zone climate, so this car is a bit of an oddball.

[@cefrayer]

Matt Maran Motoring That’s too bad. We were looking forward to getting one, especially given that Kia’s U.S. configurator shows the interior with a dual-zone auto climate control when the GT2 package is selected (see www.kia.com/us/en/forte/build). As an attorney, I must say that seems like a bait & switch. Why else would Kia put it on their U.S. configurator AND loan it as a press car to U.S.-based reviewers like yourself? That’s a rhetorical question, of course. Thanks for the reply!

[@tonymyers5939]

The dual zone climate control is an unlisted option. I watched a video on here of the Forte GT manual from i25 Kia in Colorado and noticed that car had dual climate control. I went to their website & found one that had it. I downloaded the window sticker and it was listed in the options for $200. May be something the dealer can order.

[@stevebaughman7467]

I just purchased a 2021 KIA Forte GT. I've never owned a foreign car before this one. This KIA is SOOO much more fun to drive than my Chevy Sonic LTZ was. Lots more horse power too. I would buy another KIA.

[@geneforte9038]

Can I go without snow tires in light snow ?

[@gwcrispi]

There are already tons of upgrades for this thing. You can get it up to 250hp (225whp) fairly easily. I'm sure the engine bay and underpinnings are identical to my 2019 Veloster.

[@jconroy102]

Only thing about that is it voids any warrantys

[@kalebm9302]

Would be a good choice to replace our 2012 Sonata 2.0T. Bit smaller, more tech, still relatively quick & affordable. Oh and you can't beat that 10 year warranty.

[@MrTimclean030]

After having owned 47 cars, I can honestly say that the Kia Forte GT is one of my favourite. This is coming from owning several WRX/STI, mustang GT, and lifted trucks. Matt hit it out of the park with this one. If you don’t believe him, please go and test drive one. You’ll be surprised in what these cars have for quality and performance. I think the bad rep these cars had make the new models that much better.