2017 Kia Forte S - Redline: Review

Not wanting to be forgotten in an overcrowded segment, Kia makes some subtle, yet effective changes to the baby-Optima like Forte for 2017. A new engine, impressive standard safety equipment, and a midsize like driving feel help the Forte stay competitive, but some rivals offer more engaging driving dynamics and improved power.

[@powellkatie123]

i just bought this car yesterday!!! i love it!

[@Bluegreenred]

So tell me how good is this car? I'm saving up for a car myself I do want Kia car but don't know which one is a good buy.

[@Aurious]

People give him crap on his reviews but I've grown to like him, he's very critical but he's very honest and that's what is most important. Defiantly one of my favorite reviewers.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

I honestly love Redline Reviews, Sofyan and his team are some of the best for automotive journalists 👍👍 every car reviewer is different and there’s nothing wrong with that. What matters is the quality of content and the amount of work going into the videos and Redline certainly brings that.

[@forgereality]

A simple and minimalistic car. I’m impressed by it.

[@drueashton1154]

I just traded my 09 Spectra for a 19 Forte and both are absolutely amazing and I love the new one almost as much I love my old one.

[@Karperico]

This is exactly the kind of review I was looking for, good overview and honest. I was on the fence before, now I'm sold. Thanks!

[@daisu80]

My mom is getting this car tomorrow... I wanted to see a review and this review is AMAZING!!! Thanks, Sofyan!!!

[@napoleoneinstein2487]

Just bought a new '18 Forte LX stick..picking it up tomorrow...$12,599 out the door(shipping included)..it pays to shop around (thank you internet)..This is the best review I have come across..

[@napoleoneinstein2487]

I made a mistake..when I picked up the car...$12,465 OTD...Autoexpress, Erie PA..they have 50 of them on the lot..

[@klasseact6663]

I am really enjoying your reviews because you seem like a real world guy!

[@hotdon1]

Sofyan I love your reviews.Very informative.Keep it up.

[@user-xf5dj1up8g]

"Now what you're hearing is a new engine" Only hears "ding, ding, ding, ding" 😂

[@HemiLyfestyle]

Noah Steele LMAO

[@kaiden5395]

Noah Steele 💀💀

[@FocusFord15]

You guys honestly make the best car reviews on KZbin! And you don't annoy me sofyan like some of the "fake" car reviewers

[@wisamnassar9516]

for long time I have been driving Toyota and Nissan of the same category ( Corolla , Sentra ) , I can say comfortably that the KIA forte is just much better in terms of features , smooth drive and style . I will never go back to the Toyota and Nissan after I tried the KIA .. just to be honest .

[@zedlopez8267]

Kia provided me with this car as a loaner car,,i'd say the car was pretty decent in every aspect i had a 2.0gdi ex,just wish it has an independent suspension on the rear and i might get this as an alternate car,its a n affordable car for those people whose looking for great deal for less amount so dont expect much thought its still has plenty for its price,,dont buy or talk shit if you're expecting an audi with its price,,

[@justinbecker8110]

Hyundai and Kia are two of my favorite car manufacturers.

[@jaredshelton4718]

Same

[@tropicallover19]

Justin Becker me 3

[@tremaiden3144]

Me 4 trying to get my hands on Kia Forte gt

[@Sammie551]

I enjoy your overviews, keep it up

[@jennaduvall2060]

Just bought one of these in white and I absolutely love it!

[@jennaduvall2060]

I absolutely love it! I love putting it in sport mode, I have had no issues with it so far! So happy I decided to buy it.

[@cjcairns8628]

Jenbug0421 have had my Forte ex (mid trim level in Canada) for about six months. I think it's a great little car and a nice improvement over my previous 2014 Forte LX

[@immadomenow]

I did too! I had one as a rental when my old car died and fell in love, BUT BUT BUT..two things I hate, so much that I want to trade it in..it handles bumps on the road HORRIBLY..I live in the city and the roads are crap, I'm bouncing out of my seat and tense up when I'm coming across bumps o can't avoid or maneuver around. also it rolls back on incline and Gill assist activates half the time. if it wasn't for these two major things I'd like it alot. does yours have a stiff hard and bumpy ride?

[@bti-ro2vh]

Kia is a great brand, love my 16 forte. It's sad to see people still trying to say they aren't a good car. Test drive one, I bet you'll feel different.

[@boxingvortex4364]

I agree, got my 2018 sport last week, i love it!

[@disan9135]

I have a 2016 and I love it. I have owned it for 3 years now and it has given me zero problems.

[@xhaxa1079]

Is a 2017 Kia Forte a goood car ????

[@xhaxa1079]

@@disan9135 is it worth it ? I trying to buy one in those days

[@bti-ro2vh]

@@xhaxa1079 yes. Pretty sure they refreshed the 17s if I remember correctly

[@CabalenTV]

new Subs here! love the reviews! straight forward

[@Nihmit]

My mom had a 2015 Forte, I used to steal it in the middle of the night to pick up my girlfriend. I feel like I have to get this car as my first car now... it was a human-car connection like no other. Even tried racing an Si lmaooo

[@xhaxa1079]

Jajaja

[@cam7lyn27]

Still love my 2017 Kia Forte

[@dagaslani999anatolian7]

I just bought and love ❤️ it

[@boxingvortex4364]

Just got my 2018 sport in black, i love it too!

[@bottledwindex1391]

The back of the car looks soooo nice omg

[@Ant3hunaa]

I’m buying one today good review !!!

[@mustafaahmedani6736]

Are you guys going to be getting your hands on the new Elantra Sport any time soon?

[@boxingvortex4364]

Nitpicking a tad too much. Its a KIA, not an Audi. For the price its a great car and the materials they used may not be top of the line but they are not the worste either, and were used creatively. There may be some brand bias here because its a KIA. I'm not sure why this particular car doesn't have a spare but they didn't "cheap out" on the S model I bought which came with a temporary spare and fix a flat kit.

[@computerguymichael]

Your reviews are very detailed. I like that about them. I just don't like one thing. You often like fast cars. People that buy cars like these may be looking more for fuel economy. I bought this car after I saw your review and I did a test drive. I love it. So far my average fuel economy is 56 MPG.

[@lilpeppa117G]

I just bought this car yesterday so fancy

[@MT0070]

Hey Sofyan, when will you release the CRV video?

[@spencerlopes1482]

can you do the refreshed 2017 mazda 3 hatch

[@Elimunguia3169]

I'm going to get a 2017 Kia Forte when I get older

[@practicalguy973]

You should review the Forte EX, its got a 2.0L GDI 164hp /151lb ft torque and more features. I wonder if that would give it a stronger sporty feel.

[@paultwice2279]

I wish this was a fully loaded ex but good review!

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Great review, Sofyan! The Forte's new exterior doesn't look to bad. Personally, I like it's sister, the Elantra's, exterior styling more. Also, the interior is definitely showing its age. It looks over done and looks to busy. I cannot wait until I can review some more compact vehicles, so I can compare them all. I recently reviewed the Honda Civic EX-T and will soon be reviewing the Honda Civic Hatchback. I greatly appreciated the Civics clean and sophisticated interior and exterior design. Keep up the great work! -DriveAndBeDriven "The Quest To Record The Best!"

[@dakingofgeese]

DriveAndBeDriven Please don't advertise in the comments. Also there's no need for a signature since your name is already on the comment. The quote just worsens it.

[@gaminrick7471]

DriveAndBeDriven n

[@silentrefusal9911]

DriveAndBeDriven sorry but I disagree. Forte's exterior actually looks cleaner and less offensive

[@cjcairns8628]

Had a 2017 ex that I recently traded for a 2021 Forte GT. This style now seems ancient.

[@eloiseeloiseeloiseB]

Great review of the car and explaining the vehicle but stop pointing out features and calling it the word "cheap" I sell Kia products and now my customers are going to keep phrasing our products "cheap"...

[@stendecstretcher4983]

Eloise Warren my wife and daughter drive Kias certainly not cheap looking.

[@PgKhai]

I'm with you Eloise Warren. Doesn't look cheap at all.

[@colin6898]

Theses cars feel cheap and drive like a shit box

[@accordwhip3467]

Drove one of these for my driving class yesterday. Not bad, tbh, considering it had 93,000 miles lol

[@normangebhardt2092]

Great review.

[@Zues_007]

r u going to review the new genesis g90?

[@KegPatcha]

Este coche es una chingoneria hecha en México 🇲🇽

[@ceoc1089]

KegPatcha a huevo putos 💪

[@isaisa9793]

redline reviews you should review the 2017 Honda accord sport

[@cameronsaucier2152]

can you do a 2017 kia forte hatchback

[@CasiodorusRex]

I think it looks good.

[@leaf4267]

what is the background music please?

[@bluestarkad17]

I don't see a problem with LED headlights not being available if they are offering HIDs...the difference in output is negligible, no?

[@markfitzgerald5425]

Strange what they offer on the models as the Forte, compared to the Cerato badged models in other country's. Interior any as good as models from 10 years ago

[@baldheadlogic]

Hey Sofyan. I think that this car should have the 1.6 turbo and dual clutch. Also, that rear end "update" does nothing for it. And I agree with you 100% that it should better tires on the "S" trim.

[@ansnidoran6168]

Very nice !

[@bradleymeyer9775]

How reliable is the Kia Forte?

[@lukehoisington4236]

review the 2017 impreza

[@ddjj2180]

Just Bought one Dont sleep on it Its Great!!!!

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

7 years ago, I will own 2017 Kia Forte sedan.

[@95bloc97]

How is the reliability on the 2017 forte? Anyone with personal experience? Thank you..

[@jimsykes6843]

This guy is tough, man

[@spencerlopes1482]

best compact sedan?

[@wolfsritter8151]

What is the button on the left of the lane keeping and the blind spot button?

[@lilpeppa117G]

Yes

[@carlosm-hq1fk]

Forgot to mention the slap stick shifter.......and the self driving mode....for at least 10 seconds and traction control

[@lofiguy8136]

My first in reliability for the value of my money and the best warranty for under $20,000 cars are more practical with less hassle theses days. I've had expensive cars, but it was too expensive to maintain for example: tires alone was crazy! I won't even spend $50,000 on a car anymore!

[@cairns76]

You talked about your wish this car had the 17 inch rims with 45 series tire, but wouldn't it be a better ride with the 16 inch 55 series tires? Yes I know the 17's look better, but the 16's are not too shabby. I am picking up a new EX this week but here in Canada the EX had the 16 inch wheels. The 17's for me would be a $900 upgrade. Also I took your "Nexan tires are s**t" comment to heart and am upgrading to Michelins.

[@tak178]

"...these Nexen tires are just sh*t!"

[@Elusive25]

tak178 all factory tires suck

[@tak178]

The Goodyear Stock tires on my 2016 Corolla have been absolutely fine. Kumho and Nexen are total shite.

[@Elusive25]

I had a terrible time with GoodYears too when I had a Spectra, usually the factory tires are cheapies not the real deal

[@tak178]

Certainly possible.

[@RodrigoJaraPiccardo]

I agree, have a nexen Tires on my Forte 215/45/r17 it bumps like a tractor.

[@AladdinSaneNYC]

Speaking for myself I find the reviewer a bit of a nit picker with this particular Forte S, but overall a good, if fairly detached, review. ♐

[@clover7359]

When you say agricultural, does that mean it sounds like a tractor?

[@bottledwindex1391]

ExactlyPrecisely LOL

[@boxingvortex4364]

Volvocloud he's full of crap, the 2017 Mazda 3 sounds exactly the same and ge had all kind of praise for it. He said it had to many "shiny bits" referring to the piano black but in the Corolla, Mazda 3, and maxima ge described it as premium and upscale. He is clearly brand biased.

[@jaredshelton4718]

It's a 4 cylinder. Not a single 4 cylinder on this planet sounds good.

[@MrTblackmon]

A lot of uneducated people criticism Kia as being "shit" or crappy, yet the brand is number 1 in customer satisfaction and building such luxurious cars like a Kia K900 and the stylish yet attractive Kia Cadenza not including the impressive Kia Optima. And most of 'em can't even afford a new Kia Rio less knowing anything else above it.

[@violetbetancourt930]

Just got one

[@rosiebrooks7685]

@Goodbye Farewell I got one in 2018. Yes it's still working great.

[@jordanmalibiran8540]

Did you just run a stop sign at 15:25?

[@alansmilealot]

idk what happen there

[@Lucky8s]

He stopped. There's some weird editing going on, but you can still see that white building in the background between shots.

[@xoclegin]

Redline Review someone has been using your video review as their own.

[@theredline]

Please post the link here to the video so we can report them :)

[@MR.F30]

The interior dashboard looks out of date with the rounded styling.

[@dylanw9412]

Agreed. I was between this and the elantra gt hatch, but the interior design among a few other things led me to the Hyundai

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

That door sounded like it had been opened and closed 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times.

[@petergilbert144]

Too bad that it doesn't have a sensing radar cruise control system because it already has the tech in it due to the braking system and lane keep assist especially since all the other brands give you all systems and not some because again the tech is there for the other sensing equipment.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Honda should take note: volume knob and heating a/c knobs and no cheap plastic.

[@roaddog7542]

He missed a huge plus vs. competition. The 10yr/100k powertrain warranty.

[@TheFettMan]

On family sedans like this I want to know about the safety but you never hear it from him.

[@jillthompson6110]

Safety, reliability, maintenance costs, running costs, etc. All the stuff that are relevant to people who care about those things, but may not care about the driving dynamics.

[@tannerkennedy9443]

which do you think is best for a teen driver? a 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE, 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE, or 2015 Ford Focus hatchback SE?

[@kevs2good133]

Honda Civic LX-P gives a lot more than these models

[@CubanBeastt]

Tanner Kennedy Toyota corolla , that's all they need

[@LuisMendoza-qv1er]

Tanner Kennedy I'd say 2017 elantra se with popular equipment package (adds 16 inch alloy wheels, 7 inch touchscreen with android auto and apple car play,... )

[@garretrocha8]

Make them pay for their own car. Don't get them a brand new car. They'll learn to appreciate their vehicle more.

[@1232bluejays]

you can negotiate a good deal on these. they're not selling well

[@romemeka]

cool need a new cheap car

[@gominamyoung6071]

dave houston Are they bad or something?

[@jaredshelton4718]

dave houston they're actually selling very well....

[@conman1173]

Ki ra ra Ki Kia and Hyundai aren't as reliable as their Japanese counter parts and seeing the forte is not that much cheaper than the much stronger Corolla it tends to fade from existance. It isn't a bad car, but people hate it for the brand

[@jaredshelton4718]

Conner Galloway actually Kia and Hyundai are above Toyota and Honda in reliability so....you're wrong? Yea you're wrong. Kia's and Hyundai's need less repairs than their Japanese rivals and also have a waaay longer warranty for a reason. Because they're good, strong cars.

[@MoriKonoha]

One most reliable car ever

[@wwepro25]

Does this car have Android auto

[@alexdaley3997]

CP3 CP3 yes

[@jottrn2359]

These look pretty cool, but I am waiting on my 2012 Kia Forte with 65k miles to have an engine replaced. Engine started knocking. Have always driven old, used Hondas and Toyotas over 200k miles. Kia couldn't even make 100k. Thank God they have good warranties.

[@Asheepooh15]

He has nice hands

[@Asheepooh15]

And that’s what I got from this...🤷🏾‍♀️

[@Someonelowkey]

anyone else think the elantra is better than the kia version, the civic better than the Acura version as well as the corolla better than the Lexus version?

[@730F-Sport]

I want kia optima

[@mozillagenesis]

I have one. Great car. 2 years no issues.

[@colin6898]

Good luck, their engines are garbage

[@730F-Sport]

@@colin6898 you're probably right.. i bought a Lexus instead

[@MaNameizJeff]

160mph...I really hate how these cars waste so much space on the dial for speeds you will never reach! I have the mazda 3 and it drives me nuts trying to find my target speeds in the small gaps. I will NEVER see the right side of the god damn dial!

[@kevinbeck6419]

Now the Kia forte has a CVT transmission terrible going to that from a six-speed automatic

[@EvendimataE]

kia should come up with an attractive badge instead of that big KIA

[@dtzero0]

Kia will spoil its buyers like crazy with the tech features, but thats it. My last car was this 2017 Kia Forte S Gray, and this car gave me nothing by numerous maintenance problems. Curren car is a 2022 Mazda 3 select Hatchback, and while it doesnt have as many features as the forte S, it's far better.

[@brob-zy8zi]

I'll never buy another kia. The car does lack power but that is not the biggest issue. The largest issue i have is the key. I've had several experiences where i come outside to find my trunk wide open. Also several times where my alarm was going off. I've owned several other cars with lock, unlock, and panic buttons on the key and this is the first time I've had an issue. Obviously, the key is designed incredibly poorly in that the buttons are that easy to push just from being in your pocket. Once of the times my trunk was open i was at a hotel with a trunk full of luggage, a tool kit, etc. If they can't even design a key to not be a headache, what else is lacking that you don't see. Never had a bit of a problem with a Toyota, Honda, or Subaru. I'll be going to something else besides a Kia for my next vehicle.

[@FloridaPlayzYT]

Damn it y'all fell me he got a 97 Mercury Mountaineer

[@yccvtfxs3001]

👍

[@CHANGONATION]

wait didn't you review the previous model? its the same thing, you only get a diferent front and some new led design light couple of safety features but thats it.

[@DevPack]

Where is the hellcat review?

[@NDuNiteDXM8]

DevPack Why don't you ask politely instead of demanding it

[@DevPack]

huh? wasnt demanding was just asking where the hellcat review is...

[@anonymouse7074]

NDuNiteDXM8 It sounded demanded because of "hell". For example: Where the "hell" is the hellcat review.

[@DevPack]

K

[@GummyRiches]

I actually like this design. however, didn't notice before but, are you gay, Sofyan? not that it matters, but just asking. :)

[@alexdaley3997]

Nino He is? He got a man....yo man.

[@alexdaley3997]

Nino JK He is gay

[@lofiguy8136]

I like the design it makes the car a lot more roomier inside. Under $20,000 I can't get too mad or nit pickin on everything from plastics to metals. Fun with well added car warranty.

[@disan9135]

Yes. He is married to another man. True story.

[@gdc_2391]

The dash reminds me of the 8th gen civic.

[@raedal1768]

دوله وعلم الفورتي

[@southkiddJ]

Kia meesed up when they put the "S" badge on this car. The EX and Koup are faster.

[@dakingofgeese]

Joe Wigfall You messed up on the messed.

[@southkiddJ]

lol shit happens

[@JacobR9926]

If you would like to see a video for the 2018 Forte LX+ check out my video for it here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmazi2ttpMpsbtk

[@joshdavis7311]

I don't know man, my 10 kia forte couple is definitely better looking but I still hate it. Have had so many problems with it within the last 6 months. Definitely don't buy private.

[@nhattran1074]

Just Joshing yeah if you buy private, better have a mechanic check it before you buy it. I bought 2015 kia forte Ex 4 months ago. $12500 with 12k miles. So far so good

[@nhattran1074]

vvvVFANGSVvvv Did you get them fix with your warranty?

[@iluvrachellef]

+vvvVFANGSVvvv Wow,i hope i don't jinx myself when i say that my 04 Sorento has never needed a window motor replacement. 👍

[@boxingvortex4364]

again this guy nit picks way too much. its a kia!

[@mskudlarczyk]

Seems like it has alot of cabin noise and the interior is a bit bland :( the outside doesnt match the inside.

[@bautistaguerrero5388]

effectiveness main drain dnlkgvb attorney mirror.

[@HunterDugasVideos]

I wish they would've kept the more "German" lines of the Optima for the Forte. The Civic and 3 look much more premium. The Forte and Elantra look dated and both of them are relatively new; especially the Elantra.

[@coureurdebois]

ehhh, KIA has been doing great, but this is still a bit cheap feeling.

[@hjay4038]

Justin Bouche well. that's probably it is a cheap car lol

[@silentrefusal9911]

That front dash design looks really cheap and somewhat childish. Compare it to the all new Impreza, Civic and Mazda 3, and you will know what I mean