Trims and Powertrains
Buyers of the 2024 Kia Forte can choose from four trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. All but the GT feature a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drivetrain (FWD). The GT has a 201-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and FWD. This powerplant can be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox for those who prefer a more hands-on way of driving.
The LX leads the pack in fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg around town and 41 mpg on the highway. The LXS and GT-Line follow closely, with EPA ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The GT with the automatic transmission returns 27 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the open road, while the manual-transmission version will give you 22 city/31 highway.
Standard Features and Optional Packages
While the LX is the base Forte, Kia outfits it beyond the basics with remote keyless entry with trunk opener, woven fabric upholstery, projector-style headlights with automatic off/on, six-way manually adjustable front seats, a 4.2-inch driver information display, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, power side mirrors, dual USB ports, and 15-inch steel wheels. The LXS adds a 60/40-split folding rear seat and 16-inch alloy wheels. It’s also eligible for the optional Technology Package, which will add heated side mirrors and additional driver aids (see the next section for details).
The dynamic-looking GT-Line stands out with eye-catching upgrades like unique front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, upholstery in a combination of SynTex (leatherette) and cloth, LED taillights and fog lights, a leather-wrapped sport-style steering wheel, alloy sport pedals, and 17-inch alloy wheels. This trim also gets remote start, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and an electronic parking brake. Kia offers optional packages to further enhance this trim. The GT-Line Premium Package adds a sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system, LED cabin lighting, and wireless device charging, while the GT-Line Sport Premium Package includes heated and ventilated front seats, full SynTex upholstery, a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, rear air conditioning vents, and a rear USB port.
The GT gets many of the style elements listed for the GT-Line, along with a sport-tuned suspension with a multi-link independent rear end, larger ventilated front disc brakes, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The optional GT2 package (available only in conjunction with the automatic transmission) adds a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, SynTex upholstery, a ten-way power driver’s seat, LED cabin lighting, Harman Kardon audio, and rear parking sensors. Most features of the GT2 Package, except for the power driver’s seat and ventilated front seats, come standard on the Forte GT with the manual transmission.
Advanced Driver Assistance and Safety Technology
All 2024 Kia Forte models are equipped with the Kia Drive Wise suite of safety features. This comprehensive package includes forward collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, automatic high beams, and rear occupant detection. Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and safe exit warning are included within the LXS Technology Package and the GT-Line and the GT. The GT with the manual transmission gets blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit warning. In addition, the GT-Line and GT (automatic only) get upgraded forward collision-avoidance assist, adaptive cruise control, and highway driving assist. All ’24 Forte trims receive a full set of airbags plus anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist control, and a rearview monitor.
Infotainment and Connectivity Technology
The 2024 Kia Forte’s LX and LXS grades get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment array with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a four-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth. The GT-Line and GT trims move up to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, six speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup is part of the GT2 and GT-Line Premium and Packages, but it also comes standard with the manual transmission-equipped GT.
