GREEN CHOICE

Kia Forte

Name: 2012 Kia Forte
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 30 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 30 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This revised version of the Kia Forte is a good notch below the best in this class. On the plus side, the Forte handles responsively and comes with standard electronic stability control. Further, the interior feels airy, controls are simple and rear-seat space is quite good. Fuel economy is competitive as well. Downsides include a stiff ride, noisy engine, and mediocre driving position.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Forte

vs. Similar Cars

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Honda Civic

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2003

2004

2005

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2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

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2019

2020

2021

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Kia Forte

$3,950 - $5,025

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

$4,125 - $4,825

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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$4,400

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$3,700 - $4,375

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2012 Honda Civic

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EPA MPG 31 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 44 mpg

Road test

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2012 Honda Fit

$6,500 - $7,850

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Accent

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2012 Hyundai Elantra

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EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Mazda 2

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EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Subaru Impreza

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EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2012 Suzuki SX4

$3,100 - $4,275

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2012 Toyota Corolla

$7,250 - $7,725

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2012 Toyota Matrix

$6,850 - $7,650

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2012 Toyota Prius

$8,000 - $8,725

EPA MPG 48 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius C

$7,025

EPA MPG 50 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius V

$8,075

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2012 Toyota Yaris

$5,275 - $6,525

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Golf

$5,500 - $10,825

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Jetta

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

coupe

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 (156 hp)
2.4-liter 4 (173 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2019-2024

2019 Redesign Year

The Kia Forte brings simple controls and impressive fuel economy, it suffers from an overly stiff ride; passengers feel every bump. And, the car is very loud to boot. The engine pulls adequately and the continuously variable transmission provides unobtrusive progress, but the engine is raucous. At 34 mpg overall, fuel economy is excellent. Handling is responsive, thanks to the Forte's willingness to tackle corners. The drab interior is Spartan but it's nice to have automatic climate control. The seats are rather uncomfortable in the midtrim LXS. The infotainment system is simple and easy to use and is compatible with Apple CarPlay. It is commendable that forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist are standard. A sportier GT model, offering a turbocharged engine, is new for 2020. A freshening for 2022 brings updated styling, a new infotainment system, and standard forward collision detection with pedestrian detection.

The Forte was discontinued and replaced by the new K4 for 2025.

2014-2018

2014 Redesign Year

Considerably more refined than previous Kia compact sedans, this iteration of the Forte feels mature and solid, thanks to a quiet cabin and one of the most comfortable rides in its class. The spacious and nicely finished interior also wins praise, while braking performance is excellent too. Overall, the Forte is now one of the top-rated cars in the category. The best value is an LX model with the Popular package, which adds upgraded interior trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and cruise control. Fuel economy improvements were instituted for 2015 models, while changes for 2016 included an optional rearview camera for the LX trim line, along with standard keyless entry and heated mirrors.

2010-2013

2010 Redesign Year

The compact Forte replaced the mediocre Spectra for 2010. It's quicker, with a 156-hp 2.0-liter engine delivering 28 mpg, and it feels sportier than many small cars. The Forte also offers a host of impressive features such as Bluetooth and standard electronic stability control. Its IIHS crash-test performance was good too. The car was available as a coupe or a hatchback, and offered an optional 2.4-liter. While a big improvement, it still ranks below the class leaders. Downsides include a stiff ride, noisy engine and a mediocre driving position.