Sunday Drive New Car Reviews: 2017 Kia Forte5

By BJ Killeen

 

A Lot of Good in a Little Package

Anyone who has a mild interest in the automotive business is aware that Kia is continuing its climb to the top of the automotive kingdom. The most recent news is that Kia not only took the top spot in the JD Power and Associates Initial Quality Study over the likes of Lexus and Porsche, but also has some winners in the JD Power APEAL study. Any more feathers in Kia’s cap and it will need a bigger chapeau.  Since we’ve been following Kia since the beginning in 1994, we’ve been impressed at how quickly it learns what works for America and what doesn’t. One example of this forward progress is the Kia Forte5.

A relative newcomer to the lineup (introduced in 2010), the Forte5 is the hatchback version of the sedan and Koup 2-door in the Forte family. The F5 is in its second-generation, but for 2017 has received a handful of refreshments to keep up with the other models in the segment. Although it can’t compete with the established nameplates like Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus when it comes to sales, it’s still in the top 10 in a segment that lists over 50 models.

We have always loved hatchback models. While they fell out of favor with the American audience, they are slowly becoming popular again. And for good reason: there’s decent room, accessible cargo capacity, impressive fuel economy, and great value. This is exactly what a compact vehicle should be.

The Forte5 checks all those boxes. First, the design is attractive and looks even better than before with the mid-cycle updates. The 2017 Kia Forte5 has a sloping hoodline, nicely raked windshield, Kia’s trademark tiger-nose grille, aerodynamic headlamps, and a strong character line down the side. Our test model SX (there’s also an LX and EX below it) was shod with 18-inch alloy wheels and decent 225-series tires that added to the sporty stance. Dual exhaust tips, a large rear window, redesigned taillamps, and a blackout rear diffuser add a lot of appeal.  If you didn't know better, you’d swear this SX had a base price way over the $23,800 tag. For just $18,200, you can get into the LX trim with fewer features and a detuned engine, but with all the exterior good looks (save for smaller wheels/tires).

Inside, we were pleasantly surprised at the little Forte5’s quality, features, and comfort. Standard items on all trims include 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split fold rear seats, air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB inputs, remote keyless entry, and more. Our SX trim added that leather instead of cloth seats, UVO infotainment system, pushbutton start with Smart Key, and more. Our Forte5 test model’s bottom line was $28,420 because of the Premium Tech package that included a long list of nice-to-have-but-not-necessary items like a navigation system, ventilated front seats, HID headlamps, Blind Spot Detection and Cross Traffic Alert, power sunroof and more.

We do like the extra power from the 1.6-liter turbocharged and direct-injected inline four-cylinder engine. It produces 201 horsepower (versus 164 for the naturally aspirated 2.0L in the LX and EX), and 195 lb-ft of torque (versus 151). While no one will be winning any drag races with the Forte5, it does have enough power to merge and scoot when needed. While any four cylinder is going to be noisy just by virtue of how hard it has to work, the I4 in the Kia was less obtrusive than many other compact engines, and it is quickly forgiven because the Forte5 is actually fun to drive. You don’t feel as if you’re in the penalty box because the steering feels nicely weighted, the bigger tires (on the SX) give it some grip, and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission felt solid and relatively quick.

If you drive it with economy in mind, you’ll be rewarded with close to the 30-mpg highway numbers the EPA has estimated for the hatch. City estimates are 25 mpg. While it might not be the best numbers in the segment, it’s good enough to give you a driving range of nearly 400 miles. Plus, it looks good doing so. When you add in the 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty program, that’s an added bonus versus the competitors.

It wasn’t all that long ago when Kia was a no-name car manufacturer delivering basic vehicles for a basic low price. In less than 25 years, Kia has become a company to be reckoned with, producing a host of award-winning, safe, comfortable, quality vehicles that deserve a second and third look. And the Forte5 is just one of the many vehicles on that long list.