Kia
2010 Kia Forte Sedan SX
What it Is: A four-door, five-passenger compact sedan.
What's Hot: Good fuel economy, competitive price, big trunk.
What's Not: More than $19,000 for a compact Kia?
Family Friendly Options: Standard USB and Bluetooth.
How It Got Its Score: The Forte is a solid entry in the compact car market, with good crash test scores, plenty of safety equipment and a big trunk. The slightly higher price and lower fuel economy of the SX bring down its score a bit.
The 2010 Kia Forte is the four-door version of the Forte Koup. Although classified as a compact, the Forte boasts trunk space (14.7 cu.-ft.) that rivals that of many midsize and full-size sedans. The SX features a bigger, more powerful engine than the LX and EX, and subsequently costs more and gets slightly worse fuel economy. Still, the price barrier is more psychological than economic -- we have a bit of trouble wrapping our heads around the idea of a compact Korean car costing nearly $20,000 -- and the Forte has plenty to offer. The interior is roomy, the trunk is bigger than the one in many midsize sedans, and Bluetooth and USB are standard. It all strikes us as a good value, especially considering that big trunk, and if you don't mind shifting your own gears you can save $1,000 by opting for the six-speed manual transmission.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$18,495 |
| Destination |
$695 |
| |
| |
| |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
2.4 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-4 |
|
Horsepower |
173 hp |
|
Torque |
168 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Front Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
5-Speed Automatic |
|
Optional Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
23 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
31 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
26 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Compact |
|
Family Friendliness |
7.4 |
|
Doors |
Four |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
14.7 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Not Available |
|
Photos
|
