2021 Kia Forte
The 2021 Kia Forte is a midsize car, rated at 35 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 4-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
- Combined MPG
- 35
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $20,000
- Recalls
- 2
Watch: Forte reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Forte |
| Model year | 2021 |
| Vehicle class | Midsize Car |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 31 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 41 |
| Combined MPG | 35 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 256 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1800 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Forte | 30 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Forte | 33 MPG combined |
| Forte | 28 MPG combined |
| Forte | 31 MPG combined |
| Forte FE | 35 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 31 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 41 MPG |
| Combined | 35 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 5% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $18,000
- Total interest
- $3,131
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≈ $1,149/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (2)
- AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE21V164000 · 2021-03-11
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
- STEERING:COLUMN22V304000 · 2022-05-05
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Forte?
The 2021 Kia Forte is EPA-rated at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 41 highway).
Is the 2021 Kia Forte reliable?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2021 Kia Forte?
The 2021 Kia Forte earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Kia Forte?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Kia Forte costs roughly $1,149 per year to fuel, or about $5,743 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2021 Kia Forte?
The 2021 Kia Forte is classified as a midsize car. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC