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2018 Kia Forte

The 2018 Kia Forte is a midsize car, rated at 32 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.

2018 Kia Forte
© OWS Photography · CC BY 4.0
Combined MPG
32
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$20,000
Recalls
3

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeKia
ModelForte
Model year2018
Vehicle classMidsize Car

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG29
Highway MPG37
Combined MPG32
CO₂ tailpipe279 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$1950

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Forte32 MPG combined
Forte28 MPG combined
Forte28 MPG combined
Forte 527 MPG combined
Forte 528 MPG combined
Forte 525 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City29 MPG
Highway37 MPG
Combined32 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Forte32 MPG
Class average36.9 MPG

About 13% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$352/mo
Amount financed
$18,000
Total interest
$3,131
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5-year fuel cost
$6,281

$1,256/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG32
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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 (3)

  • AIR BAGS22V031000 · 2022-01-25

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH21V622000 · 2021-08-09

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP21V260000 · 2021-04-13

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2018 Kia Forte?

The 2018 Kia Forte is EPA-rated at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 37 highway).

Is the 2018 Kia Forte reliable?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Forte. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How safe is the 2018 Kia Forte?

The 2018 Kia Forte earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2018 Kia Forte?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2018 Kia Forte costs roughly $1,256 per year to fuel, or about $6,281 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2018 Kia Forte?

The 2018 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