The Forte is Kia's latest line of compact cars. The FWD Forte is larger than the top-selling Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla and includes three body styles: a sedan, a five-door hatchback, and a coupe. A 2.0L four cylinder powers most models. The SX performance models swaps the 2.0L four cylinder for a 2.4L engine increasing horsepower by 17-bhp. The SX also upgrades the tires and transmission. The 5-door model replaces the trunk of the sedan and coupe with a vertical hatch providing access to over 19 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up.

Higher trim levels receive LED daytime running lights.