Compact sedans get overlooked these days but some of them are genuinely smart buys. The 2022 Kia Forte is one of them. It offers bold styling, a surprisingly nice interior, strong safety tech, and an available turbocharged engine all at a price that undercuts most of its rivals. For used car shoppers who want value without giving up features, the 2022 Forte deserves a serious look. Here is what makes it stand out.
A Design That Does Not Look Cheap
Most budget sedans look exactly like what they cost. The 2022 Forte does not.
Kia gave it a styling refresh for 2022 with an updated tiger nose front grille, new headlights, taillights, and fog lamps. The bold front end was inspired by the Kia Stinger sports sedan and it shows. The Forte has an athletic stance that most compact sedans in this price range simply cannot match. You get your pick of 16 or 17 inch wheels, both with eye catching designs that complete the look.
The GT and GT-Line trims push the styling further with gloss black accents, sport bumpers, and rear spoilers for buyers who want a more aggressive aesthetic. LED taillights and optional dual exhaust tips add to the personality. It is the kind of car you are not embarrassed to park anywhere which is rare at this price point.
Two Engines for Two Kinds of Drivers
This is one of the more interesting parts of the Forte lineup and it is worth understanding.
The standard engine is a 2.0 liter four cylinder paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. It is smooth, efficient, and perfectly capable for daily commuting and errands. If you mostly drive around town and want solid fuel economy this engine does everything you need without any fuss.
The GT trim steps up to a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower. That is a meaningful jump. Highway merging feels confident and passing is effortless. Paired with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic or an available 6 speed manual the Forte GT delivers a genuinely sporty experience at a price that undercuts most performance compacts by thousands. If you enjoy driving, the GT trim is worth seeking out. If you just need reliable transportation the base engine is more than enough.
The Interior and Tech Surprise People
Sit inside a 2022 Forte and you will likely be surprised by how nice it feels.
The cabin uses quality materials and the optional two tone SOFINO leatherette seat trim adds a premium touch you do not expect in this class. The available 10.25 inch touchscreen is large and responsive, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard so your phone connects without any cables. A wireless charging pad keeps things tidy.
Cargo space is among the best in the segment with 15.3 cubic feet of trunk room which beats most competing compact sedans. The available adaptive cruise control, new for 2022, makes longer highway drives noticeably less tiring. These are features that were considered premium tech just a few years ago, now available in an affordable compact sedan.
Safety is strong too. Forward collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning come standard through the Kia Drive Wise suite. Higher trims add blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. For a budget sedan the safety package is genuinely impressive.
Why the 2022 Forte Is a Smart Used Buy
The real argument for the 2022 Forte comes down to value and peace of mind.
Kia’s warranty program is one of the best in the industry and it transfers to used buyers in meaningful ways. The 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty means a 2022 Forte still has years of coverage remaining. That kind of protection on a used car is genuinely valuable and it is part of why Kia holds its value as well as it does. The 5 year or 60,000 mile basic warranty covers a wide range of components beyond just the powertrain.
When you combine the bold styling, the available turbo performance, the surprisingly premium interior, the strong safety tech, and the remaining warranty coverage, the 2022 Forte makes a compelling case as one of the smartest used compact sedans on the market. For buyers in the Mentor Ohio area who want a reliable, well equipped sedan without overpaying, it is hard to beat.
The best way to know if it is right for you is to see one in person and take it for a drive. The team at Ken Ganley Kia Mentor can show you the Forte lineup including the GT trim and help you find the right one for your budget and your driving in Mentor Ohio.
