DecodedCars2021 Kia Forte
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, GT 4dr Sedan, 5 EX 5dr Hatch, 5 GT 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 147–201 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 31 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 178–182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,769–3,095 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Kia Forte is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,769 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 41 highway), 28% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Forte — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Forte →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2021 Forte configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 182.7 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,769 lb | 61/39 |
| GT 4dr Sedan | 182.7 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,012 lb | 61/39 |
| 5 EX 5dr Hatch | 178 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 2,864 lb | 61/39 |
| 5 GT 5dr Hatch | 178 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,095 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte FE | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 41 / 35 | +28% | $1,900 | 256 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 40 / 33 | +20% | $2,050 | 270 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +13% | $2,150 | 290 |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +2% | $2,400 | 326 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Forte (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Steering › Column · May 5, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V304000 · 30 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 11, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V164000 · 142 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2021 Kia Forte is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Kia Forte buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 22 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 8 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Air Bags — 7 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,642 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Forte. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forte years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 26 |
| 2023 Forte | 34 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 66 |
| 2022 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2020 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 78 |
| 2019 Forte | 35 | 182.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 150 |
| 2018 Forte | 32 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 136 |
| 2017 Forte | 32 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 305 |
| 2016 Forte | 30 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 138 |
| 2015 Forte | 30 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 260 |
| 2014 Forte | 29 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 421 |
| 2013 Forte | 30 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 197 |
| 2012 Forte | 30 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →