Why the Delightful Kia Forte Is Even Better the Second Time Around

Kia is one of the hottest automotive brands, with millions of buyers discovering the perks of ownership, which include a class-leading warranty that no other manufacturer can match. The good news continues for pre-owned Kia buyers, especially shoppers seeking a Certified Pre-Owned Kia Forte. Any Forte sedan that meets Kia’s age and mileage requirements is eligible for certification and all the buyer benefits that come with it.

For eligibility as a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Kia, each Forte sedan must be no older than five model years from the current one and have fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer. From there, a certified Kia technician will perform a 165-point quality assurance inspection to ensure each candidate vehicle meets Kia’s rigorous CPO standards. CPO Kia Fortes include a 1-year/12,000-mile comprehensive platinum coverage warranty, a 90-day free SiriusXM subscription, and the continuation of Kia’s legendary 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

Every CPO Forte also comes with a CARFAX report detailing previous owners, any accidents or extensive repairs, and a mileage guarantee, so you always know exactly what you’re getting. These perks offer buyers additional peace of mind and the closest thing to a brand-new car without the added expense. Leave the depreciation cost to someone else and opt for a CPO Kia Forte. Consider these exciting model years as you sift through your options.

The 2018 Kia Forte

Originally priced at under $18,000 new, the compact 2018 Forte is even more affordable as a CPO model. Kia designed the Forte for value seekers needing a fuel-efficient car with low ownership costs, but a range of trims offers a surprising array of premium equipment, including a robust infotainment system with a responsive touchscreen and smartphone connectivity.

As for performance, Kia offered the Forte with two available powertrains: a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of 147 hp and a more powerful 164-hp four-cylinder in upper-level trims. The sporty, top-of-the-line 2018 Forte5 SX includes a powerful 201-hp turbocharged engine paired with either a seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

A quick review of the 2018 Forte lineup reveals available leather seating, a hatchback body style, and memory settings for the driver’s seat. Depending on the trim, the Forte includes a four or six-speaker audio system. Speaking of trims, for 2018, Kia offered the Forte in the LX, S, and EX. The Forte also received a Five-Star Overall Rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency’s highest crash test rating.

Contributing to the 2018 Forte’s excellent reputation as one of the safest sedans on the market are the many available driver-assist safety technologies. These include an emergency braking system with pedestrian detection that automatically engages to avoid a collision when it senses a hazard. Several warning systems are also available, including front collision and lane departure, which alert the driver as necessary to keep occupants safe.

The 2019 Kia Forte

The 2019 Kia Forte has an average fuel economy of 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway, which puts it at the front of the pack for low ownership costs in the compact category. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included across the trim range for the 2019 model year, and substantial design changes transformed the Forte into a smaller, more affordable version of the dynamic Stinger fastback sedan.

Not only did Kia include smartphone connectivity across the entire 2019 Forte trim range: but an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen was also standard, making the Forte one of the better-equipped compact cars in the category. 2019 was a full redesign year for the Forte, ushering in the third generation and adding 3.2 inches to its overall length. As a result, the cabin is even roomier. Kia offered an available wireless smartphone charger and an available Harman Kardon 320-watt sound system.

As for safety, Kia included a long list of DriveWise assistive technology safety features as standard equipment across the entire Forte lineup. These include Driver Attention Warning, which alerts the driver when it senses distraction by monitoring eye position and steering wheel grip. Smart Cruise Control is an available technology that automatically adjusts speed in response to highway traffic, eliminating the driver’s need to press the brake and re-engage the cruise control system.

For 2019, Kia produced a Forte Launch Edition, which features 17-inch wheels in a graphite finish, standard LED headlights, and a bright orange exterior––called Fire Orange––that shows off all the Forte’s angles and lines. A power sunroof was included, along with LED interior lighting, navigation, and an upgraded audio system. The Launch Edition offers all the most popular equipment and technology with trim-exclusive exterior finishes and features that differentiate it from the rest of the lineup.

The 2020 Kia Forte

Kia added two additional trims to the Forte lineup for the 2020 model year, including the GT Line and the GT, for a total of six trims available. Prices ranged from the high $17,000s to around $23,000, giving buyers the freedom to decide which features and equipment were most important. The Forte’s 15.3 cu.ft. of trunk space comes in handy for road trips and weekend errands, and the max 41 MPG of highway fuel economy made it a great choice for commuters.

Kia’s commitment to the sedan body style is evidenced in the 2020 Forte. Though it was just a year removed from the third-generation redesign, Kia’s decision to add a GT trim offered buyers a 201-hp version that achieved 195 lb-ft of torque via the upgraded 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Five standard driver-assist safety systems came standard on all trims, with four additional systems offered on upper-level models.

Choosing a 2020 CPO Forte is the next-best option to buying new, with available features that include ambient interior lighting and dual-zone automatic climate control. Heated and ventilated seats are also available on trims on the more expensive end of the lineup. U.S. News and World Report gave the 2020 Forte a #2 ranking in its list of the best compact cars, and it earned high marks for quality and reliability overall.

Buyers looking for the best overall value should consider a pre-owned base FE model. Though it’s the least expensive trim in the lineup, it still comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen and a four-speaker audio system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. With seating for five, the Forte FE makes sense for a range of buyers, including first-timers and young families. The combination of value, quality, and standard infotainment technology make the 2020 Kia Forte a smart choice.

Benefits of CPO Kia Ownership

As a CPO Kia owner, you’ll receive a handful of key benefits designed to provide peace of mind throughout your ownership experience. All buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance, available for everything from flat tires and jump starts to towing when your car needs a repair. The additional warranty coverage and continuation of the original factory powertrain warranty cover you in the event of a mechanical failure or expensive repair.

As a Allentown Kia customer, you have access to our team of factory-certified Kia technicians who can help with everything from routine oil changes to complex mechanical repairs. We offer online appointment scheduling and extended service hours, all designed to help you get the service and support you need at a time that works for your busy schedule. Kia owners can rest assured that our Allentown Kia team is here for all your needs.

Give us a call today to discover the benefits of owning a CPO Kia. Whether you’re buying your first-ever vehicle or you want a peppy compact sedan for that daily long-range commute, the Kia Forte has a trim and configuration that will work for your individual lifestyle and budget.