2023 Kia Forte 5-Door

The 2023 Kia Forte5 hatchback – it’s called “5” because Kia counts the rear hatch as a door – is unchanged from the 2022 model. It’s similar to the Forte sedan and offers two engine choices as that model does, but unlike the sedan, the Forte5 comes only in three trim levels of EX, GT, and GT Limited. Kia provides a 5-year/100,000-km comprehensive and powertrain warranty that covers almost everything on the vehicle.

Performance

The 2023 Kia Forte5 in EX trim uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT), although Kia prefers to call it an intelligent variable transmission, which is why you’ll see it listed as an IVT on the automaker’s site. The GT and GT Limited use a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That engine is mated to an automatic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which shifts gears faster and smoother than a conventional automatic transmission. All trims are front-wheel drive, and both engines run on regular-grade fuel.

Practicality

Front-seat passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, but those in the rear seat have far less space to stretch their legs. Cargo capacity is 741 litres behind the rear seats, and they fold to provide extra space for longer items, while a luggage net is standard equipment. All trim levels include such features as heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charger, smartphone connectivity, emergency front braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and driver alert monitor.

Canadian pricing

The 2023 Kia Forte5 in EX trim is $23,195, an increase of $500 over the 2022 version. The GT is $28,495, and above the EX’s features, it adds such items as 18-inch wheels (the EX has 16-inch), LED headlights, sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Highway Drive Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane centring as a semi-autonomous assist. The GT Limited is $31,595 and further adds features including air-cooled front seats, heated rear seats, 10.25-inch infotainment screen with built-in navigation, and premium stereo.