2012 Kia Forte

The 2012 Kia Forte is a bit outclassed by newer competitors, but it still has a lot to offer in terms of value and style. For 2012, the Kia Forte lineup returns largely unchanged save for the midrange EX model, which gets a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Revised gauges have also been added to the EX Technology package.

the 2012 Kia Forte is offered in coupe, sedan and four-door hatchback body styles, one of the few small cars to offer such a selection. If you’re interested in something sporty, the Forte coupe (the “Koup”) will likely satisfy thanks to its sharp styling and firmer suspension tuning. If it’s practicality you desire, Kia’s got you covered with the roomy Forte hatchback. The Forte has other positive qualities as well, including long warranty coverage, plenty of standard features and high fuel economy when equipped with the optional Fuel Economy package.

That said, we consider some newer small cars to be more appealing overall. The Hyundai Elantra, for instance, has a nicer interior and better fuel economy no matter how you equip the car. The new Ford Focus is another well-regarded choice, as are the revitalized Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf hatchback. But if you’re looking for something sporty, practical or just high on value, the 2012 Kia Forte is worth a look.

2012 Kia Forte Koup SX Coupe

The 2012 Kia Forte is available in sedan, four-door hatchback and coupe (or “Koup” in Kia-speak) body styles. The sedan is offered in three trim levels including the entry-level LX, midrange EX and sporty SX trim levels, while the hatchback and coupe are available in EX and SX trims only.

Standard equipment on the LX base model includes 15-inch steel wheels, a six-way-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tilt steering column, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

Step up to one of the EX models and you get keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, full power accessories and a six-speaker sound system. The EX coupe adds 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, front sport seats and a more robust exhaust note.

2012 Kia Forte SX Sedan

The SX comes equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, unique cloth upholstery and metallic interior trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The SX coupe also gets 17-inch alloy wheels, a sportier version of the SX sedan’s suspension, and illuminated red speaker surrounds that can blink in time to the beat.

The 2012 Kia Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The sportier SX gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that puts out 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on LX models and the Koup, while EX and SX models come equipped with a six-speed automatic that’s also offered as an option on the LX.

The 2012 Kia Forte’s list of standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags that cover both rows of seats, and active front head restraints. In government crash tests, the Kia Forte earned four stars (out of a possible five) in overall safety, with four stars for overall frontal-impact safety and four stars for overall side-impact safety.

2012 Kia Forte SX Hatchback

The Kia Forte’s interior is a fairly comfortable place, with good room up front and backseats with legroom that, while not great, is about par for the category. One notable exception is the coupe’s rear seat, which is a tight squeeze by anyone’s standards. The quality of the interior is certainly acceptable, but it’s a noticeable step down from what you’ll find in a Focus, Elantra or Volkswagen Golf. Some Forte test cars we’ve sampled have also suffered from haphazard construction.

When it comes to the fun-to-drive factor, the 2012 Kia Forte is a mixed bag. The softer suspension underpinning LX and EX models allows for a little too much body roll in spirited driving, and the relatively numb steering feel doesn’t help matters any. Both are perfectly passable in everyday motoring, although folks who put a premium on solid handling will want the firmer sport-tuned suspension that’s standard on SX models. Ride comfort is generally good either way you go.