2018 Kia Forte5 SX

The 2018 Kia Forte5 SX combines style, good performance and roominess.

Price: $26,000

The slick-looking 2018 Forte5 SX is fun to drive and spoils occupants with an upscale interior and plenty of standard equipment. But city fuel economy should be higher.

The compact Forte is a four-door hatchback with above-average occupant roominess and a large cargo area, especially with the rear setbacks flipped forward. The hatch raises on twin struts to reveal a low, wide cargo opening.

There are lower-priced Forte models with less power, but I tested the top line turbocharged SX with a six-speed manual transmission, although an automatic is available. Might as well have some fun in such a sporty car.

The Forte5 SX’s smooth turbocharged 1.6-liter 201-horsepower four-cylinder works well with the manual, which has short, crisp throws. However, the slight separation between first and third gears occasionally led me to kill the engine when starting out because it’s easy to mistake first and third gears. Also, a driver must get used to an extra-long clutch throw. This isn’t a car in which to teach a new driver how to use a stick shift. 

I found the Forte5 SX accelerates best during highway passing in fourth gear, although you can just downshift to fifth if you’re not in a hurry when passing. Third gear is best for in-town use. The Forte SX moves out quickly in first gear and has good highway performance. Even fast acceleration doesn’t cause more than a mild drone from the smooth engine. I detected no turbo lag.

Estimated fuel economy of the Forte5 SX with the manual is only so-so at 23 miles per gallon for a compact car although the highway figures is decent at 29. 

The front-drive Forte5 SX acts much like a small sports sedan, with fast accurate steering that has decent road feel. Electronic stability and traction control and a sport-tuned suspension, along with a vehicle stability management system, keep the body flat when snaking through curves. The supple suspension soaks up  road imperfections without jolting occupants, and the anti-lock brakes stop the Forte5 SX quickly and surely.

The Forte5 SX has prominent chromed dual exhaust outlets. And a red stripe across the lower front of my Phantom Gray test car added a discreet racy touch. The car has a front end with a somewhat rakish dip, like the fast, classic 1960s Studebaker Avanti. There’s a power sunroof with a shade, and outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators fold against the side glass to prevent parking lot damage.

My test car’s quiet interior was definitely upscale, with red stitching on its black interior and soft-touch materials. The heated and ventilated front seats were leather-trimmed, and controls were laid out for easy use. The tilt/telescopic steering wheel had controls for audio and cruise control systems, and there was a push-button start, navigation system and handy controls for the dual-zone automatic climate control. The touch screen could be easily used, with little driver distraction needed.

The power driver’s seat provided good lateral support, and standard comfort and convenience features included power windows, locks and outside mirrors with turn signal indicators folded flat against side window glass to prevent damage in parking areas. Cupholders were conveniently placed, and there were plenty of storage areas.

While the hatch raises on struts, plenty of muscle is needed to lift up the heavy hood, which is held open with a prop rod.

Safety items include dual front air bags and full-length side curtain air bags, besides lower anchors and tethers for children.

The solidly built 2018 Kia Forte SX has good doses of practicality and sportiness, and its lively performance partially makes up for its lack of better city fuel economy.