Kia’s compact offerings in North America have received a light styling and equipment update for the 2017 model year
Debuting at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show, both models get subtle visual changes, a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (sedan), a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (hatchback), as well as new equipment.
Styling updates include a new front bumper and an extended "tiger nose" grille that now connects with the refreshed headlights. The Forte's new face is a reference to the all-new 2016 Optima. At the rear, the taillights have been slightly revised and are now available with LEDs. On higher trim levels, the LED taillights and DRLs are standard.
The sedan is now available in three trims: LX, S and EX. The S grade is new and adds a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip. The sporty-themed grade also gets exclusive black cloth seats with white contrasting stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the UVO3 infotainment system with 7-inch color touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple Carplay capability.
The 2017 Kia Forte sedan gets a new 2.0-liter Atkinson four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed auto. The new engine is standard on the LX and S trims and replaces the 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit. The EX grade continues with the 2.0-liter GDI gasoline engine mated to six-speed automatic.
The Forte sedan will be built at Kia's new plant in Monterrey, Mexico, starting from the first half of 2016.
Besides the similar styling updates, the 2017 Kia Forte5 hatchback gets a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, available on the SX trim in combination with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Forte5 continues to be offered as standard with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder gasoline engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or an available six-speed auto.
The 2017 Kia Forte5 carries on with the same trim levels (LX, EX, and SX), with each one getting new features – mostly equipment that was optional before.
The 2017 Forte sedan will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2016, with the 2017 Forte5 following in the first half of 2016.