We think Kia Forte5 is the best 2016 compact 5-door hatchback in the U.S. market!
If you are still on the fence about buying a compact vehicle from Kia, you really shouldn’t.
The automaker has always been very active in the compact hatchback car segment, but with the release of the 2016 Forte 5, they finally gotten a vehicle that is as good, if not better, than the competition.
Rather than giving you one good reason to buy the new Forte 5, allow us to present you with five:
1. Attractive exterior design
Do you think Audi cars look cool? Did you know that the former design chief at Audi is now in charge of design at Kia?
The Forte5 hatchback looks great from every possible angle, and the addition of features such as LED lighting in front and back give it a real touch of sophistication.
Move on up to the range-topping Forte 5 SX turbo model and you get cool looking 18-inch wheels that look more suited to a German sports sedan than an affordable compact hatchback.
3. Great performance and fuel economy
The 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder engine found in the Forte 5 SX is about as good as it gets in this segment.
It cranks out 201-horsepower, and can make the jump from 0 to 60 in around 7 seconds.
The steering and handling on this model make it a genuine rival to the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Mazda3.
You usually have to give up fuel efficiency to get that level of performance, but 29 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg combined are good number for a car that is as sporty and fun to drive as the Forte 5 SX.
3. Great cargo space
You don’t expect to see a lot of cargo space in a small hatchback, but the Forte 5 delivers the goods in that category.
You will find 23 cubic feet of space behind the rear seatbacks, which is the sort of number you would struggle to find in a sedan. Fold down the rear seats and you end up with cargo space that is akin to a compact SUV.
4. Affordable pricing
You are not going to have to shell out a lot of money to get behind the wheel of the Kia Forte 5. You can get into the base EX model, which is packed with features, for less than $20,000.
It’s only about an additional $1,000 for the turbocharged 2016 Forte SX model, which makes it about as affordable as it gets when you consider what you get for the money.
5. Selection of 3 body styles
- Forte 5-door hatchback
- Forte 4-door sedan
- Forte Koup 2-door coupe
All of the items mentioned here are for the Forte 5-door hatchback model, but you also have the 2-door Forte Koup and the Forte sedan to choose from.
The Forte 5 is great, but it’s nice to be spoiled for choice. These different body styles allow the Forte to compete with all of the big names in the segment.
Best compact car of 2016?
The compact market is one that is filled with good vehicles, but the Kia Forte 5 might just be considered great.
If you are looking for something that gives you real value for money, as well as class-leading performance, you can’t do much better than the Forte 5.
2016 forte 5 sx.
have owned the hatchback for a little over a month.we had a 2014 sedan for 22 months.
the hatchback is easier to load and move my wifes walking devices.
in my area[fl] they seem to be rare. as it stands right now their is no forte 5s within 20 miles of us. strange. it is really a pretty car and handles really nice.
no squeeks or rattles. eventually i will quit reaching in my pocket for the keys.
great car kia.
good job