# Kia Forte specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2024
- **MPG (combined):** 26-34
- **Drive:** FWD
- **Years covered:** 2015-2024

## Quick answer

The 2024 Kia Forte is a midsize car rated at 26-34 mpg combined. Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl.

## Every 2024 Kia Forte version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Forte FE | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | CVT | 30/41 | 34 mpg | $1,950 | 261 g/mi |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | CVT | 28/39 | 32 mpg | $2,100 | 277 g/mi |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | Automatic | 27/35 | 30 mpg | $2,250 | 296 g/mi |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | Manual | 22/31 | 26 mpg | $2,600 | 348 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Kia Forte specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2024 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual, Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-34 |
| 2023 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual, Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-34 |
| 2022 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual, Automatic, CVT | FWD | 26-35 |
| 2021 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic, Manual, CVT | FWD | 28-35 |
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic, Manual, CVT | FWD | 28-35 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT, Manual | FWD | 31-35 |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic, Manual | FWD | 25-32 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic, Manual | FWD | 25-32 |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl; 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic, Manual | FWD | 24-30 |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic, Manual | FWD | 24-30 |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the Forte changed over the years?

- **2023:** combined mpg went from 26-35 to 26-34.
- **2022:** combined mpg went from 28-35 to 26-35.
- **2020:** added 1.6L 4-cyl turbo.
- **2019:** dropped 1.6L 4-cyl turbo.
- **2017:** dropped 1.8L 4-cyl.

## Kia Forte problems owners report most

| System (NHTSA category) | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Engine | 531 |
| Electrical System | 176 |
| Power Train | 138 |
| Air Bags | 102 |
| Exterior Lighting | 96 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 67 |
| Steering | 64 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 61 |

From 1,258 complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015-2026 models. Most-complained-about model year: **2017**.

## Guides for common Kia Forte problems

- **Engine** (531 complaints): [Why is my car idling rough](/symptoms/rough-idle) - [Why is my engine knocking](/symptoms/engine-knocking-noise) - [Why is my car leaking oil](/symptoms/car-leaking-oil) - [engine replacement cost](/cost/engine-replacement) - [timing chain replacement cost](/cost/timing-chain-replacement) - [valve cover gasket replacement cost](/cost/valve-cover-gasket-replacement)
- **Electrical** (176 complaints): [Why does my car battery keep dying](/symptoms/car-battery-keeps-dying) - [Why are my headlights flickering](/symptoms/headlights-flickering) - [Why won't my car start](/symptoms/car-wont-start) - [alternator replacement cost](/cost/alternator-replacement) - [car battery replacement cost](/cost/car-battery-replacement) - [starter replacement cost](/cost/starter-replacement)
- **Transmission and drivetrain** (138 complaints): [Why is my transmission slipping](/symptoms/transmission-slipping) - [Why won't my car go into gear](/symptoms/car-wont-go-into-gear) - [Why does my car jerk when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-jerks-when-accelerating) - [transmission replacement cost](/cost/transmission-replacement) - [transmission fluid change cost](/cost/transmission-fluid-change) - [clutch replacement cost](/cost/clutch-replacement)
- **Exterior lighting** (96 complaints): [headlight bulb replacement cost](/cost/headlight-bulb-replacement)
- **Fuel and propulsion** (67 complaints): [Why does my car stall while driving](/symptoms/car-stalls-while-driving) - [Why does my car lose power when accelerating](/symptoms/car-loses-power-when-accelerating) - [Why does my car hesitate when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-hesitates-when-accelerating)

## Kia Forte warning lights

- [Forte: Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-forte): 184 complaints
- [Forte: Oil pressure warning light](/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-forte): 54 complaints
- [Forte: Airbag (SRS) warning light](/warning-lights/airbag/kia-forte): 19 complaints
- [Forte: Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-forte): 19 complaints
- [Forte: Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake/kia-forte): 13 complaints
- [Forte: Battery (charging system) warning light](/warning-lights/battery/kia-forte): 10 complaints
- [Forte: Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-forte): 9 complaints

## Kia Forte recalls (11)

| Campaign | Model years | Component | Reported |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [24V244000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V244000) | 2023 | Suspension: Front | 2024-04-01 |
| [23V649000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V649000) | 2023 | Suspension: Front | 2023-09-22 |
| [22V906000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V906000) | 2023 | Steering: Linkages | 2022-12-08 |
| [22V304000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V304000) | 2021-2022 | Steering: Column | 2022-05-05 |
| [22V031000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V031000) | 2017-2018 | Air Bags | 2022-01-25 |
| [21V622000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V622000) | 2016-2018 | Latches/Locks/Linkages: Trunk Lid | 2021-08-09 |
| [21V260000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V260000) | 2017-2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine | 2021-04-13 |
| [21V164000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V164000) | 2021 | Air Bags:  Air Bag/Restraint Control Module | 2021-03-11 |
| [20V750000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V750000) | 2015 | Engine | 2020-12-02 |
| [20V459000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V459000) | 2019 | Power Train: Axle Assembly | 2020-08-05 |
| [18V771000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V771000) | 2019 | Exterior Lighting: Headlights | 2018-10-31 |

Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer. Check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). Data as of 2026-11-04.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2024 Kia Forte get?

The 2024 Kia Forte is EPA-rated at 26-34 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2024 Kia Forte have?

The 2024 Kia Forte comes with: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl. It uses manual, automatic, cvt transmissions and is offered with FWD.

### Is there a hybrid Kia Forte?

No. In the EPA data from 2015-2024 the Kia Forte has no hybrid version.

### Which Kia Forte year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2022 Kia Forte has the highest combined rating, up to 35 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2024 Kia Forte for a year?

About $1,950-$2,600 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2024 Kia Forte?

The most efficient 2024 version, the Forte FE, is rated 30 mpg city and 41 mpg highway (34 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2024 Kia Forte emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 261-348 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

### How many recalls does the Kia Forte have?

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for 2015-2026 Kia Forte models as of 2026-11-04, the latest reported 2024-04-01 (24V244000). Recall work is free; enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.

### What is the most common problem with the Kia Forte?

In NHTSA owner complaints the most-reported category is engine, followed by electrical system. The 2017 model year has the most complaints (305), partly because complaint counts follow sales volume.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)
- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)

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- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires)
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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-forte
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.