2022 Kia Forte Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

There are numerous nice touches within this fast sedan's interior, complementing its sleek and contemporary exterior. Particularly remarkable are the various safety features and technological enhancements. This automobile is unlike anything else on the market, and its low price is only one reason why. The 2022 Kia Forte should appeal to price-conscious buyers because it is available in two grades that cost less than $20,000.

Kia makes five trims of the Forte. Keep reading to see what makes each one unique.

This basic trim has all it needs, but it's not stylish. It sports projector beam headlights and Daytime Running Lights, and the headlights switch on and off automatically. Approach lighting is really great. LED lights on door knobs are welcome.

This barebones finish has all the features you need, but it's lacking in sophistication. The projector beam headlights or the regular Daytime Running Lights will turn on automatically when the light outside is low enough. The approach lighting throughout the perimeter is also really nice. LEDs on doorknobs, for instance, may be a kind welcome sign.

The FE rides on steel wheels that measure 15 inches. While simple, these are functional. 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the LXS. Additionally, LED turn signals may be added to its side mirrors as an optional upgrade.

The FE and the LXS come equipped with cruise control as standard. In addition, there is something called Drive Mode Select. It has three different settings - Normal, Sport, and Comfort - so that drivers may tailor the experience to their mood or the road circumstances. An LCD digital display of 4.2 inches may provide drivers a variety of information about their automobiles.

These classes all use the same 2.0-liter, 147-horsepower, and 132-pound-feet-of-torque engine. Sportmatic gears with deft variable transmissions are available. Because of a few modest design adjustments, the FE is more effective than the LXS.

On the highway, it scores 41 mpg and on the combined cycle, 35 mpg. On the LXS, these numbers drop somewhat to 39 and 33 mpg, respectively.

The base model and the higher-trim have front seats that can be adjusted manually to six positions. The FE's rear bench seat must be folded flat as a unit for the entire row to be removed. The back seat of an LXS can be folded down in a 60/40 split, but not of an LX. While one side is lowered to make room for cargo, one or two passengers in the back may still be on board. The LXS is distinguished from the competition in part because it has soft-touch door trim.

The standard safety package on the LXS is the same as that of the FE. It includes tractional control, hill start assist control, and a rear view monitor with dynamic parking guidance. In addition, it includes driver attention warning, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. This means that the Forte is ready to take action on behalf of the driver in case an issue ever comes up related to losing focus on the road, veering out of position, or approaching a vehicle or pedestrian too quickly.

Unlike the lesser models, the LXS has optional safety features. Customers may pay extra to have the LXS fitted with safe exit warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist. There will undoubtedly be consumers ready to take use of such innovative software, that much is clear.

Check out the differences between the LXS and GT-Line versions of the 2022 Kia Forte. Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is the distinction?

The GT-Line may sound more powerful than the LXS, but it actually shares all of the LXS's performance hardware. The improved engine is only available on the following trim level up.

When comparing the GT-Line with the LXS, it's clear that aesthetics play a major role in setting them apart. When compared to the standard Forte, the GT-Line definitely has more pep. Black gloss bumper highlights, sport side sills, a trunk spoiler, 17-inch wheels, and black side mirrors complement the car's black high-gloss paint and red mesh grille inserts. Warmth and turn signals are built in into these mirrors. Turn signals are not standard on the LXS.

A power sunroof is an available upgrade for your GT-Line. Many people looking for a new vehicle are hoping it will have a sunroof that slides open or can be cranked up.

The GT-Line looks more modern and up-to-date owing to the LED lighting upgrades. The Daytime Running Lights, Fog Lights, and Backlights are all LED-based.

The GT-Line also features an advanced trunk system called Smart Trunk. The trunk will automatically open for whoever is standing directly behind it while holding the key fob. Use this function to add goods into the trunk quickly and easily. The doors won't open on their own, but they do have handles that can be touched to unlock or lock them. A one-touch button launch is also included with the Smart Key system.

The GT-touchscreen Line's is an upgraded version of the one seen in the LXS. It's larger at 10.25 inches than the usual eight, and it comes standard with HD Radio, Kia Connect SiriusXM Traffic, and voice-command navigation. Potential customers are eager for this level of connectedness, and they are eager to get their hands on capacitive touchscreens with all its bells and whistles. The GT-Line also has an optional eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system in addition to the standard six-speaker system.

The GT-Line has an extra USB port on the front for charging additional gadgets. You may have it with either a wired or wireless charging option, both of which are available.

GT-Line cabin style matches exterior. It sports alloy pedals and a flat-bottom leather steering wheel. Leather covers the gear shifter.

The GT-Line is available with heated and ventilated front seats and a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Its seats are covered in a combination of SynTex and cloth. It has a dual-zone climate control system instead of a regular, manually controlled one like the LXS has. Many passengers will find the rear center armrest, which has cup holders, to be convenient.

The GT-Line has certain additional security features. Keep in mind that the LXS is upgradable to include blind spot monitoring and a cross traffic alert system. Both of these features, together with a "safe exit warning," come standard on the GT-Line. GPS-based adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistance are optional in the GT-Line. All of these high-tech devices can coordinate to perform course corrections and speed modifications in response to external stimuli.

Compare the GT vs GT-Line trims. What is the Difference?

GT trim upgrades the Forte's engine. GT variant has 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Over the standard model's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, there's a big increase.

Kia has outfitted the GT with a sport-tuned dual exhaust and a multi-link rear suspension. It has a responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and paddle shifters for drivers to have a little more fun behind the wheel. This somewhat affects fuel economy. Overall, the GT achieves 30 mpg. The GT-Line achieves a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg.

The GT has many of the same exterior features as the GT-Line has. It does, though, have LED headlights and automatic high beams, along with dual chrome exhaust tips and 18-inch GT two-tone alloy wheels. Those wheels really stand out. Plus, Fire Orange is taken off the list of possible color choices for the exterior paint.

The GT adds a parking distance warning (reverse) system as standard equipment, but otherwise the two trims have identical safety features. It can warn drivers if they are approaching obstacles too closely from behind.

The GT has a few notable interior upgrades. Wireless charging and a USB connector at the back are built in. It's likely that many people will take note of these improvements, given how reliant the modern society is on electronic gadgets. Passengers in the back are also given access to air vents, and the GT's interior is outfitted with ambient lighting, lighted vanity mirrors and a light-up glove box.

Compare the GT vs GT Manual. What is the Difference?

The GT Manual has the same engine as the GT, but it has a manual transmission, as the name suggests. While many drivers are unfamiliar with manual gearboxes, some have a strong fondness for them. Because not every model now provides a manual gearbox, Kia is betting that the Forte GT Manual would pique the interest of a section of its consumer base.

Having a manual transmission, however, decreases fuel efficiency. The GT Manual has a combined fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon, with city and highway mileage ratings of up to 22 and 31 miles per gallon, respectively.

Visually, the GT Manual is indistinguishable from the standard GT. Michelin Pilot sport 4 summer tires, however, are installed on its wheels.

This top-of-the-line trim provides a premium listening experience. It has a Harman Kardon 320-watt sound system with an integrated subwoofer and eight total speakers. It has sport SynTex seats with accent stitching and interior LED lighting. These seats are available on the GT and GT-Line.

The GT Manual's heated front seats are standard. It lacks ventilated front seats like the GT.

While the GT Manual has blind spot and rear cross-traffic collision warning, these systems do not have any ability to correct the vehicle in case of an issue. On the GT, these programs can help the driver take action. Further, the GT Manual is the only trim to have standard parking distance warning (reverse).

Final Thoughts

Anyone who has ever dreamed of driving a stick shift should, of course, go for the GT Manual. Prospective buyers who prefer automatic transmissions but are still looking for excitement on the road should consider the GT. The more potent turbo engine found in both of these models is sure to be a hit.

The GT Manual and GT trims have more advanced technology and amenities. The GT Manual is only $5,500 more than the base Forte trim.