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2021 Kia

Forte

Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo

Kia Forte: best and worst years
2021 Kia Forte

Closest available photo (2023 model year); you're viewing the 2021.

2023 photoRL GNZLZ from ChileCC BY-SA 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AM-S7)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
35 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
27 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
30 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,100EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
296 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
6/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
178 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
57 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
106 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
2,864 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
96 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol
15 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
2
Owner complaints
67
Reported injuries
6

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE24%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER18%
  • STEERING10%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9%
  • POWER TRAIN8%
  • AIR BAGS7%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 92 total.

Kia Forte: best and worst years

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.