Love the review, got me curious to know more and maybe try it myself. I will be interested to see what the reliability is after 1-2 yrs since it has so many new parts. Great job!
Loved the review, a real value for money car, and apple carplay and Android auto, love it, please do a comparison video with civic and Corolla for safety, features and price, you can ignore the performance as no one except car enthusiasts really care about it.
Very impressed. It looks great front to back, inside and out. Fuel economy is impressive. I'm a bit intrigued by the chain driven CVT. Curious about its driving behavior and long term reliability. I see a little Ford Focus in the front styling.
Great review, Zach. Car reviewers love high performance vehicles and often are bored with cars that appeal to other sorts of drivers. I like the way you appreciate that there are different ways cars can be appealing. On CVT, it seems a lot of guys disliked early models and have closed their minds on the topic, but it makes sense that some makers are developing and improving CVTs.
I test drove this Stinger. Manager is a friend and he lend me a loaner to keep for a weekend. After a weekend I can tell you these 2 things. Most annoying thing is front seats are uncomfortable. It feels like you are sitting on a bench. After about 20 mins of time in the seat you start feeling your back and hips are being annoyed. And lastly anybody who sat in the back seat complained loud road noise. And those are big no for me. I was considering this for my friend who is looking to commute about 50km one way to work. But instead went with 2019 Civic LX.
kinda disappointing that they didnt use the elantra sports irs. Edit: well it seems like they will be introducing a Forte GT with the irs, 1.6turbo and manual trans
That single chrome exhaust makes the rear end look unbalanced. I think Kia should have hidden the single exhaust tip beneath the bumper if they weren't going to have dual exhausts with one on each side.
Years ago, all cars had a single exhaust tip, from four-to eight-cylinders. A four doesn't need two exhaust tips. Unless you like the fake ones the new Jetta uses, but most people don't.
@@davidm5707 My 2016 Honda Civic has dual active exhausts. My Volvo XC90 has a twin charged turbo and supercharged 4 cylinder engine with dual active exhausts. Many other 4 cylinder higher output engines have dual active exhausts. My original point dealt with the cosmetic design appeal of twin exhaust tips on the rear of a car.
My brand new leased 2019 Kia Forte EX sedan with CVT transmission lasted a total of 3 months just under 4,000 kms on the odometer and transmission totally "died" - currently at the dealership waiting for back-ordered new transmission scheduled to arrive in next 4-6 weeks to be replaced by warranty.
So I don't understand because I just built a Kia Forte EX on Kia Canada and it comes to 17,912$ in USD and comes with tons of features, but for the same price in the US you get a base Kia forte???
More car for the money. If I was to lease a car, this is the best deal for a 3 to 4 year lease. Besides, cars don’t last that long anymore especially in Canadian elements. Standard features on a base model too.
I would paint the black plastic bumper parts the color of the car. Hideous on the Honda Civic also, on that car they look like frying pans. great review.
My old 2017 Civic LX cost less but it comes with 6MT Transmission and also has heated seat and fancy head unit. It's great that Kia/Hyundai in-house CVT works well, but when compared to the less expensive manual transmission in the Civic, Kia going to need to step it up. Example of complex suspension vs basic system... My friends 1988 Civic SI (double wishbone suspension front and back). He put over 500,000km in 2 decades of driving and sold with all the original suspension component. If you're just relying on shocks, springs, bushing, links, and mounts to do all the work, they're going to be costly vs multilink setup.
Hey Zack great review, I'm considering buying either a 2019 Elantra or a 2019 Forte. The Elantra is made in the USA and has a 6 speed auto but I can't get over the looks of the refresh. On the other hand I love the exterior and interior of Forte but not sure about the Mexican build quality or the IVT. What do you suggest ?. PS I remember listening to you on Z95 back in the early 90's !!
I agree; I was dismayed by how they ruined the Elantra, both in and outside. And I've owned three. Although it looks a little better in person. I'm sure the build quality will be up to KIA standards. The Mazda3 and VW Jetta are also made in Mexico.
How do the Korean pack so much features in their cars, and cost less or about the same as the Japanese? I know the Korean have a trade agreement with us (Canada), but still.
nickolas it's costing kia in terms of not maximizing their profits, but my guess is those standard features are not actually that costly, it's just the other car companies are being stingy
I own a 2017 Elantra. They have a 2.0 Atkinson cycle variant of the Nu engine. I would stay away. Mine, and according to many reports the dealer told me they get, is they make a loud ticking/tapping noise when cold. It sounds like a diesel. Dealer reported Hyundai said it was normal because the metal shrinks in cold weather. I have never ever had a car do this in cold weather and I have had my fair share of bombs. I bought it used so am only covered up to 60000 miles. I said to Hyundai ok if this is so normal cover my car to the full 10 year 100000 mile warranty. They just keep giving me the run around. I mean if there is no issue with the car it would not cost them anything to give the full powertrain warranty. I have no confidence in the longevity of this engine and unfortunately it looks like they are putting these in more models. Also I think these engines are in the Kia Forte and other Kia models.
Can't wait for the Forte hachback turbo knows as the Kia Ceed GT in Europe which is sold there since august. The station wagon version was revealed in Paris auto show last week...and she's beautiful ! Thumb's up Zack !
Zach when your invited to an event to try a new car your far to careful to speak negatively about the car. I assume you don’t wanna take the chance of not being invited to try the next new car. This makes your reviews far to vanilla. With so many other car reviewers doing much more honest reviews I’m wondering what we need you for now? I could just read the car brochure from KIA.
Not exactly the biggest fan of any Korean car, but I do like how they don't even attempt to hide the exhaust pipe. That's the biggest gripe I've been having with Japanese manufactures for the past few years. Mazda, and Honda are the worst offenders. They always want their cars to seem sporty and exciting, yet they hide the exhaust like it's a Prius.
@@chocolatewheelchair It's something called aesthetics. Hiding the exhaust pipe makes the car look like a cheap econo-box or hybrid with zero pep in it. Ever wondered why the Mazda 3 hatchback looks so much quicker and livelier than its sedan brother? Is it possible it's because the hatch has two polished tips proudly displayed while the sedan has one tip curled up behind the bumper.
I have a 2019 forte and I love it. The only complaint I have is the acceleration is not good but after 30 mph it takes off. It’s really great on gas too. Love the car and it’s beautiful great job for the price
Where's the coupe? The market needs more affordable sporty small cars in my opinion. I passed on the Forte Coupe because it had torsion beam rear suspension when I bought my 2015 Golf TSI.
The Atkinson cycle engine is efficient and unusual for a non-hybrid. The CVT is a chain and is supposed to last longer and work better. The rear suspension is not good, but if they eventually sell for $3,000 less than a Civic, as the Elantra does now, it will be a reasonable economic choice. Not everyone has lots of money to burn. Some people need a bargain and are willing to give up a comfortable back seat ride for a lower price.
Enthusiasts won't agree, but, with practice, car makers are refining both CVTs and torsion bars to the point where they are almost indistinguishable from the pricier options. Other reviewers who are more demanding have said the torsion bar on this and the Jetta have rides equal to multilink cars.
KIA CVT ARE JUNK!!!! mine just went out at 10k yup 10,000miles and the service rep told me that he had one in with only 2000miles and already getting a new transmission. Save your money and get a manual if you really want a forte. Check the forums and you will see.
I still have an issue with Kia and Hyundai products with their interior black buttons. They tend to fade and not very responsive overtime. Looks like this Forte has the same type of plastic as well.
Best looking sedan in its class. Great job Kia.
Both Kia and Hyundai are doing some great things these days.
I can attest to that. Driving a Hyundai.
I was going to say about the EX "but I don't want a sunroof". But you answered that.
I like how Kia adds as much content as they do in an economy car. Too bad US consumers will pass this up and continue to buy crossovers.
ron s they sell 10,000 a month, not bad actually
Until gas shoots up to $4 a gallon again then watch the change-0ver !!!!
Crossovers handle terribly
Thanks for the review! Picking up my Ex+ premium tomorrow!
How is it, after a year of ownership?
@@Andy-bs1zj Its been Great!. Very Very good on Gas is the best part!
Looks better than my Civic X!
Argel Cruz this with the engine of your civic would be awesome
This car is sharp.. KIA has stepped up their game. I remember my parents owning a crappy Sportage from the early 2000s
Nice looking compact sedan ...! Kia has become the brand to watch, for sure.
That car looks great - inside and out. They really do a much better job than Hyundai.
Nick Gallant Is that true?????
Just got one! Very happy with it!
lots of valuable features for pretty good prices. shows that these features aren't really as premium as other car brands may want you to think.
Love the review, got me curious to know more and maybe try it myself. I will be interested to see what the reliability is after 1-2 yrs since it has so many new parts. Great job!
Another great review from an excellent reviewer. When you speak Zack, I believe you...that's powerful.
Great review. I wish we had the option of the Kia Forte in the UK. It looks very smart and good value for money.
Very nice review sir! Saw this car earlier, and had to look it up. What a beauty!
Im in Montréal just bought the ex+ getting it in 3 day cant wait
From Montreal too. How is it so far?
Loved the review, a real value for money car, and apple carplay and Android auto, love it, please do a comparison video with civic and Corolla for safety, features and price, you can ignore the performance as no one except car enthusiasts really care about it.
Car enthusiasts are the majority of people watching this channel.
@@josh6499 Car enthusiasts are some of the people watching this, most of them watch it for buying advice.
Correct
Very impressed. It looks great front to back, inside and out. Fuel economy is impressive. I'm a bit intrigued by the chain driven CVT. Curious about its driving behavior and long term reliability. I see a little Ford Focus in the front styling.
Newly in-house designed CVT?? Ummm, wait a year or two before buying to determine its reliability and service records.
Really nice review!
You get all the piano black front and rear bumper trimming on the LXS model also.
I bought a Forte and this is the best in the segment
How’s the acceleration on this car does this car suffer in high way with switching lanes does it pick up speed quickly?
I have one and it's great in the highway also comes with sport mode
How is the reliability of the Kia CVT? All other manufacturers' CVTs have longevity issues starting around 70K miles.
Great review, Zach. Car reviewers love high performance vehicles and often are bored with cars that appeal to other sorts of drivers. I like the way you appreciate that there are different ways cars can be appealing. On CVT, it seems a lot of guys disliked early models and have closed their minds on the topic, but it makes sense that some makers are developing and improving CVTs.
Now this is a compact I would consider! Good job Kia, and great video.
I've been in a Kia Forte uber before and thought the ride was nicer, softer/comfier than that of Camry.
nice and brief review
No fog lights on the EX? Great review!
loved it...PURCHACED IT
Stephen edwards same dog
*purchased
How reliable are these cars and how’s the warranty like
Is it true that Audi engineers have come over to Kia?
Great Review
Are you doing a review on the Elantra 2019?
I test drove this Stinger. Manager is a friend and he lend me a loaner to keep for a weekend. After a weekend I can tell you these 2 things. Most annoying thing is front seats are uncomfortable. It feels like you are sitting on a bench. After about 20 mins of time in the seat you start feeling your back and hips are being annoyed. And lastly anybody who sat in the back seat complained loud road noise. And those are big no for me. I was considering this for my friend who is looking to commute about 50km one way to work. But instead went with 2019 Civic LX.
I'm actually kind of surprised Hyundai didn't use the CVT for the Elantra, since the 2019 Forte uses the same _Nu_ engine as the Elantra.
kinda disappointing that they didnt use the elantra sports irs.
Edit: well it seems like they will be introducing a Forte GT with the irs, 1.6turbo and manual trans
I’m getting the FE
Got it & love everything about it. My family didn't believe me when I told them it was the entry model. Best bang for buck!
Hub caps though
chocolatewheelchair it’s ok it’s just going to be a commuter car
That single chrome exhaust makes the rear end look unbalanced. I think Kia should have hidden the single exhaust tip beneath the bumper if they weren't going to have dual exhausts with one on each side.
Years ago, all cars had a single exhaust tip, from four-to eight-cylinders. A four doesn't need two exhaust tips.
Unless you like the fake ones the new Jetta uses, but most people don't.
@@davidm5707
My 2016 Honda Civic has dual active exhausts. My Volvo XC90 has a twin charged turbo and supercharged 4 cylinder engine with dual active exhausts. Many other 4 cylinder higher output engines have dual active exhausts. My original point dealt with the cosmetic design appeal of twin exhaust tips on the rear of a car.
My brand new leased 2019 Kia Forte EX sedan with CVT transmission lasted a total of 3 months just under 4,000 kms on the odometer and transmission totally "died" - currently at the dealership waiting for back-ordered new transmission scheduled to arrive in next 4-6 weeks to be replaced by warranty.
I got the Soul, wagon version of the Forte, with the manual transmission. I don't gamble with any cvts
Way better looking than the 2019 Elantra.
Bob Goudreau 2019 Elantra is disaster
Yup.. the Elantra headlight design is the ugliest thing I've seen in a long time -- on any car.
So I don't understand because I just built a Kia Forte EX on Kia Canada and it comes to 17,912$ in USD and comes with tons of features, but for the same price in the US you get a base Kia forte???
True we are gouged for anything that isn't the base trim.
What does smart drive mode do?
More car for the money. If I was to lease a car, this is the best deal for a 3 to 4 year lease. Besides, cars don’t last that long anymore especially in Canadian elements. Standard features on a base model too.
I like the back😍
Kia is the future
Wish it had more headroom!
They really need to put the 1.6 turbo engine in this car!
Coming next year
No. Naturally aspired.
no turbos thats just extra bullshit.
I would paint the black plastic bumper parts the color of the car. Hideous on the Honda Civic also, on that car they look like frying pans. great review.
Yo should Review de HB
My old 2017 Civic LX cost less but it comes with 6MT Transmission and also has heated seat and fancy head unit. It's great that Kia/Hyundai in-house CVT works well, but when compared to the less expensive manual transmission in the Civic, Kia going to need to step it up.
Example of complex suspension vs basic system... My friends 1988 Civic SI (double wishbone suspension front and back). He put over 500,000km in 2 decades of driving and sold with all the original suspension component. If you're just relying on shocks, springs, bushing, links, and mounts to do all the work, they're going to be costly vs multilink setup.
Hey Zack great review, I'm considering buying either a 2019 Elantra or a 2019 Forte. The Elantra is made in the USA and has a 6 speed auto but I can't get over the looks of the refresh. On the other hand I love the exterior and interior of Forte but not sure about the Mexican build quality or the IVT. What do you suggest ?. PS I remember listening to you on Z95 back in the early 90's !!
Buy a 2018 Elantra--better looks and much cheaper than the new 2019s. There are still plenty of them out there.
I agree; I was dismayed by how they ruined the Elantra, both in and outside. And I've owned three. Although it looks a little better in person.
I'm sure the build quality will be up to KIA standards. The Mazda3 and VW Jetta are also made in Mexico.
@@toddp7324 just make sure it's the port injected not the GDI.
How do the Korean pack so much features in their cars, and cost less or about the same as the Japanese? I know the Korean have a trade agreement with us (Canada), but still.
nickolas they have to offer more or else most people would buy their japanese counterparts
elai314 I get that, just wondering what all those standard features are costing them when it comes to profit. Unless they cut corners else where.
nickolas it's costing kia in terms of not maximizing their profits, but my guess is those standard features are not actually that costly, it's just the other car companies are being stingy
A shame the 173hp 2.0 is long gone. Drove one today and it's quite decent!
goin for it..
We got a red lxs for 19k with a full 10 year 100k miles bumper to bumper warranty.
The video made it to 1:18 before the reviewer said "CVT."
Compared to Civic??
IT IS BETTER THEN CIVIC IN ALL ASPECTS (NVH, TORSIONAL STIFFNESS ...ECT)
@@ryankim6578 Rear torsion beam vs multilink? Better? 157 hp civic vs 147? Kia quicker depreciation. I would re think that first.
I own a 2017 Elantra. They have a 2.0 Atkinson cycle variant of the Nu engine. I would stay away. Mine, and according to many reports the dealer told me they get, is they make a loud ticking/tapping noise when cold. It sounds like a diesel. Dealer reported Hyundai said it was normal because the metal shrinks in cold weather. I have never ever had a car do this in cold weather and I have had my fair share of bombs. I bought it used so am only covered up to 60000 miles. I said to Hyundai ok if this is so normal cover my car to the full 10 year 100000 mile warranty. They just keep giving me the run around. I mean if there is no issue with the car it would not cost them anything to give the full powertrain warranty. I have no confidence in the longevity of this engine and unfortunately it looks like they are putting these in more models. Also I think these engines are in the Kia Forte and other Kia models.
This is a beautiful car . Great review
Can't wait for the Forte hachback turbo knows as the Kia Ceed GT in Europe which is sold there since august. The station wagon version was revealed in Paris auto show last week...and she's beautiful ! Thumb's up Zack !
Zach when your invited to an event to try a new car your far to careful to speak negatively about the car. I assume you don’t wanna take the chance of not being invited to try the next new car. This makes your reviews far to vanilla. With so many other car reviewers doing much more honest reviews I’m wondering what we need you for now? I could just read the car brochure from KIA.
Low res thumbnail, not sure what happend lol.
I thought it was just my computer lol
Shout out to ODESZA! They are my favorite artist!!
good stuff
I love Korean cars🤩🇰🇷
I've owned 3 Civics but my next purshase is a Kia.
Cool 😀😀 2019 kia forte review .
Why on earth would people go away from compact cars?
Not exactly the biggest fan of any Korean car, but I do like how they don't even attempt to hide the exhaust pipe. That's the biggest gripe I've been having with Japanese manufactures for the past few years. Mazda, and Honda are the worst offenders. They always want their cars to seem sporty and exciting, yet they hide the exhaust like it's a Prius.
Who cares if you can see the dirty exhaust pipe
@@chocolatewheelchair It's something called aesthetics. Hiding the exhaust pipe makes the car look like a cheap econo-box or hybrid with zero pep in it. Ever wondered why the Mazda 3 hatchback looks so much quicker and livelier than its sedan brother? Is it possible it's because the hatch has two polished tips proudly displayed while the sedan has one tip curled up behind the bumper.
I have a 2019 forte and I love it. The only complaint I have is the acceleration is not good but after 30 mph it takes off. It’s really great on gas too. Love the car and it’s beautiful great job for the price
1.6 litre turbo 4 coming..ill wait!
A "wet Quebec"... That might actually be in Urban Dictionary. :)
people are getting so stupid, why these so call safety system is MUST have?
Is it still made in Mexico? Anybody know
Yes. Still made in Mexico thanks to the owner of Kia North America, the Mexican Carlos Slim
Si senior LOL
Pesqueria, Nuevo Leon, MX. Brought into the USA through Laredo, TX.
Good. Job
hmmm is Kia getting help from the Germans? Kia is getting better huh
Front looks like a 2012-2014 Focus
Where's the coupe? The market needs more affordable sporty small cars in my opinion. I passed on the Forte Coupe because it had torsion beam rear suspension when I bought my 2015 Golf TSI.
Mechanically it's a very good car, but I cannot get over the fat tick look. I don't like the chubby tick look on the Corolla either.
Mechanically this is a horrible car. Same poor engine, CVT, and torsion beam rear suspension. What is mechanically good?
The Atkinson cycle engine is efficient and unusual for a non-hybrid. The CVT is a chain and is supposed to last longer and work better. The rear suspension is not good, but if they eventually sell for $3,000 less than a Civic, as the Elantra does now, it will be a reasonable economic choice. Not everyone has lots of money to burn. Some people need a bargain and are willing to give up a comfortable back seat ride for a lower price.
Enthusiasts won't agree, but, with practice, car makers are refining both CVTs and torsion bars to the point where they are almost indistinguishable from the pricier options.
Other reviewers who are more demanding have said the torsion bar on this and the Jetta have rides equal to multilink cars.
This car costs 91k in my country
Please Kia bring the Proceed gt sportwagen to Canada, i would be first in line to buy one.
KIA CVT ARE JUNK!!!! mine just went out at 10k yup 10,000miles and the service rep told me that he had one in with only 2000miles and already getting a new transmission. Save your money and get a manual if you really want a forte. Check the forums and you will see.
I still have an issue with Kia and Hyundai products with their interior black buttons. They tend to fade and not very responsive overtime. Looks like this Forte has the same type of plastic as well.
Too bad about the fire issue
Montebello, Quebec lol
They have fucked up the civic and corolla in design department. Only jetta and this one are worth buying
I drive about 5000 miles a year . Should last me a dozen years .
Marktuyet where do you live?
And 2 years later the transmissions are a reliablity problem