2017 Kia Forte5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What's New for 2017?
The 2017 Kia Forte5 hatchback now features a 7-speed, dual clutch automatic transmission on its SX trim, which replaces the previous year's average transmission. There is also an Orange Color Package available on the SX trim that is new for 2017.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Kia Forte5 – The Pros
1. Standard Leather Upholstery and 17-inch Alloy Wheels on the EX Trim
Although the Forte5's EX trim does not have some of the sportier features of its S sedan counterpart (such as the sports-tuned suspension), the EX trim comes standard with well-stitched and expensive-looking leather upholstery. The 17-inch alloy wheels are also a nice addition that gives the EX a sporty feel to the car's exterior and performance.
2. The Powertrain on the LX and EX Trims
The 2017 Kia Forte5 LX and EX trims share an identical powertrain which gets excellent gas mileage and puts out an all-around solid performance. The 2.0-L engine (which generates 164 hp and 151 pounds-feet of torque) is paired with a 6-speed automatic engine that gets a combined 28 mpg (with 25 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway). The SX version gets slightly less at about 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 27 on the 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
3. Excellent Braking Abilities
The Forte5 has an 114-foot stopping distance from 60 mph, which is 6 feet less than the Forte sedan's stopping distance of 120 feet at the same speed. Both of these vehicles actually have a shorter than average stopping distance for automobiles in their class.
4. Comfortable Seats
Hatchbacks are notorious for their cramped seating, especially in the rear seats. The 2017 Kia Forte5, however, has plenty of space in the front and back. Also, the seats feel incredibly comfortable for people of all sizes to sit in.
5. Plenty of Cargo Space
Hatchbacks are also problematic when it comes to cargo space, which is often very limited. The Forte5 defies expectations and has 23.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats left up and much more when the rear seats are folded down.
6. The Sporty Turbocharged Engine On the SX
The Forte5 SX has a turbocharged 1.6-L 4-cylinder engine available that really gives this hatchback a sporty feel. This powertrain puts out 201 hp and 195 pounds-feet of torque. It provides just enough pep without being too thirsty for fuel. The manual transmission comes standard, but there is an automatic transmission option available. The manual transmission really gives the SX the most zest and is probably the better way to go.
7. A Generous Warranty
If you buy the 2017 Kia Forte5, Kia offers a generous basic warranty of 60-month/60,000 miles. There is a powertrain warranty for 120 months/100,000, and an anti-corrosion warranty of 60 months/100,000.
8. Power Driver's Seat Memory Settings
The 2017 Kia Forte5 offers power driver's seat memory settings as an option on the EX, and they come standard on the SX. Many of the Forte5's top competitors do not even offer this as an option.
9. Easy-to-use Touchscreen Interface
Kia's touchscreen interface in the Forte5 is extremely user-friendly. The interface itself is large enough for most users, and all of its virtual buttons are simple to find and understand, thus putting many of its competitors' technological interfaces to shame.
10. Many Standard and Optional Exterior Features
The Forte5 has more standard and optional exterior features than many vehicles in its class. For example, you can get windshield de-icer standard on the Forte5, while it is not available on many of the car's top competitors.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Kia Forte5 – The Cons
1. It Lacks Safety Features Found on the Sedan Version
One of the drawbacks to the Forte5 is that it lacks some of the advanced safety features found on the Forte sedans. You cannot get lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking on the Forte5, and these features generally at least come as options on most new vehicles.
2. A Firm Suspension
Drivers of both the Forte and Forte5 might notice that the suspension feels just a little bit too firm for their liking. It does not feel terribly refined, especially when driving over roads with rough surfaces.
3. Lackluster Handling
Although it has steady handling, there is nothing awfully exciting about the way the Forte5 handles winding roads. The handling needs some refinement to give the driver a better sense of fluidity and ease.
How it stacks up to the competition:
2017 Kia Forte5 vs. 2017 Mazda Mazda3
The 2017 Mazda Mazda3 is regarded as being much more precise and fluid in its handling and steering abilities than the 2017 Kita Forte5. Its acceleration is also somewhat better, but its stopping distance is slightly longer at 120 feet, which is the same distance as the Forte sedan. The interior is refined, but the Forte5 has a somewhat sportier edge to it. The Mazda3, however, gets top marks across the board in all of its safety tests, outperforming most of the competition.
2017 Kia Forte5 vs. 2017 Ford Focus
The 2017 Ford Focus hatchback is a popular purchase that offers a smooth and sporty ride with an extremely quiet interior. Like the Forte5, the Focus has a lot of standard and optional features available. However, the Ford Focus has a cramped back seat that most adults will find too restricting. The Focus also has a lackluster acceleration compared to the Forte5.
Conclusion
The Forte5 might feel a bit firm, but it is a safe and fun vehicle that can handle most road surfaces well for a front-wheel drive in its class. If you're in the market for an athletic hatchback that is packed to the brim with standard and optional features, give the 2017 Kia Forte5 a test-drive.
