2023 Kia Forte Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost w/Holdback

When many drivers think of Kia, the Forte is the first vehicle that comes to mind. This small sedan has been attracting buyers for many years now. The 2022 Kia Forte continues to prove why this vehicle is so well-loved by giving drivers high fuel economy and the latest in infotainment features. It also has a generous warranty, making the Forte one that any shopper after a new sedan should give serious consideration.

What's New for 2022?

Several significant changes are happening to the Forte this year. Both the front and rear end of the entire lineup has been redesigned. Buyers will find new wheel designs, a new grille design, and an updated look for the exterior lighting.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard features found on all Forte models. They all also gain a lane-following assist system. Models with the available advanced adaptive cruise control feature can use data from the navigation system to adjust the sedan's speed based on posted speed limits, plus slow down in preparation for curves.

Performance Stats

The majority of trim levels of the 2022 Forte get their power from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that is mated to a continuously variable transmission. The output is a respectable 147-horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. As for the top GT trim level, it goes with a turbocharged 1.6L that allows the sedan to create 201-horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a six-speed manual transmission is available. No matter what, the 2022 Forte is a front-wheel-drive sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The entry-level FE is the most fuel-efficient version of the new Forte. It is estimated to get 31mpg in the city and 41mpg on the highway. All other models with the base engine will give drivers 29mpg city and 39mpg highway. The GT with the automatic transmission is estimated to get 27mpg in the city and 35mpg on the highway. The manual transmission hurts those numbers significantly, bringing them down to 22mpg city and 31mpg highway.

Technology Features

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard Forte features. They can be controlled on an 8-inch touchscreen. The standard sound system features just four speakers, but the GT-Line goes up to six. GT models are eligible for an upgrade to a Harman Kardon setup with eight speakers.

Starting with the GT-Line, the Forte comes equipped with navigation and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. A wireless charging pad is available for the GT-Line. The GT has this upgrade on its included equipment list.

Safety Features

Advanced safety features are standard for the 2022 Kia Forte. The list includes lane-keeping assist and lane-following assist warning, plus forward-collision mitigation. Driver attention monitoring, which uses sensors to look out for fatigue driving habits, is also standard on all new Forte models.

The LXS trim has an optional technology package. It gives the sedan a safe-exit system, along with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features are standard on the GT-Line and GT. Speaking of the GT, it has LED headlights and automatic high beams. Not even that top model gets all of the available tech on its standard feature list, however. It has an available package that gives the Forte advanced adaptive cruise control plus pedestrian and cyclist collision avoidance.

Interior Space

This sedan has seats for up to five people. Many small cars feel cramped, but the Forte gives the passengers a decent amount of space to stretch out in both rows. There are 15.3 cubic feet in the trunk, giving the Forte an impressive amount of cargo space compared to other small sedans.

Interior Quality

Considering how affordable the 2022 Forte is, it is quite a nice surprise how upscale the cabin is. There are several plastics, but they are high-quality ones that do not take away from the look and feel of the interior. On higher trim levels, the Forte has soft-touch surfaces instead, plus upgrades like synthetic leather seats. The top GT trim level stands out with its eye-catching red contrast stitching.

Exterior Design

While the entry-level FE sits on rather bland 15-inch steel wheels, all other models get alloy instead. The LXS has 16-inch wheels, the GT-Line has 17-inch ones, and the GT goes up to 18-inches. Choosing the GT-Line or GT will mean getting LED foglights and LED daytime running lights. The GT gets LED headlights as well, plus nice upgrades such as a sport-tuned exhaust with dual chrome tips. Performance tires also come standard for the GT.

The 2022 Kia Forte is a shining example of the efficiency and convenience that a smaller sedan can offer. Buyers interested in saving money should see if this vehicle will meet all of their needs.

How to Calculate The Dealer Cost of a Kia Forte

Formula for Calculating Dealer Cost:

• Example: Base Kia Forte invoice price + the dealer Invoice price of all the options + destination - Holdback = Total Dealer Cost.
• What is Holdback? A hidden amount that manufacturers give back to a dealer. It is a percentage of the MSRP or the Invoice price.

Total Dealer Cost - Rebate and Incentive + Taxes / Licensing Fees = True Dealer Cost. (You can get rebates and incentives here)

Note: All Kia Forte MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.