2027 Kia Forte Price, Specs, Changes
2027 Kia Forte Price, Specs, Changes – The 2027 Kia Forte emerges as a refined compact sedan, taking a bold step forward in design and innovation. It’s not just a refresh—it’s a complete transformation that positions the Forte as a serious contender in the crowded small-car segment. With sharper lines, a wider stance, and a more assertive front fascia, Kia has injected the Forte with a premium, European-inspired aesthetic. The signature “Tiger Nose” grille is now slimmer and flanked by slimmer, full-LED headlights with dynamic lighting sequences. The hood creases and side sculpting have been reworked to add tension and visual interest. 2027 Kia Forte Price
2027 Kia Forte Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
Step inside the 2027 Forte, and it’s clear Kia has pushed its compact sedan closer to premium territory. A minimalist dashboard design features a clean horizontal layout, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting that wraps the cabin. Kia has replaced hard plastics with more upscale finishes—leatherette padding on doors and dash, aluminum-effect trims, and stitched accents even on mid-grade trims. The center stack now seamlessly integrates a large curved screen housing both the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system.
Kia’s new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit comes standard on all but the base trim and runs on the latest Kia Connect OS. The interface is sharp, responsive, and customizable, with natural voice commands, real-time traffic updates, and full wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Drivers can also interact via haptic-touch controls or the redesigned multifunction steering wheel. Wireless charging, USB-C ports in both rows, and over-the-air update capability make this one of the most tech-savvy cabins in the segment.
The seats themselves have been re-engineered for better long-distance support and now feature available ventilation and memory settings. Rear passengers get increased legroom thanks to the stretched wheelbase, plus air vents and improved noise insulation. Dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a new 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system round out the interior upgrades. Everything in the 2027 Forte is focused on driver and passenger comfort, connectivity, and a sense of refinement that belies its price tag.
From the side, the 2027 Forte carries a sportier profile with a slightly lower roofline and a longer wheelbase. Kia has widened the track and flared the fenders subtly to create a more planted appearance. New 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs complement its athletic posture, while the rear features a redesigned bumper, sharper LED taillights, and an available gloss black rear diffuser with integrated dual exhaust tips for the GT trim. The look is mature, upscale, and unmistakably modern.
Updates go beyond skin-deep—Kia has invested in improved aerodynamics, reducing drag while increasing stability at speed. The new body structure uses more high-strength steel and aluminum to lower curb weight while improving rigidity. Optional trims now include contrasting black roofs, smoked headlight finishes, and a sport appearance package that includes a subtle trunk lip spoiler and sport grille insert. The 2027 Forte isn’t just catching eyes—it’s commanding attention with purpose.
2027 Kia Forte Specs
Engine & Performance
Kia keeps the 2027 Forte lineup versatile with a choice of updated and efficient powertrains. The standard engine remains a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four producing 160 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque, now paired with an improved CVT that mimics shift patterns more realistically. It’s ideal for urban commutes and light cruising, offering smooth acceleration and reduced engine noise through reworked insulation and refined intake tuning.
Performance-minded drivers can opt for the Forte GT, which returns with a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. This inline-four now pushes 205 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, sent to the front wheels via a recalibrated 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A manual gearbox option remains available for enthusiasts. The GT trim benefits from sport-tuned suspension, larger disc brakes, and a retuned steering rack that gives better response and feedback. Acceleration from 0–60 mph clocks in around 6.4 seconds, putting the GT in hot-hatch territory.
Kia has focused on improved ride quality across all trims. The chassis receives new dampers, enhanced bushings, and a reinforced subframe to reduce road harshness without sacrificing handling. Optional adaptive dampers on the GT-Line Plus trim offer selectable drive modes, allowing the Forte to switch between comfort-oriented cruising and sharper, more dynamic handling. Whether you’re daily commuting or attacking backroads, the 2027 Forte now delivers a composed and confident drive. 2027 Kia Forte Price
2027 Kia Forte Fuel Economy
Fuel economy has improved across the board for the 2027 Forte thanks to weight savings, aerodynamic tweaks, and updated transmissions. The base 2.0-liter model now returns up to 35 MPG combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its class. The turbocharged GT delivers around 30 MPG combined, a slight bump over the outgoing version, thanks in part to lighter wheels and low-friction internal engine components.
2027 Kia Forte Safety Features
The 2027 Kia Forte doesn’t just look smarter—it actually is. Standard across all trims is Kia’s full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), now branded as “Kia DriveWise 3.0.” It includes forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The system uses enhanced radar and camera units for faster detection and smoother intervention.
One of the biggest additions for 2027 is the availability of Kia’s new Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which combines lane centering with automatic lane change functionality. This semi-autonomous feature works on mapped highways, adjusting speed and position automatically based on surrounding traffic. A 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and a new smart park assist system that enables remote parking via smartphone further add to its safety arsenal.
Structurally, the 2027 Forte benefits from a more rigid unibody and additional reinforcement zones around the A-pillars and side sills. Advanced airbags now include rear side thorax airbags, and the seatbelt pre-tensioners activate quicker thanks to an upgraded onboard crash sensor network. With these upgrades, the Forte is expected to receive top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It’s not just safe—it’s smart about it. 2027 Kia Forte Price
2027 Kia Forte Release Date & Price
Kia has positioned the new Forte aggressively when it comes to value. The base LX trim is expected to start at around $21,000, while the well-equipped LXS and EX models will range from $23,000 to $26,000. The sportier GT-Line starts near $27,000, and the fully loaded GT trim with all tech and performance options could top out at $31,500. Given the features packed into each trim, the Forte continues to punch well above its weight in terms of affordability and features-per-dollar.
Production for the 2027 Kia Forte will begin in early Q4 of 2026, with a formal debut anticipated in September 2026. Dealership availability should follow closely by November 2026, with pre-orders beginning shortly after the public reveal. Kia is also expected to launch new subscription-based features, allowing buyers to unlock certain infotainment or performance upgrades post-purchase via the Kia Connect platform.
