2023 Kia Forte Vs. 2022 Kia Forte: Which Should I Buy in 2024?

• The 2023 Kia Forte vs. 2022 Kia Forte is a difficult choice. However, what has changed between this older model versus the newer one?
• The Kia Forte was redesigned in the 2019 model year, but it’s not that different compared to the generation. 
• The 2019 Forte had the same base engine, although with slightly improved fuel economy. It also received some tech features that weren’t standard on the 2018 Kia Forte.

Looking at the 2020 Kia Forte is slightly more exciting because it offers some sportier trims with turbo engines. As such, its GT-Line and GT trims are still available for 2022, along with a few new features inside. 

If the Kia Forte 2021 carries similar features in 2022, does that mean the 2023 Kia Forte was upgraded? Between the 2022 and 2023 Kia, which should you buy in 2024?

The 2023 Kia Forte is Still Unchanged

Just like the 2022 model, the 2023 Kia Forte comes with a standard four-cylinder engine that makes 147 hp. It’s paired with a CVT and you can still only purchase this car with FWD. The GT models come with a 201-hp turbo-four paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

You can also equip the Kia Forte GT with a six-speed manual transmission. However, the CVT is the most efficient gearbox, earning 30/41 mpg city/highway. Fuel economy dips slightly for the LXS and GT-Line trims because they ride on larger wheels. 

Every Kia Forte has seating for five riders on basic cloth seats, plus over 15 cu-ft of storage space. The base trim also comes with wireless smartphone integration and an 8-in centre touchscreen, plus several safety features. You can upgrade to the LXS trim and get more optional safety features through a technology package.

The Kia Forte LXS also has standard split-folding rear seats, which carry over to the GT-Line trim. The GT-Line also gets the LXS’s available safety features, plus a 10.25-inch touchscreen. However, you can only use smartphone integration via a USB port on this trim.

Still, the GT-Line has sportier body lines and a unique interior. Leather inserts are added to the sports seats, but you can get full leather seats with a package upgrade. The Sports Premium bundle also includes heating and ventilation for the front seats.

Two more GT-Line packages are available with features like a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a wireless charging pad. The Kia Forte GT comes standard with the turbo engine, as well as a sportier suspension and paddle shifters. However, it loses some of the premium options that you can get inside the lower trims.

Is The 2023 Kia Forte Different From the 2022 Model?

According to experts, one of the Kia Forte’s many packages is absent for the 2023 model year. Last year, you could get a GT Package with safety features such as highway-driving assistance and forward-collision warning. As of 2023, every Kia Forte with the dual-clutch transmission includes these features.

The base trim is also now known as the LX instead of the FE. You can option the LX with a new garage door opener and an auto-dimming mirror, both of which weren’t available last year.

How Much is the 2023 Kia Forte in Nigeria?

Like most new vehicles, the 2023 Kia Forte is slightly more expensive compared to the 2022 model. The LX trim prices in Nigeria start at about N25 million, and the LXS is about N25.5 million, while the Kia Forte GT-Line costs around N28 million. The 2022 Kia Forte is also still available in Nigeria and will be a cheaper option compared to the 2023 model.