The term “GT” in the automotive world traditionally evokes images of grand touring – vehicles designed for comfortable, high-speed, long-distance driving. However, the badge has become increasingly diluted, applied to various cars that may not fully embody this spirit. The 2022 Kia Forte GT enters this conversation, promising a sportier experience than the standard Forte. But does it live up to the GT moniker, or is it simply a case of marketing over muscle? Let’s delve into a detailed Kia Forte Gt Review to find out.
Initially, the prospect of test-driving the Forte GT was exciting. The specifications hinted at a fun, practical car – around 200 horsepower paired with a dual-clutch transmission sounded promising, especially for someone considering a vehicle with similar performance to a Volkswagen GTI but with the convenience of an automatic transmission. For households with drivers who prefer or require automatic transmissions, the Forte GT seemed like a compelling option on paper.
In everyday driving scenarios, the 2022 Kia Forte GT proves to be a competent and comfortable commuter. The interior offers ample space in both the front and rear, with user-friendly controls logically placed for easy access. Kia’s excellent 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is present in this GT trim, featuring intuitive operation and physical knobs for volume control, supplemented by convenient steering wheel-mounted controls. The Harmon/Kardon premium audio system delivers impressive sound quality, and the inclusion of both a wireless charging pad and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility enhances the tech-savviness. Interestingly, despite the larger screen in the GT trim, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not supported, requiring a wired connection – a feature paradoxically available on lower trims with the smaller eight-inch screen.
Considering its price point, the interior materials of the Forte GT are surprisingly refined. The SynTex seats, a synthetic leather, offer a comfortable seating experience and are accented with sporty red stitching, which extends to the padded steering wheel. Practicality is another strong suit, with a generous trunk space boasting 15.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it highly competitive in the compact sedan segment.
The sporty aesthetic of the GT trim carries over to the exterior, with red accents adding visual flair. Crimson highlights are incorporated into the grille and surround the distinctive stacked LED fog lamps. Beyond the GT-specific 18-inch alloy wheels and a subtle GT badge at the rear, the visual differentiators from the standard Forte are relatively understated, perhaps appealing to those who prefer a more subtle performance upgrade.
While the GT designation suggests enhanced performance, the Kia Forte GT performance is more of a mild upgrade than a transformative leap. It does offer a significant 54 horsepower increase over the base Forte and benefits from a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a step up from the standard CVT. However, “quick” might be an overstatement. More crucially, the added horsepower doesn’t translate into an engaging or particularly enthusiastic driving experience. The Forte GT handles corners adequately, but the overall handling feel is uninspiring and lacks driver feedback, discouraging spirited driving on winding roads.
Like many mass-market compact sedans, the handling is predictably tuned for understeer. While understandable for the segment, it contrasts sharply with front-wheel-drive rivals like the GTI, which manage to deliver a more engaging and playful driving dynamic. Even within its own corporate family, Hyundai, with its N-branded performance models based on similar platforms, demonstrates the potential for injecting genuine driving excitement. This raises the question of why a more engaging handling characteristic couldn’t be incorporated, even in a diluted form, into the Forte GT.
Interestingly, the Forte GT features a different rear suspension setup compared to other Forte trims – opting for a multi-link independent suspension instead of a torsion beam axle. This suggests a potential for improved handling dynamics, and perhaps aftermarket modifications such as upgraded shocks, struts, and a larger rear sway bar could unlock a more playful side to the Forte GT’s chassis.
In conclusion, the 2022 Kia Forte GT is a solid and well-rounded compact sedan, especially considering its competitive price point. Its impressive warranty, comfortable and feature-rich interior, and user-friendly infotainment system make it a compelling option in its class. However, the “GT” badge might set expectations slightly higher than what the car ultimately delivers in terms of outright performance and driving engagement. While it’s a capable and comfortable daily driver with a bit more pep, those seeking a truly sporty or grand touring experience might find the Forte GT falling a bit short of its name. It’s a good car, but perhaps not a true “GT” in the traditional sense.
