2021 Kia Forte GT Interior: A Sporty and Practical Space
If you're looking for a compact sedan that hits all the right notes when it comes to style comfort and affordability then the 2021 Kia Forte GT has to be on your radar. From its athletic exterior to its impressive interior this model seems to punch above its weight class. Here we’re diving deep into the interior features that make the Forte GT stand out and also mentioning any areas where it could improve to give you a balanced perspective.
Overview of the 2021 Kia Forte GT Interior
The 2021 Kia Forte GT makes a lasting impression once you step inside. Designed to provide both comfort and style the GT trim level takes everything you love about the Forte and turns it up a notch. With sporty elements tech-focused touches and a focus on driver convenience the GT truly transforms the interior experience. So what exactly makes this car’s interior unique? Let’s break it down section by section.
Key Highlights
- Sporty Seats: Red-stitched leatherette seats give it an edge
- Spacious Cabin: Ample room for passengers and cargo
- Advanced Tech: 8-inch touchscreen standard with smartphone integration
- Premium Feel: Soft-touch materials and a clean design layout
“The Forte GT has one of the most comfortable and stylish interiors in its class and I think it could easily compete with some of the pricier European cars out there.” – Alex Collantes Auto Enthusiast
A Sporty Vibe with Everyday Comfort
Seat Comfort and Design
One of the main selling points of the 2021 Kia Forte GT's interior is its sporty seats. Covered in a mix of synthetic leather and cloth with red contrast stitching these seats are built to both cradle the driver and add some visual appeal. The GT seats are bolstered well for spirited driving giving you the right support during those sharper corners yet remain comfortable for daily commuting. They're designed to feel snug without feeling constricting even for larger drivers.
Seating Space and Legroom
The 2021 Kia Forte GT is surprisingly roomy for a compact car. Front passengers get plenty of headroom and legroom and the driver’s seat is fully adjustable. The back seat provides decent space as well comfortably seating two adults (three is doable but tight). The car's wheelbase and design allow for ample rear legroom compared to many competitors in the compact segment.
Potential Drawback: If you're someone who prefers soft plush seats the Forte GT's sporty bolsters may feel a bit firm initially especially if you're not accustomed to them.
Tech That Puts You in Control
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment
The Kia Forte GT comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's straightforward and easy to use. This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can seamlessly connect your phone for navigation music and more. The screen is bright responsive and centrally located on the dash making it easy to access without being distracting while driving.
Bose Premium Audio System
For audiophiles Kia offers an available Bose premium audio system with 8 speakers. The audio quality is great for a car in this price range providing crisp sound and decent bass for your road trip playlist or daily commute jams.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Voice Command
Bluetooth connectivity comes standard making it a breeze to stream music or make hands-free calls. Voice command is responsive enough though some users might find it more efficient to use their phone’s native assistant.
Alex’s Take: “I personally found the voice command quite responsive though like many other systems it sometimes gets tripped up with accents or background noise.”
Potential Drawback: Some users have mentioned that the touchscreen can sometimes lag especially when switching between apps quickly. It’s not a dealbreaker but it’s noticeable if you're coming from a higher-end infotainment system.
Design and Quality: A Premium Feel Without the Price Tag
Materials and Soft-Touch Surfaces
The Kia Forte GT impresses with the quality of its materials. There’s an abundance of soft-touch surfaces across the dashboard and door panels enhancing the car’s overall appeal. The center console also has a sporty yet premium look thanks to its clean lines and easy-to-use controls. Brushed metal accents around the air vents steering wheel and gear shifter add to the GT's modern sporty look.
Interior Color Schemes
The GT trim gets an all-black interior with red contrast stitching which not only adds a sporty feel but also a touch of elegance. It’s an aesthetic choice that makes the Forte GT stand out in a sea of neutral interiors found in most compacts.
Potential Drawback: The glossy black plastic trim used on certain parts of the dash and console looks stylish but is prone to fingerprints and scratches. Regular cleaning will be needed to keep it looking its best.
Comfort Features That Make Every Ride Enjoyable
Heated and Ventilated Seats
The GT trim offers available heated and ventilated front seats—a feature not often found in this price segment. These seats make winter drives more comfortable and keep you cool in the summer.
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Another high-end feature in the Forte GT is the dual-zone automatic climate control. Both driver and passenger can set their own temperature preferences ensuring everyone stays comfortable no matter the weather outside.
Spacious Center Console and Storage
The center console is practical and deep enough to store your everyday items like sunglasses and wallets. There’s also a wireless charging pad available so you can easily keep your smartphone charged without the hassle of cables.
Potential Drawback: While there is ample storage throughout the cabin some drivers have found that the door pockets are on the small side which may limit what you can store there.
A Sport-Inspired Dashboard
Instrument Cluster and Gauge Layout
The instrument cluster on the GT trim is sporty featuring red accents to complement the car’s overall interior theme. The tachometer and speedometer are clear and easy to read while a 3.5-inch digital display between them provides key info like fuel economy trip data and more.
Steering Wheel and Shifter Design
The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and comes with red stitching to match the seats. It has a flat-bottomed design a nod to its sporty nature. Paddle shifters come standard on the GT as well giving you more control over gear changes. The gear shifter is also wrapped in leather and feels comfortable in the hand adding to the premium touch of the interior.
Collantes’s Opinion: “The steering wheel felt great and responsive with good grip. It gives a sporty feel which is exactly what you want in a trim like the GT.”
Practicality and Cargo Space
Trunk Space
One area where the Forte GT truly excels is trunk space. At 15.3 cubic feet the trunk is one of the largest in its class. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split allowing for more versatile cargo space for those larger items.
Rear Passenger Amenities
Rear passengers aren’t left out either. There are rear air vents and a fold-down armrest with cup holders providing comfort on long journeys.
Potential Drawback: While the trunk space is impressive the rear seats don’t fold flat entirely which can make it a bit tricky to fit in bulkier items.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Tech
Standard Safety Features
The 2021 Kia Forte GT comes with a suite of standard safety features to keep you secure. Forward collision warning lane departure warning and lane keep assist are all standard helping prevent accidents and making highway driving a breeze.
Available Driver-Assistance Upgrades
For those looking for even more safety the GT trim offers additional options like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features are well worth considering if you do a lot of highway driving or regularly find yourself in tight parking spaces.
Potential Drawback: Some users have found that the lane keep assist can feel a bit aggressive especially when navigating around bends or in areas with faded lane markings. This can lead to a somewhat intrusive driving experience for those not used to these systems.
Final Thoughts on the 2021 Kia Forte GT Interior
The 2021 Kia Forte GT impresses with its sporty design spacious cabin and advanced tech features. While it's not without a few minor drawbacks—like some lag in the infotainment or glossy trim that can attract fingerprints—the overall package is highly appealing. The GT trim successfully blends practicality and style making it an attractive option for compact car buyers seeking a bit of a thrill in their daily drive.
If you want a compact sedan that feels much more premium than its price tag suggests the Forte GT should be on your shortlist.
FAQs
Q: Is the 2021 Kia Forte GT interior comfortable for long drives? A: Yes the seats offer good support and the cabin is spacious making it comfortable for long trips.
Q: Does the Forte GT have a lot of cargo space? A: Yes with 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space it offers more cargo room than many of its competitors.
Q: Can I connect my smartphone easily to the infotainment system? A: Absolutely the 8-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making it easy to connect your smartphone.
References
- Kia Motors America. (2021). 2021 Kia Forte Features & Specs. Retrieved from Kia.com.
- Collantes, Alex. (2021). Personal interview on the driving and interior experience of the Kia Forte GT.
- MotorTrend. (2021). 2021 Kia Forte Review. Retrieved from MotorTrend.com.
- Car and Driver. (2021). 2021 Kia Forte GT: Detailed Interior and Exterior Overview. Retrieved from CarandDriver.com.
Closing Thoughts
Overall if you're looking for a car that provides a well-balanced mix of comfort tech features and sporty vibes the 2021 Kia Forte GT delivers it all at a price point that’s hard to beat in the compact car segment.