2021 Kia Forte Interior: A Surprising Winner in Compact Sedan Comfort
The 2021 Kia Forte interior is a pleasant surprise in the world of compact sedans. While it competes with giants like the Honda Civic Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra the Forte manages to carve out its own space. From its comfort and style to technology and safety features the Forte's interior makes a compelling case for being more than just a budget-friendly sedan. Below is an in-depth review of the 2021 Kia Forte's interior what it offers and some honest takes on its strengths and a few drawbacks as well.
An Overview of the Kia Forte’s Interior Design
One of the first things that stands out when you open the door to the 2021 Kia Forte is the clean design. Kia didn’t overcomplicate things here. The dashboard is simple but sleek with intuitive controls and a focus on user accessibility. This isn’t the typical compact sedan interior where you feel cramped. There's ample space even for taller passengers both in the front and rear seats.
Materials and Quality
Kia has made efforts to provide a premium feel at an affordable price point. The cabin features soft-touch materials in key spots and uses hard plastics in non-touch areas. While some rivals may boast slightly more upscale materials Kia does a commendable job of making sure the Forte feels solid and durable. The leather-wrapped steering wheel (available in higher trims) and the leatherette trim elevate the experience making it feel more expensive than it is.
“Honestly I was quite surprised when I first sat inside the Forte" says Alex Collantes an automotive enthusiast. “It doesn't scream luxury but it certainly doesn’t feel cheap either. Kia did a great job balancing quality and cost.”
Comfort and Seating
Front Seats
The front seats of the 2021 Kia Forte offer decent comfort for daily commutes and long drives alike. The base model comes with cloth upholstery while the higher trims offer more upscale options like synthetic leather. The seats are supportive though some might find the padding a bit on the firmer side especially during extended periods of driving. Adjustable features like the 8-way power driver's seat (in some trims) help tailor the experience to different body types.
Rear Seats
When it comes to rear-seat space the Forte performs above average for its class. Three adults might feel slightly squeezed but two passengers will find plenty of legroom and headroom. The seats fold down to expand the cargo space from the trunk into the cabin – a feature useful for hauling larger items.
Interior Technology and Infotainment
The Kia Forte’s interior tech package is another area where it shines – considering the price point. The infotainment system is centered around an 8-inch touchscreen display that sits on top of the dash similar to a tablet. This positioning keeps the screen within the driver's line of sight reducing distractions.
Standard Features
Standard across all trims are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which make smartphone integration seamless. Also included are Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free phone capability. The user interface is simple and quick to respond allowing easy navigation through menus.
Upgraded Tech Options
If you go for one of the higher trims like the EX or GT you get access to even more features like:
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Smart Key with Push-Button Start
These features make the Forte feel far more upscale than you'd expect from a car in this segment. And it's not just the features – the controls are laid out logically and everything feels easy to reach and operate.
Cargo Space and Storage Solutions
While interior comfort and technology are crucial let’s not overlook how practical the Forte is for daily use.
Trunk Space
For a compact sedan the Kia Forte’s trunk is impressive offering 15.3 cubic feet of cargo room. This space is more than what many of its competitors offer – which means you can fit a decent amount of luggage groceries or even a stroller with ease.
Interior Storage
The Forte also provides practical storage solutions throughout the cabin. There's a large center console bin cupholders in the front and back and spacious door pockets. For those who appreciate smaller conveniences the glove box is ample and the passenger seat-back pockets are a handy touch as well.
Comfort and Convenience Features
In addition to the tech package and storage space the comfort and convenience features of the 2021 Kia Forte really help to round out the interior experience. Depending on the trim you choose you could have access to:
Climate Control
- Standard Air Conditioning: Basic but efficient
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Allows for individual temperature settings for driver and front passenger
Additional Conveniences
- Heated and Ventilated Seats: Available in the higher trims which is a nice touch for added comfort
- Sunroof: Allows for extra natural light and ventilation when desired
- Adjustable Rear Air Vents: While the base model lacks rear vents higher trims offer adjustable vents for backseat passengers
“During winter especially up north having those heated seats is like sitting on a warm cloud – it makes a world of difference on those icy mornings” adds Collantes sharing his thoughts on one of the Forte’s popular features.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
A modern car’s interior isn’t complete without a suite of safety features and driver assistance options. The Kia Forte comes well-equipped with standard features and available upgrades that enhance the overall driving experience.
Standard Safety Features
Some of the standard safety features included in the Forte are:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Driver Attention Warning
Available Safety Upgrades
If you're willing to spring for a higher trim or add an optional package you can also gain access to:
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Helps you stay aware of surrounding traffic
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts you when backing out of a parking spot
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the car ahead
The Forte’s available driver-assistance features put it on par with more expensive cars. And while they might not be as advanced as in some luxury vehicles they’re reliable and very useful in everyday driving scenarios.
Potential Drawbacks
As much as the 2021 Kia Forte interior has going for it it's important to note a few drawbacks:
Noise Levels
One area where the Forte falls a bit short is in its noise insulation. At highway speeds you might notice more road and wind noise seeping into the cabin compared to some competitors like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. This might not be a dealbreaker but it’s something to keep in mind if you do a lot of highway driving.
Firm Ride Quality
While the seats are generally comfortable the ride can feel firm particularly on rougher roads. Some may appreciate this for the added sense of control but for those seeking a softer cushier ride the Forte might feel a bit stiff.
Limited Rear Features
The Forte does well for front passengers in terms of comfort and tech features but rear passengers may feel a bit left out especially on the base model trims. There's no rear air vent standard and the absence of USB ports or charging options might be noticeable on longer drives.
Trim Levels and Their Interior Features
To get a sense of which trim might suit your needs best here’s a quick breakdown of the 2021 Kia Forte trims and some of their interior highlights:
FE (Base Model)
- Cloth Upholstery
- 8-Inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Basic Air Conditioning
LXS
- Soft-Touch Dash Materials
- Split-Folding Rear Seats
GT-Line
- Sporty Design Elements (steering wheel red stitching)
- Upgraded Upholstery
- Keyless Entry
EX
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Heated/Ventilated Front Seats
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
GT
- Sport Seats with More Side Bolstering
- Available Sunroof
- Wireless Charging Pad
Each trim level adds a unique set of features to cater to different preferences and budgets so there's plenty of flexibility.
Final Thoughts on the 2021 Kia Forte Interior
The 2021 Kia Forte interior is a testament to Kia’s commitment to delivering value without compromising quality. While it has its shortcomings – particularly in terms of noise insulation and some rear-seat features – it more than makes up for these in comfort tech and practicality. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly commuter or an affordable sedan with an upscale feel the Forte deserves a spot on your shortlist.
“If you're someone who values bang for your buck but also wants a car that feels nice to sit in and drive the Forte’s got a lot going for it. It's kind of an underrated gem in the compact sedan world” Collantes concludes.
References
- Kia Motors America - Kia Forte Overview
- Car and Driver - 2021 Kia Forte Review
- Motor Trend - Kia Forte: What You Need to Know