2021 Kia Forte LXS Interior Review: Practical Comfort with a Stylish Flair
The 2021 Kia Forte LXS has been making waves in the compact sedan category thanks to its affordability, practicality, and surprising range of features. While the Forte lineup in general offers a lot for its price point, the interior of the LXS trim really stands out as a sweet spot between luxury and simplicity. Let's dive deep into what this car has to offer when it comes to interior comfort, features, and overall design.
An Introduction to the 2021 Kia Forte LXS
The 2021 Kia Forte comes in five different trims - FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. The LXS trim sits right above the base model FE, making it an attractive option for those who want a few more features without significantly hiking up the price. The LXS comes standard with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, producing a respectable 147 horsepower, which makes it more than capable of handling daily commutes or weekend road trips.
Spacious Interior Design
The interior of the 2021 Kia Forte LXS strikes a fine balance between modern design and functional simplicity. The cabin has a clean layout that feels open and airy, offering more space than many compact cars in the same category. In fact, the Forte LXS boasts 96 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is a generous amount for a car in its class.
Comfort and Seating
The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making them comfortable for both short commutes and longer drives. They are made from woven cloth upholstery, which, while not leather, feels durable and provides enough grip to prevent sliding around. The driver’s seat comes with a 6-way manual adjustment, allowing for easy customization for a comfortable driving position.
However, if there's one point to mention here, it's that some drivers may find the manual adjustments less convenient than power-adjustable seats found in higher trims or in competitor models. But Alex Collantes, a proud owner of the 2021 Kia Forte LXS, says: “The seats are really comfortable for what you're paying. I don't miss the power seats at all.”
In the back, passengers have a good amount of legroom - 35.7 inches, which is generous for this segment. Although the middle seat may be a bit cramped for adults on long journeys, children or shorter passengers will still find it adequate.
Tech Features to Keep You Connected
The 2021 Kia Forte LXS is not just about practicality and comfort; it also packs a decent tech punch. Standard tech features include an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is one of the largest displays in this class. It provides crisp visuals and has a straightforward user interface that even tech novices will find easy to use.
Infotainment System
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. This means you can easily connect your smartphone for navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling. Many rivals, even at higher price points, often charge extra for these features, so it's a big plus for the Forte LXS.
However, one potential drawback is that the sound system is a bit basic. The car comes with a 4-speaker audio system that may not deliver the depth or richness of sound that audiophiles crave. While it's certainly adequate for daily use, some drivers may find themselves wanting more bass or better clarity when it comes to playing their favorite tunes.
Additional Tech Features
- Bluetooth hands-free connectivity for wireless calls and music streaming.
- Siri Eyes Free and Google Voice Recognition for voice commands.
- Steering-wheel-mounted controls for volume and calls.
Build Quality and Materials
The interior materials of the 2021 Kia Forte LXS lean more towards the practical side rather than the luxurious. Kia has done a good job of mixing hard and soft-touch plastics throughout the cabin. The dashboard and door panels have some soft-touch accents that make the interior feel more upscale than you might expect in this price range.
The downside here is that the lower trims of the Forte do have some areas of hard plastics, particularly on the door panels and around the center console. For some drivers, this may not be a big deal, but those looking for a more premium feel might notice the difference, especially if they've test-driven higher trims or competitor models with more soft-touch materials.
Alex Collantes shares, "I get that some people may think it's a bit plasticky in some places, but honestly, I like how easy it is to clean. For me, it's more about how it holds up over time."
Storage and Practicality
When it comes to storage, the Kia Forte LXS does not disappoint. The center console features ample space to store smaller items like your phone, wallet, or keys. There are also several cup holders and door pockets for additional storage.
The trunk space is a big win for the Forte LXS. With 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, it's one of the largest in the compact sedan segment. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow for even more flexibility if you need to haul larger items.
User-Friendly Climate Control
The manual air conditioning system in the Kia Forte LXS is simple and easy to use, with large knobs for temperature and fan speed control. This straightforward design means you won’t be fumbling with complicated settings while on the road.
Benefits of the Climate System
- Straightforward controls for easy adjustments.
- Good air distribution throughout the cabin.
- Rear vents absent - which is typical for cars in this class, but could be a potential drawback for backseat passengers on longer trips.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Kia takes safety seriously, and the 2021 Forte LXS includes a generous list of standard safety features. These driver assistance technologies help provide peace of mind on the road.
Standard Safety Features
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you of a potential collision with the car in front.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Applies brakes if a frontal collision is imminent.
- Lane Departure Warning: Warns if you unintentionally drift out of your lane.
- Lane Keep Assist: Helps you stay centered in your lane.
For the most part, these features work smoothly, but some drivers may find the alerts to be overly sensitive. For instance, the Lane Departure Warning can be a bit quick to notify you, which might become a slight annoyance on narrow or winding roads.
Drawbacks to Consider
While the 2021 Kia Forte LXS interior has plenty of strengths, it's important to consider a few potential drawbacks. Although they don’t overshadow the car’s many benefits, these are things you might want to keep in mind:
- Manual Seat Adjustments: While the seats are comfortable, the lack of power-adjustable options might be inconvenient for some drivers.
- Hard Plastic Surfaces: Some parts of the cabin feature hard plastics that can feel less premium than the competition.
- Basic Sound System: The 4-speaker audio system may not satisfy those looking for a high-quality in-car audio experience.
- Rear Seat Comfort: The middle rear seat might feel cramped for adults on long journeys.
Fuel Efficiency and Value
The 2021 Kia Forte LXS shines when it comes to fuel efficiency, offering 31 MPG city and 41 MPG highway. This makes it a very cost-effective option for those who do a lot of commuting or long-distance driving. With its affordable price tag and great fuel economy, the LXS offers a strong value for money proposition.
Is the Kia Forte LXS a Good Buy?
For many drivers, the 2021 Kia Forte LXS hits all the right notes: it's spacious, comfortable, and packed with features that are hard to find in this price range. While it might lack some of the plushness of more expensive models, it certainly doesn’t compromise on practicality and value.
Alex Collantes sums it up perfectly, saying: “I love my Forte. It’s just the right balance of features without feeling like I paid for stuff I don’t need. The interior is comfy enough for me and my family, and the tech is spot on.”
Conclusion
The 2021 Kia Forte LXS interior offers a winning combination of comfort, technology, and practicality. While there are some minor drawbacks such as the presence of some hard plastics and a basic sound system, these are easily outweighed by the car’s spacious cabin, user-friendly tech, and affordable price point. The Kia Forte LXS stands out as a strong option in the compact sedan category, making it a top choice for those seeking style and comfort without breaking the bank.
References
- Kia Motors Official Website: Kia.com
- Consumer Reports: consumerreports.org
- Edmunds Car Reviews: edmunds.com
Note: The opinions quoted are based on a fictional owner and may vary in actual customer experiences.