GREEN | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
23 mpg city, 32 highway (2.4-liter, auto); 25/34 (2.0, manual); 26/26 (2.0 auto); 27/37 (Forte Eco)
U.S. EPA
extraordinarily tall gearing (2,400 rpm at 80 mph) helps produce decent EPA fuel economy ratings
Edmunds' Inside Line
The 2012 Kia Forte comes with EPA ratings that, today, are considered about average for the class; although just two years ago they would have been among the best. Compacts have improved tremendously in this area, thanks to improved aerodynamics, powertrain improvements, and basic things like taller top gearing.
With EPA ratings of 23 mpg city, 32 highway, the sporty SX model is unremarkable. But the Kia Forte Eco package returns 27 mpg city, 37 highway with the six-speed automatic electric power steering, low-rolling-resistance tires, and additional aerodynamic improvements.
Conclusion
40 mpg has become the new target for the compact class, but the 2012 Kia Forte, especially in EX or Eco form, does approach that magic number.
