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
A number of compact sedans that have been recently redesigned now boast EPA highway fuel economy ratings of around 40 mpg—or even better. The 2013 Kia Forte isn't quite this frugal; it comes with EPA ratings that, today, are considered about average for the class, even though just two years ago they would have been among the best.
The sporty SX model is the laggard of the group, with EPA ratings of 23 mpg city, 32 highway. On the other hand, get the Eco package, which includes electric power steering, low-rolling-resistance tires, and aerodynamic enhancements and you'll get a 27 mpg city, 37 highway EPA rating with the six-speed automatic.
Conclusion
The 2013 Kia Forte falls just a bit short of the compact segment's new 40-mpg highway mileage target.
