2022 Kia Forte: Updates And Improvements For Kia's Hot-Selling Small Car

The third-generation Kia Forte is undergoing a series of updates and improvements for the 2022 model year that takes the hot-selling Forte to a new level of technological advancement. There are updates outside, inside, and under the skin that make the 2022 Kia Forte an even more appealing option.

In a market that's routinely proving more challenging for cars – you've seen all the headlines that say Everyone Wants An SUV – the Kia Forte continues to grow more popular.

• Take the third-quarter of 2021, for example: Canadian passenger car sales were down 10% from 2020 levels; yet Kia Forte sales were up 4%.
• Or go back to last year, when the Forte's market share in its small car segment jumped from 6% in 2019 to 9% in 2020. 
• Between 2015 and 2020, Hyundai Elantra sales fell by 54% and Toyota Corolla sales plunged 30%. The Volkswagen Jetta took a 62% loss during the same period. Yet Forte sales increased 26% during the same period.
• Already in 2021, during just the first nine months of the year, Kia Canada reported 12,520 Forte sales, a 19% increase from 2020 levels. 

In other words, people want this car. And for 2022, it's better than ever. What's changed?

EXTERIOR

The 2022 Forte is still unmistakably a third-generation Forte. There was no need to mess with success on a broad scale. So Kia tidied up some edges to distinguish the 2022 Forte with new headlights, a new tiger-nose grille, revised bumpers, new wheel designs, a combination taillight design that stretches across the car, and a subtle trunk lid lip spoiler that has a far greater impact than you'd expect. As a package, these modest changes will make it easy to spot the 2022 Forte in a parking lot full of 2019-2021 Fortes while still allowing the new car to be clearly marked out as a Kia Forte.

INTERIOR

While the exterior changes are largely cosmetic, many of the Forte's interior alterations will serve a practical purpose in everyday life. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will now be available, for example. On upper-spec models, the new 8-inch touchscreen display will be swapped out for a 10.25-inch screen. Kia is going to slot in a rear USB charger. The conventional parking brake will be replaced by a space-saving electronic parking brake. And on cars with remote start, it will be integrated into the smart key. 

UNDER THE SKIN

Kia isn't going to make any changes to the performance of the Forte, not in the typical lineup nor in the turbocharged GT models. These engines and transmissions provide ample power and driveability while returning exceptional fuel economy. However, there's a bunch of high-tech gear that will become more common across different parts of the lineup. Depending on trim level, some of these elements are standard equipment; others require moving up the ladder. 

• Lane Following Assist follows lane markings that the system detects and provides steering inputs to help maintain the vehicle in the center of the lane.
• Highway Driving Assist uses highway speed limit information from the navigation system and, under certain conditions, will automatically adjust speed to be within the posted speed limit and help to maintain distance with the vehicle detected in front.
• Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve leverages the navigation system to lower the vehicle's speed proactively before upcoming curves.
• Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Zone leverages the navigation system to lower the vehicle’s speed proactively to adapt to changing speed limits on the highway.
• Safe Exit Warning can alert the driver or passengers of certain potential hazards approaching from behind when exiting the vehicle.
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist can detect vehicles traveling in the next lane. When a vehicle is “seen” in the blind spot, the vehicle brakes the outer wheel under certain conditions to help return the vehicle to its lane.
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist assists the driver when braking to help prevent a collision or lessen the effects in certain conditions if a vehicle or pedestrian is detected in front and assists the driver when braking to help prevent a collision or lessen the effects in certain conditions if a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist is detected in front.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist helps detect most approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and may apply the brakes.
• Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist are all part of the Forte's available tech portfolfio, as well.

As we learn more about the 2022 Forte's release date, pricing, and trim specifications, we'll keep you updated. Check out the 2021 Forte in our online showroom here.