2015 Forte5 NJ Review

Overview

The 2015 Kia Forte5 is the newest addition to Kia's line of Hatchbacks, and starts with an MSRP of $19,690 for the basic EX model. Pricing increases to a maximum MSRP of $21,890 for the SX version, keeping it well within mid-range pricing. The 2015 model is available in just two models (the latter of which has the option of manual or automatic transmission), which are similar enough in build and price that most families can easily justify getting the most deluxe version of the vehicle.

Exterior Features

The exterior of the Forte5 is simple and straightforward, and includes:

• Heated, powered mirrors with integrated turn signals and power folding capabilities
• An optional power sunroof
• Solar control glass and automatic headlight controls that work together to provide the right amount of illumination at all times
• Optional high-intensity headlights for sharper, clearer vision
• Fog lights for when the clouds roll into Fair Lawn, NJ
• 16-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels

Interior Features

The interior of the Forte5 is a little nicer, with an obvious effort made to make the vehicle as comfortable as possible while keeping the price low. After all, Kia has other options if you really want to spend more on a vehicle, and the manufacturer has no intention of competing with itself that way. The interior features include:

• A six-speaker audio system with access to Kia's UVO eServices Infotainment
• Optional navigation with HD radio playback
• A rear-view camera, standard on the SX and optional on the EX
• Standard Bluetooth and USB connections
• A full set of cruise control, audio, and phone buttons mounted into the steering wheel
• An optional supervision cluster that provides added information about the vehicle's performance in Fair Lawn, NJ
• Standard air conditioning, with an optional upgrade to dual-zone climate control 

Mechanical Features

The EX model of the Forte5 uses a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine to produce 173 horsepower. This isn't enough for a heavy vacation load, but it's more than sufficient to support day-to-day tasks, and the excellent 25/33 fuel economy supports this. The Forte5 uses a 13.2 gallon tank, giving the EX version of the vehicle an estimated minimum range of 330 miles.

The SX model switches to a 1.6L turbo engine, and offers 201 horsepower on the automatic transmission version. Fuel economy dips to 21/29, which is still very reasonable, and it maintains an estimated minimum range of 277.2. This is entirely adequate for the city and suburban driving expected of the vehicle - families looking for a vacation vehicle may wish to select another of Kia's options instead.

Concluding Thoughts - 2015 Kia Forte5 NJ

If you're going to buy the 2015 model of Kia's Forte5 for trips throughout the Fair Lawn, NJ area, then you should seriously consider getting the SX model. It's only slightly more expensive than the basic EX, but adds a number of additional comforts and conveniences that will change each and every trip you have.

The only significant downside of the Forte5 is its range - while the range isn't bad, exactly, we would have tried to make the gas tank about three gallons larger. As things currently stand, you will find yourself filling the tank slightly more often than you would in many other vehicles, but that shouldn't be a problem as long as the Forte5 stays within its intended environment.

Outside of this, the Forte5 is an excellent value for its price. It has space; it has comforts, and it's strong enough to haul your things around without difficulty. We give it an overall score of 4.5/5, making it an excellent vehicle to consider if you're buying a new or used hatchback.

If you want to test drive the new Kia Forte5 visit Jack Daniel's Kia in Fair Lawn, NJ today!