How Kia Has Made the Forte More Efficient Over Time

Are you looking for a used Kia Forte for sale and wondering if it will hold up to new-vehicle efficiency standards? Here’s the good news: Kia has been making improvements to the Forte for over a decade to make it a fuel economy superstar. Today, it’s one of the most impressive gas-powertrain sedans on the market, attracting students, parents, professionals, and commuters of all kinds.

The Forte’s refinements have been steady since the model first hit the market in 2009, but some of the biggest fuel economy upgrades happened in 2019 (with a few trickling in before that); that’s when the third-generation Forte came out, and it consumed far less fuel than its predecessors. Today, we’ll examine why Kia Fortes from as long ago as 2019 can achieve such impressive fuel economy figures and why you should consider this model for your next purchase.

A Smarter, Adaptable Transmission

Let’s talk for a moment about transmissions, because Kia has focused heavily on them for the last couple of generations. If you look at 2019 and newer Kia Forte models, you’ll find a few transmission options: the six-speed manual transmission, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the intelligent variable transmission (IVT), an advanced kind of continuously variable transmission (CVT).

It’s a nice touch that Kia maintained the manual transmission option for performance enthusiasts who like to feel connected to the road. But for a while now, manual transmissions have been the least efficient option, and automatics have overtaken them (whereas the opposite used to be true).

However, the IVT was a new addition for the third generation and really kicked things up a notch in the efficiency department. The IVT relies on smart technology to adapt to your real-time driving conditions, as well as your driving habits. This allows it to choose the ideal RPM range that blends power and efficiency for your unique handling.

The IVT just about revolutionizes how we drive, because it skips the clunky feeling you get from the shift points of traditional transmissions. The end result is a more fluid acceleration, offering more comfortable gear changes in stop-and-go driving, on top of less wasted energy.

If you do opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, you’ll still be enjoying a savvier automatic transmission than those of yesteryear. Dual-clutch transmissions rely on two separate clutches, hence the name; one is assigned to even-numbered gears, and one to odd-numbered gears. The system will scan for the next gear while still engaging the current one, and this reduces the power disruption you experience with traditional automatics, resulting in better fuel economy.

Improved Fuel Injection Systems

Next, let’s discuss the Kia Forte’s fuel injection systems. To recap, fuel injection systems control fuel delivery to the engine, deciding how much fuel to send and when. They also help calculate the ideal ratio of air-to-fuel for optimal fuel economy, performance, and emissions.

Select Fortes have a basic multi-point fuel injection system. That is a pretty solid starting fuel injection system, but Kia also offers the Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system. (Full disclosure: This system was available before the third generation, but it is certainly a noteworthy efficiency booster.)

The CVVT takes efficiency up a notch because it controls not only how and when fuel is delivered but also how the engine breathes. The engine “inhales” fuel through its intake valves and exhales exhaust through the exhaust valves. Doing so at just the right moments allows the engine to optimize fuel consumption. The CVVT monitors driving conditions and adjusts when the valves open and close, in real time, to achieve optimal efficiency.

Multiple Drive Mode Options

The Forte’s drive mode options have existed since before 2019, but earlier models had different names for them. The most important thing to know about these drive modes is that they adjust things like throttle sensitivity and transmission behavior to adapt to your driving needs at the moment.

Sport Mode will give you a sharper throttle response and tighter steering feel, but it will cause a dip in fuel efficiency. Normal Mode delivers a balance of solid fuel economy and a comfortable ride. Smart Mode can choose the best combination of characteristics based on conditions.

A Tougher But Lighter Frame

For 2019, Kia reintroduced the Forte with a 54% advanced high-strength steel frame. This upgraded material improved efficiency in a number of ways. First, it reduced weight, helping the engine work a little less hard to support its frame. A stiffer vehicle body also allows the suspension to perform better. Put simply, a less stiff body creates more “flex” when you drive, and your vehicle adjusts for that, which results in wasted energy.

A stiffer chassis also typically results in better tire contact with the ground, which can help reduce tire wear and tear (which is a common cause behind fuel efficiency issues). The high-strength steel delivers on its name’s promise, as well, improving safety in the event of a collision. So, Kia managed to make the Forte more efficient while boosting safety ratings!

How Does It Compare to Its Competitors?

Naturally, you might want to know how a Kia Forte compares to competitors like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or Hyundai Elantra. The differences in fuel economy figures across the board for these models are negligible; they’re all rather neck-and-neck. The Forte, however, has not only a lower starting price than its competitors, but it also has a lower overall price range across its trims.

So, for a fuel-efficient model, it’s quite a steal. You can imagine how that price difference translates to pre-owned models, making a used Kia Forte one of the best options for drivers who are both budget-conscious and fuel-conscious.

Find Your Own Pre-Owned Kia Forte Today

A pre-owned Kia Forte is a savvy and fuel-efficient model that’s ideal for anyone looking to save at the dealership and at the pump. We know we covered a lot today, from the Forte’s smart fuel injection system to its intelligent transmissions and adaptable drive modes. If you have questions about any of this or want to learn more about the Forte, visit one of our locations.

We carry different model years and trims of the Forte across our locations. A member of our team would love to help you decide which model is right for your drives. We can show you how the features we covered here, such as the drive modes, work in real time. We can also help you decide which transmission and engine make the most sense for the places you commute and how you like to drive.

We understand that drivers today are concerned about rising fuel costs and want to ensure that a vehicle with poor fuel economy doesn’t ruin their financial plans. We’re confident that a pre-owned Forte will get you further than the competition, and on less fuel, so that you can save some extra bucks each month toward your goals. If you’ve been looking for a dealership with a large inventory of pre-owned Fortes and a team of experts on the model, see the Rusty Wallace Family of Dealerships. We can’t wait to help you optimize your daily drives with a used Kia Forte!