2012 Kia Forte 5-Door Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Kia Forte Hatchback review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 Forte 5-Door, and includes Kia Forte Hatchback safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The Kia Forte family includes a coupe, a sedan, and this handy five-door hatchback model. The main difference here is utility; that rear hatch opens wide to reveal a sizable cargo space. That makes it our favorite of the bunch.

Few changes accompany the Kia Forte 5-Door into 2012. The big news is that a six-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission is now standard for all trim levels. Two minor alterations include a steering wheel that now tilts and telescopes to help you find an ideal driving position, and a new gauge cluster for EX models equipped with the optional Technology Package.

Two trim levels are available for the 2012 Kia Forte 5-Door: EX and SX. Those who see a car as a means of entertainment will rejoice with either model, as Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a USB port, an auxiliary audio input jack, a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio with a free three-month trial subscription, and Kia’s Power Bass surround sound speaker system are included as standard equipment.

Beyond the impressive sound and communications technology, the EX rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and provides a height-adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power heated side mirrors with embedded turn signal indicators, cruise control, and floor mats. Optional goodies include a power sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass, a HomeLink programmable remote control, and remote engine starting. A Technology Package with a reversing camera, a navigation system, automatic climate control, prettier gauges, keyless entry and push-button starting, automatic headlights, and fog lights may also be added to the EX.

Opting for the SX trim level means that you’ll get a more powerful engine, a performance-tuned suspension, an improved braking system, and 17-inch alloy wheels with sportier tires. Inside, Supervision gauges and metallic trim accents are packaged with sport cloth upholstery and leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob. Options mirror the EX model, but the SX can also be upgraded with a Leather Package that includes heated front seats.

Two engines are available for the front-wheel-drive Forte hatchback, and both are married to a standard six-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission with manual shift function.

The EX model is moved by a 2.0-liter, 156-horsepower, four-cylinder engine capable of getting 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Forte SX is equipped with a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine, rated to get 23-city/32-highway.

On the SX model, the Sportmatic transmission includes shift paddles mounted to the steering wheel for drivers with Formula One aspirations.

The 2012 Kia Forte 5-Door includes traction control, stability control, six airbags, and a four-wheel-disc antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist on its standard safety equipment list. There is a reversing camera available, bundled with the optional Technology Package on both models.

Crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that the 2012 Kia Forte 5-Door will protect occupants decently in a crash, as it receives a 4-Star overall rating overall. The NHTSA does note that during testing, the rear door panel struck the crash-test dummy’s torso and caused a measurement indicating greater potential for thoracic injury. It also bears mentioning that in the side pole crash test, the Forte chalked up a 2-Star rating. Not good. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested the Forte 5-Door.

Reliability predictions aren’t terribly impressive, either. In 2011, Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates expected the Forte to provide average reliability over time.

Kia attempts to combat durability concerns with an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Basic warranty coverage measures five-years/60,000-miles, and includes free roadside assistance.

And now, the raison d’etre of the hatchback: cargo space. With the rear seats in use this useful hatchback gives you 19.4 cubic-feet of room. For some reason, Kia is coy about providing a volume number with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. Forte fan forums claim somewhere in the vicinity of 44 cubic-feet, but this figure is not official. It’s like the Yeti of specifications.

While Americans still come to grips with their irrational hate-hate relationship with hatchbacks, the rest of the world has been enjoying these versatile vehicles’ reasonable dimensions and good fuel economy. Still there seems to be a surge of appealing, affordable hatchbacks as of late, and the 2012 Kia Forte 5-Door is definitely among the most stylish. But given the Forte’s middling crash-test scores and reliability forecasts, we’d recommend shopping around before choosing this good-looking Korean.

By Liz Kim