Change this, not that: 2024 Kia Forte GT review

The 2024 Kia Forte GT is the sportiest version of Kia’s small sedan for five passengers. It was redesigned in 2022 and continues as its most inexpensive vehicle. With GT models adding power and the option of a manual transmission, it does check some boxes for enthusiasts. However, the Forte name is on the way out, to be replaced by the K4.

I spent a week behind the wheel with kids and friends in tow and there was a lot to like. However, there were a handful of things that need to be improved, mostly inside the cabin.

What we tested: Newsweek test drove a 2024 Kia Forte GT in Snow White Pearl for this review. The sedan has a starting price of $24,690 with a $1,155 destination charge added on.

KEEP: The powertrain

Kia turbocharged engine here delivers a solid 201 horsepower (hp), which is plenty to scoot the Forte around, bringing back memories of medium-powered and fun high-school and college vehicles. The continuously variable transmission can be controlled with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or by using the gear selector.

Kia did a great job smoothing out the slow-speed operation of the unit, and making it feel sporty when driving quickly. It suffers none of the surging/slowing ratio changes that many CVTs exhibit, though the package does get a little loud at full tilt.

CHANGE: The isolation

The buzzy engine and lack of sound deadening materials does make this Forte GT a little noisier than most going down the highway. The small four-cylinder revs high to keep the power up, resulting a lot of growling in the cabin.

It’s the same with the suspension. The Forte GT handles well, and takes bumps well, but the noise and vibration are sent cleanly to the interior.

KEEP: The red accents

Between the red accent stitching on the seats in this GT trim and the sculpted door handles the Forte takes a big leap forward in design. The seats have pattern stitching on different panels while the colors splashes liven things up.

I also like the red bordering on the doors and steering wheel, and the red GT logo on the seatbacks. It also matches the digital red in the climate control panel.

CHANGE: The materials

The 2024 Forte features a lot of hard black and chrome-painted plastic. Accent colors don’t do anything to take away the inexpensive feelings of these materials, and the sounds they make when tapped or rapped.

Many of the metal-looking material is also plastic, some of those could easily be swapped out for a more premium feel while the automaker keeps the price low (see: Hyundai Elantra).

KEEP: The general aggressiveness

This being a car with GT attached to the end of its means it’s sportier than your average compact sedan and with front wheel drive is still safe in slippery conditions. The turbocharged four-cylinder revs quickly and will even allow buyers to spin the tires from a stoplight, usually around a turn.

It’s just fun to drive quickly, and the paddle shifters are great for downshifting a few times and blasting past slower moving traffic in their hulking SUVs, all while miserly sipping gasoline.