What Is The Most Popular Kia? [The Surprising Answer!]

Kia is an incredibly popular car manufacturer that has taken the automobile industry by storm. From sedans to SUVs to EVs, they are all over the place. But which is the most popular Kia?

Kia has been in the automotive game long enough to know what they are doing. From being an underdog for several years to rising to one of the top-selling brands in the world, they have rebranded themselves in style. However, some Kia models have left customers wanting more. With so many options, how to know which is the most popular among them?

Table of Contents

• What Is The Most Popular Kia?
• 2022 Kia Forte – The Best Kia
  • What’s New for 2022?
  • How Does the Forte Perform?
    • Engine and Transmission
    • Fuel Economy
  • Comfort
  • Interior
  • Value

What Is The Most Popular Kia?

The most popular Kia vehicle is the Forte. In 2021, Kia sold 115,929 units of Forte in the US, while the Kia Sportage topped the charts for worldwide sales with 363,630 in 2021. However, Forte is more popular as the ratio of US to global tells us the difference maker is only the price of both vehicles.

Kia Forte is immensely popular because it offers an epitome of luxury and comfort at a much lower price than other sedans. This car also has many advantages, such as a high safety rating from the NHSTA and the IIHS. However, there are many aspects to consider when buying a car, and Forte will leave you astonished with its fantastic quality in most departments.

However, it’s not the cheapest SUV made by Kia Motors. If you’re wondering what is the lowest-priced Kia SUV, you may be surprised to learn that it’s the Soul.

After extensive research and analysis, we have put together this guide to help you decide which is the best new Kia. The information used in this guide is obtained from the most authentic resources.

2022 Kia Forte – The Best Kia

A high fuel economy, easy-to-use infotainment system and tech, and many more loaded tech features are the primary reasons for the Forte to be the most popular Kia car.

It is rated highly by the top US car magazines, including the U.S. News, which has given the Forte a generous 8.5 rating out of 10 and ranks it as the third-best vehicle in the compact cars category.

While it is apparent that the Forte is the most popular Kia car, let’s determine what makes this one worthy of such high scores and praises.

What’s New for 2022?

Kia Forte received a significant overhaul for its 2022 model. The Forte lineup ranges from the fuel-chugging base model to the sporty and famous GT line to the optional six-speed manual transmission.

The rejuvenation of the Forte includes redesigned front and rear end grills. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard features of the Forte lineup. Besides that, many new additional standards and optional safety features make the driving experience more comfortable and luxurious.

Moreover, Kia has overcome the issues that earned it a poor reputation in the early 2000s. Folks who still wonder how reliable Kia is haven’t noticed all of the changes they’ve made in the last few years.

The GT trim level features red lining on the front and rear grill, sporty side kits, spoilers, and more dynamic LED lighting.

How Does the Forte Perform?

Engine and Transmission

You can choose between two powertrain options for the new Forte. The base trim offers a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet torque.

This engine is paired with a CVT transmission that we find harsh and loud. This powertrain has recorded 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds with an average acceleration.

On the other hand, the GT-Line powertrain is the one you want for a power-packed performance. This engine is a 1.6 turbocharged inline four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. 

You can get this trim with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.  These rockstar qualities make the Forte GT a head-to-head competitor with the Civic Type-R model.

Fuel Economy

Similar to the powertrains, there is a significant difference between the fuel economy of Forte trims. The Forte FE is EPA-tested and has a fuel economy rating of 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. 

These are enormous numbers for a compact sedan and one of the primary reasons for the car’s popularity despite its lacking power. 

The other trims of Forte having the same powertrain provide a fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, which is still applaudable.

The GT-Line of Forte is the real fuel-chugging machine. The six-speed manual transmission provides a fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

If you want a better fuel economy with enormous power in your hands, you should go for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that provides 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Comfort

The biggest criticism the Kia Forte gets is because of its stiff suspension. The drive is more than comfortable and smooth around the town and daily commute.

You won’t feel lacking on hard paved roads or slight rough patches. However, the suspension fails to deliver on the big bumps and more uneven patches.

Besides that, the car’s interior provides an epitome of comfort with nice and soft upholstery, ample legroom, a spacious cabin, armrests, and headrest for a quality long drive or a cross-country trip.

The ride is quiet with the tires rolling smoothly, and you can only sense a customary ambient noise. 

The dual-zone climate control and front ventilated seats work well to keep the passengers at ease.

Interior

The manufacturers have genuinely put in quality craftsmanship in the interior of Forte, which puts it among the best compact cars. There are numerous options, and controls spread wisely across the cabin, so they are easy to use and keep you entertained, unlike some empty cabin cars that give off redundant vibes quickly.

Wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard with all models, which have high value for sedans.

Value

Some people argue that a stiff suspension and a plastic and fiber interior are not worth the price, but you will be paying a lot less for many features in a beautifully designed car that many of its competitor’s prices several bars above lack. 

Kia’s warranty is also one of the best in business, with basic coverage of six years or 60,000 miles, engine coverage of ten years or 100,000 miles, and roadside assistance of five years or 60,000 miles. 

With all that, Kia’s Forte is the best bang for your buck.