The benchmark for sport sedan handling was etched in my mind at 17, behind the wheel of a friend’s brother’s 1972 BMW 2002 tii. Cruising along a winding road in the Sierra Nevada, near Bishop, California, the BMW was a revelation. Up until then, my driving experience was limited to more pedestrian vehicles – the high school driver training car, my mom’s Mercury Monterey, my first car, a Ford Falcon, and the radio station’s VW Super Beetle. The 2002 tii, however, was different. Its 140 horsepower felt ample thanks to its light weight, and despite this lightness, it possessed a solid, bank-vault-like feel. The handling and braking were, simply put, perfect.
Every so often, a car emerges that rekindles that feeling. This time, it’s the 2020 Kia Forte Gt. This car is simply outstanding. Driving it down California’s Highway 49 into Calaveras County, towards the historic gold rush town of Mokelumne Hill, I couldn’t stop grinning. The 100-mile round trip was pure joy. The Forte GT always seemed to be in the ideal gear, felt planted and confident entering curves, and the brakes were perfectly modulated. It was, in a word, flawless.
Image: The sporty front three-quarter view of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, showcasing its aggressive styling and GT badging.
The 2020 Kia Forte GT isn’t just a spiritual successor to the BMW 2002 tii; it’s a car that, if it wore a BMW badge, would easily command a $40,000 price tag. It delivers a driving experience that punches well above its weight class, offering performance and refinement that belie its affordable price.
Image: Rear three-quarter angle of the 2020 Kia Forte GT highlighting its dual exhaust and sporty rear design.
Potent Turbocharged Engine and Performance
Lifting the hood of the 2020 Kia Forte GT reveals a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This powerplant generates a healthy 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, placing it squarely in competition with the Honda Civic Si. In fact, the horsepower figure is just shy of the Civic Si. Both cars achieve a zero to 60 mph time in around seven seconds, a respectable figure for this class.
Image: The engine bay of the 2020 Kia Forte GT with the hood open, showcasing the turbocharged engine.
A key difference lies in the transmission options. The Civic Si is exclusively available with a six-speed manual, appealing to purists. In contrast, the 2020 Kia Forte GT comes solely with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While some might miss the manual, modern dual-clutch transmissions, like the one in the Forte GT, offer incredibly quick and precise gear changes, often outperforming human shifting in terms of speed and efficiency.
Image: A closer view of the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in the 2020 Kia Forte GT, emphasizing its performance credentials.
Image: Detailed shot of the 2020 Kia Forte GT engine, highlighting the turbocharger and engine components.
Fuel economy figures for both vehicles are also remarkably similar. The Civic Si is rated at 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, while the Forte GT achieves 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. This near parity in fuel efficiency further underscores the competitive positioning of the 2020 Kia Forte GT within the sport compact sedan segment.
Sporty Design and Features
While I appreciated the Honda Civic Si, the Forte GT simply feels more substantial and grounded on the road. Styling is subjective, but for my taste, the Civic leans a bit too much into the “boy-racer” aesthetic. The 2020 Kia Forte GT strikes a better balance, offering sporty cues without being overly aggressive.
The Forte GT also boasts a sport-tuned exhaust system that emits a satisfying snarl through its twin exhaust tips. These are connected to a single muffler, contributing to a refined yet sporty sound. Adding to the performance-oriented nature are the sport-tuned suspension and attractive 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. These elements combine to enhance both the handling and visual appeal of the 2020 Kia Forte GT.
Image: The trunk of the 2020 Kia Forte GT opened, showing the cargo space available in this compact sedan.
Image: A view inside the trunk of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, highlighting its practical cargo area.
Image: The rear seats of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, showing passenger space in the back.
Image: Front seats of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, showcasing the sport cloth and leatherette upholstery.
Exceptional Value and Features
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the 2020 Kia Forte GT is its price. The base MSRP starts at an incredibly reasonable $22,290. Even at this base price, the Forte GT is generously equipped. Standard features include an eight-inch touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. A trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio, keyless entry, pushbutton start, and a sporty cloth/leatherette interior further enhance the value proposition.
Image: The instrument panel of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, highlighting the driver-focused cockpit design.
Image: Close-up of the gauge cluster in the 2020 Kia Forte GT, showing the sporty instrumentation.
Image: The infotainment screen and HVAC controls of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, showcasing the user-friendly technology.
Image: The center console of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, highlighting the sporty design and controls.
Our test vehicle included optional extras such as automatic climate control and the GT2 Package. The GT2 Package adds a suite of safety and convenience features, including blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, rear parking distance warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. It also upgrades the audio system to a Harman Kardon premium system with Clari-Fi, adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, SOFINO premium leatherette seat trim, a power sunroof, and a wireless phone charger. Additional options included Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires, a cargo mat, carpeted floor mats, a cargo net, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.
Image: Front view of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, emphasizing its bold front grille and sporty stance.
Image: Close-up of the GT badge on the grille of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, highlighting its performance trim.
Image: Side profile of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, showcasing its sedan proportions and sporty wheels.
Image: Rear view of the 2020 Kia Forte GT, emphasizing its taillights and dual exhaust outlets.
Unbeatable Value Proposition
Including inland freight and handling, the as-tested price of this 2020 Kia Forte GT reached $26,445. This price point firmly establishes the Forte GT as an exceptional value proposition in the automotive market. Furthermore, it comes with Kia’s renowned 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing added peace of mind.
The 2020 Kia Forte GT serves as undeniable evidence of Kia’s commitment to performance and driving enjoyment, a commitment initially showcased with the Stinger GT2 AWD, benchmarked against the BMW 4-Series. The Forte GT embodies the spirit of the purest BMW DNA – reminiscent of the iconic 2002. Delivering this level of driving experience and features for under $27,000 in today’s market is truly remarkable. The 2020 Kia Forte GT is not just a good car; it’s an exceptional sport sedan that redefines value and performance in its segment.
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