Kia’s Next-Generation Forte: What to Expect
Kia is on the cusp of a design and nomenclature evolution, as its future vehicles gradually take shape. While we can make educated guesses about the design based on spy photos, the name of the upcoming sedan still remains a mystery. In this article, we’ll explore everything we currently know about the next-generation Kia Forte.
What Will It Be Called?
Let’s dive into the naming dilemma. Kia may break away from the Forte name and opt for the K4 instead. This follows the Korean brand’s trend of adopting alphanumerics for its models. However, things get a bit complicated because the current Forte is already known as the K3 in certain parts of the world. Interestingly, Kia recently introduced a new K3 sedan, which is smaller and serves as the successor to the Rio, not the Forte. Moreover, Kia previously sold a K4 sedan in China, but it is an entirely different vehicle. Speculation runs rampant regarding the name, although rumors suggest that K4 might be the frontrunner, bridging the gap between K3 and K5. Regardless, it will likely be the new version of the Forte as we know it in North America.
What Will It Look Like?
Kia introduced its Opposites United design language in 2021, emphasizing contrasting and edgy shapes. By closely examining spy photos of a camouflaged prototype, we have inferred this design philosophy, drawing inspiration from recent Kia releases like the K3, Sportage, and EV9. The next-gen Forte is expected to be larger than its predecessor, featuring sharp vertical and horizontal elements in the headlights and grille. Through the camouflage, we can discern sharp body lines on the front and rear fenders. The back of the sedan will likely have a sloping roof and C-pillar treatment similar to the K5, incorporating more of the “opposites united” design features.
What’s Under The Hood?
While Kia is fully embracing the electric era, our prototype sightings confirm that the new Forte will still have internal combustion power. This doesn’t rule out the possibility of hybrid powertrains, but we anticipate the sedan to feature either the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter or turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines used in various Kia models, including the current-gen Forte. Front-wheel drive is expected to be the standard configuration.
When Does It Arrive?
The current-generation Kia Forte is due for release in 2024, boasting additional standard equipment and a slight price hike. With that in mind, we can anticipate that the next-gen Forte, whether it’s labeled as such or named the K4, will be at least a 2025 model year vehicle. Following Kia’s typical release pattern, we might see it unveiled in South Korea (where it is referred to as the Cerato) in mid-2025, with a North American debut in late 2024 or early 2025.
How Much Will It Cost?
As Kia has managed to keep prototypes and information tightly under wraps, we currently have no details regarding pricing. However, for reference, the 2024 Kia Forte starts at $20,915 and goes up to $25,615 in GT trim with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
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