2021 Kia Forte
US · Midsize Cars
The 2021 Kia Forte is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Manual, Dual-clutch, Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 1.6 L to 2.0 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Manual, Dual-clutch, Automatic | |
| Gears | 6 to 7 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km) to 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
5 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 12, 2026.
22V304000: STEERING:COLUMN
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Reported May 5, 2022. View on NHTSA
21V164000: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Reported March 11, 2021. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 12, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 12, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 12, 2026
Data verified: October 12, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 2020 Kia Forte
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder · FWD
35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) - 2022 Kia Forte
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder · FWD
35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2021 Kia Forte have?
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Kia Forte?
Combined fuel economy is 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2021 Kia Forte front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 12, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.