In recent years, the average new car price has climbed higher and higher. Kia has taken it upon itself to help change that fact. Providing fun, sporty vehicles for thousands of dollars less than you’d expect has given Kia an edge over the competition. The most prominent example of this is their Forte GT, the performance trim of the otherwise basic compact sedan. However, it may be hard to visualize if the performance is worth the added cost. So just how fast is the 2022 Kia Forte GT?

Is the 2022 Kia Forte GT Fast?

Kia set up the Forte GT with the right equipment to make it sporty and fun. Starting with the powerplant, the 2022 Forte GT houses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbo engine produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Sending the power to the front wheels is either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual transmission. With a surprisingly loud cold start, the dual-exit exhaust lets the turbo breathe. 

Stab the gas, and you’ll be met with a decent torque steer making the Forte GT feel uncivilized in all the right ways. Car&Driver tested the 0-60 at a brisk 6.7 seconds for the manual transmission car. The mid-6 second time puts the Forte GT in the middle of all its competition. But, even without breaking records, the Forte GT cements itself as an aggressive compact sedan.

Is the 2022 Kia Forte GT a Fun Car?

Being a brand-new car, the Forte GT comes with three different drive mode settings. Comfort, Smart, and Sport drive modes allow you to customize your driving experience. Starting with Comfort, steering and throttle response are muted. Perfect for everyday driving around town. Smart will switch between modes to provide the best mpg, power on demand, and a smooth ride. Finally, Sport mode lets the car loose and is where you’ll spend most of your time. In Sport mode, the car gets a snappy throttle feel and direct steering input to make the most out of the 201 horsepower.

If you optioned the 2022 Kia Forte GT with a manual transmission, you could also grab a set of Michelin tires to go with it for the ultimate package. However, even equipped with all-season tires, the sporty sedan hugs corners and is willing to turn in confidently. Motortrend tested the Forte GT on their skidpad, which pulled an average of 0.87 g, putting the compact sedan above average compared to others in its class. One of the downsides is that the Forte GT is tail happy under braking, but it is still well-mannered and predictable.

Should You Buy a 2022 Kia Forte GT?

With the 2022 Kia Forte GT coming in at $26,870 fully loaded, it provides an incredible value considering the features and performance. The price tag is also $1500 less than its closest rival, the 2022 Honda Civic Si, making it relatively easier to decide between the two. Although the Kia name hasn’t always been synonymous with performance, the 2022 Kia Forte GT makes an excellent case for the brand.