When it comes to finding the perfect vehicle, it can be difficult to pick between two winners. If you’re struggling between the 2017 Kia Forte and 2016 Kia Forte Koup, this guide will help you decide.
Trim Levels and Exterior
There are some significant differences between the Kia Forte and Forte Koup trim styles. The Forte comes in the LX, S, and EX models, each of which are available in a wide range of colors. It comes with four doors, body-color and chrome accents, heated outside mirrors, projector beam headlights, and a rear trunk lid spoiler.
The Forte Koup comes in two trim levels: the EX and SX. Both are available in White, Silky Silver, Graphite Steel, and Black, but the SX also comes in Racing Red. The two-door Koup comes with either body-color or high-gloss black accents, solar control glass, projector beam headlights, front fog lights, and an optional power sunroof.
Interior Features
Both the Forte and Forte Koup come with optional features, like the 7-inch touchscreen with voice-command navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and radio, push button start with smart key immobilizer, and an auto dimming rearview mirror. However, the Forte comes standard with remote keyless entry with trunk opener and woven cloth seating trim. It has an extra inch of head and shoulder room all the way around, about four cubic feet more of interior volume than the Koup, and a slightly larger cargo area.
On the other hand, the Forte Koup comes standard with a 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display, FlexSteer driver-selectable steering assist, supervision meter cluster with a 4.2-inch thin film transistor color LCD display, HomeLink in the rearview mirror, and optional steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Engine and Power
Both Kias include a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine under the hood. However, the 2017 Forte LX and S engines come standard with an Atkinson cycle engine adjustment, which sacrifices a small amount of power in exchange for better gas mileage and efficiency. Both the LX and S get 147 horsepower and generate 132 pound-feet of torque. The Forte EX gets 164 horsepower and generates 151 pound-feet of torque.
With a slightly lighter body and the same powerful engine, the Forte Koup EX gets 173 horsepower and generates 154 pound-feet of torque. If you’re looking for a vehicle with some rumble under the hood, opt for the Forte Koup SX with its turbocharged 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine. It gets 201 horsepower and puts out 195 pound-feet of torque.
Safety
The main quality the Forte and Forte Koup have in common is safety. Both vehicle lines come fully equipped with Kia’s suite of fantastic safety features, including an impact-absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, dual front advanced airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and front seat belt pretensioners. With both models, you’ll also get advanced technology systems, like vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, a traction control system, electronic brake-force distribution, a brake assist system, hill start assist control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Now that you know the 2017 Forte and 2016 Forte Koup down to the last detail, which will you choose?
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.