As you probably know Dave and I are in the market to buy a new car. We have an old SUV that has seen better days. We’ve been making a list of our favorites so that we can be ready when we go car shopping. That’s why I was excited to be given the chance to test drive for a week, the Kia Forte 5-Door Hatchback.
While we’ve been thinking that we’d like to replace our current SUV with another or maybe even a mini-van, we haven’t ruled out a good compact or mid-size car. This was the perfect opportunity to check out what a smaller vehicle had to offer. I made a video highlighting some of my favorite features:
Right off the bat, I fell in love with the keyless entry. It’s so nice being able to keep the keyfob in my pocket or purse and then simply open the door as I’m near. No unlocking necessary. It’s all done for you.
Another wonderful feature is the push button start. Keeping the key fob in your pocket or purse you step on the brake and push the button. The engine starts and you’re ready to go.
I was also happy with the controls on the steering wheel. They made it easy to tune the radio, adjust the climate, and more.
The center display was very nice and I loved the touchscreen features. It was easy to tune the radio
Selecting stations and setting favorites on Sirius was a breeze.
Using the map made navigating simple.
It even showed traffic congestion and delays!
I also liked the visibility the rear view camera offered. We live on a street where lots of people are often out walking. The camera gives me peace of mind while baking out of our driveway. While I didn’t rely on it solely, I felt much better it having it there.
One of our favorite features was the heated seats. Here in Cleveland these have become a must. We loved that when you turned them on, arrived at your destination, turned off the car, when we returned the car and started it the seats would automatically turn on. In most vehicles we’ve test driven you have to turn the seats on every time you start the car. So this was a simple but wonderful feature.
The center console is nice with a couple of storage options.
The sun roof offered lots of extra light.
We liked the folding side mirrors as well. It’s a great idea and a feature we’d use if we had to park the car on a busy street.
The backseat offered a nice amount of room for the kids.
And Logan found the ride very comfy!
The hatchback meant a nice size trunk. Here’s a look at it empty.
Here’s a look at it packed full with Kora & Logan’s suitcase and pillows ready for an overnight trip at their cousin’s. As you can see there’s still a lot of room.
The Kia Forte 5-Door Hatchback is a nice car that we would recommend to anyone with a small family. We felt that for us it would be a good second vehicle. If we already had an SUV or a minivan this would be a car we would consider for Dave to drive to and from work. With a Navigation System that shows traffic congestion and slow downs, the Bluetooth Wireless Technology with Steering Wheel Controls, Sirius, and the Rear View Camera it would make a nice commuter vehicle for businessmen on the go like Dave.
Love it! We are thinking about getting a smaller car, and this one looks perfect! I love the sunroof!
We also have heated seats and a back up camera in our vehicle (Honda odyssey). Love those! But we don’t have the Bluetooth controls or the folding side mirrors. Those would be really nice to get in our next car. How did this car feel when driving? Was it smooth?
I would consider this a compact car, yet it seems to have plenty of rear leg room. They sure have been able to make cars roomier and more comfortable as of lately. I bet it has great gas mileage too, awesome for a lone traveler, wouldn’t take the kids on a road trip in this, too small for that!!
Love the features especially the back up camera. I find that one of the most useful things to help park and for safety.
Amazing how similar it is to my 2011 Hyundai Tucson Limited, which I love. The rear back up,camera takes some time to,orient with, but boy do I love it. I also love the steering wheel with controls. I like that you can turn in side mirrors with a button. Awesome car and great arm wrest storage
Nice car! Thank you for the review!
How nice!! Lots of great features!
We tried out a Kia Sportage awhile back and really enjoyed it!
i love kia and their new line of vehicles. they look so nice and have great technology. this forte looks amazing and it looks like it drives well too.
It looks like it has some terrific features!
I’ve been curious about Kias, but I dread going to the car dealer. I really like that I could see all of your photos and thoughts. I think that I may go ahead and visit the dealer now that I have a better idea what they are like.
really cute car! I have a Kia and I love it!
I’m a sucker for the push button start and for the rear view camera. Also loved the fact that the gps showed you where the traffic delays were.
The sun roof looks awesome, I wonder if it would let too much heat inside in Arizona?
I love all the photos – we are also looking for a new vehicle and need room for the kiddos so I will mention this to hubby!
I like the fold in mirrors. What a great way to keep people from messing them up when they are parked on the street.
What a nice car! Love the built in navigation and rear cameras!
This sounds like a rad car but I giggled at the thought of having heated seats here in Texas. ;)
Great detailed review!
Great review! That car really has everything, I had no idea. Good luck with the car search!
Mmm… shiny red. Very nice. Is it a 4 or 5 seater? We are shopping right now, but we need to be able to squeeze in 3 carseats with the new baby on the way. I am hoping for a 7 seater.
Wow, that looks really awesome. I love the built in GPS and back up navigation! Logan looks so cute sleeping. :)
The push button start and the built in GPS look amazing!
I think KIA is really stepping up its game. Their vehicles are looking nicer and nicer.
wow! I want that car!!! That is awesome! IT has so many features that our old van doesn’t. I love the back up camera. And I Love the sun roof and GPS. Oh goodness, I just love all the gadgets.
Wow, that is a gorgeous car! I really like the push button start, and the color is so fun!
I really like all the features!! GPS is a must for me.
Wow, that is attractive and extremely roomy! Love it! The heated seats and rear view camera are like a dream! Thanks for the sneak peek!
My friend has this car and absolutely loves it. I love all the features you describe! Thanks for telling me about it!
I’m thinking it’s a great starter car, and I LOVE that backup warning system.
what a sharp looking car! I love the navigation too!
Love the keyless entry and push button start. Kia has really been impressing me with their vehicles. I love the style of the Forte.