You’re probably looking at a Honda Civic Si or maybe a Volkswagen Jetta GLI and thinking that’s the gold standard for a "fun" daily driver. Honestly, most people are. But there is a massive oversight happening in the car market, and it’s sitting right on the Kia lot. The 2022 Kia Forte GT is the car that nobody talks about enough, and it’s arguably the best value-per-horsepower proposition you can find from that model year.
It’s not just a Forte with a body kit.
While the standard Forte is a perfectly fine, sensible commuter with a CVT that behaves itself, the GT is a different animal. It swaps the torsion beam rear suspension for a multi-link setup and drops in a turbocharged engine that actually has some soul. If you’ve ever felt like modern cars are becoming too numb or too expensive for what they offer, this might be the reality check you need.
It’s Actually Fast (Sorta)
Let’s talk numbers because that’s why you’re looking at the GT in the first place. You’re getting a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It pumps out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Is it a supercar? No. But in a car that weighs just over 3,000 pounds, it’s plenty. You’re looking at a 0-60 mph time of about 6.7 seconds. That puts it right in the mix with its more famous rivals. What’s more interesting is how it delivers that power. The torque kicks in low—around 1,500 rpm—so it feels punchy when you’re just darting through traffic or merging onto the highway.
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The 2022 Kia Forte GT gives you two transmission choices that aren't a CVT. You can get the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) which is snappy and comes with paddle shifters. Or, for the purists, there’s the 6-speed manual. Finding a manual in a new-ish car that doesn’t cost fifty grand is getting harder every year.
The Performance Gap: GT vs. Everything Else
Most people confuse the "GT-Line" with the "GT." Don't do that. The GT-Line is basically a costume; it looks fast but has the standard 147-hp engine and the CVT. It's fine if you just want the looks, but if you want the "go," you need the real GT.
The difference in how they handle is night and day. Because the 2022 Kia Forte GT uses that independent multi-link rear suspension I mentioned, it doesn't get upset by mid-corner bumps like the lower trims do. It stays planted. Kia also threw in larger front disc brakes and a sport-tuned dual exhaust that actually growls. It’s not a fake, piped-in sound through the speakers—it’s real hardware making real noise.
Comparing the 2022 Rivals
- Honda Civic Si: It’s more refined and has a better manual shifter, but it’s often marked up by dealers and usually has fewer features for a higher price.
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI: More "grown-up" and faster, but significantly more expensive than the Forte GT.
- Hyundai Elantra N Line: The Forte's corporate cousin. Same bones, different skin. It comes down to which design you prefer, though the Kia often feels a bit more "classic" inside.
Living With It: The "Daily" Factor
A car can't just be fun; it has to not annoy you when you're stuck in 5:00 PM traffic. The interior of the 2022 Kia Forte GT is surprisingly "premium-ish." You get SynTex synthetic leather seats with red stitching that actually hold you in place.
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The 10.25-inch touchscreen is standard here. It’s fast. It’s intuitive. One weird quirk: while the lower trims with the smaller screen have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this big fancy screen requires a cable. It’s a strange Kia-ism from that era, but once you’re plugged in, the Harman Kardon 8-speaker system sounds fantastic.
Space is also a huge win. The trunk offers 15.3 cubic feet, which is more than many mid-size sedans. You can fit a surprising amount of groceries or gear back there. Gas mileage is decent too, provided you don't have a lead foot. You can expect about 30 mpg combined with the DCT, though the manual drops that down to about 26 mpg because, well, you're probably going to drive it harder.
What to Watch Out For
No car is perfect. The 2022 Kia Forte GT has a few "character flaws" that might bug you. The idle can feel a little "throbby" or shaky when you’re sitting at a red light. It’s not broken; it’s just the nature of that specific 1.6T engine.
The DCT can also be a little jerky at very low speeds—like when you're creeping along in a parking lot. It’s a dual-clutch, not a traditional torque-converter automatic, so it likes to be driven with intent. If you’re used to a buttery-smooth Lexus, this will feel different.
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Maintaining the Edge
If you buy one of these, or already own one, don't skip the basics. Turbo engines are pickier about oil than naturally aspirated ones.
- Oil Changes: Stick to the 6,000 to 7,500-mile interval. Use full synthetic. Period.
- Tire Rotations: The GT is front-wheel drive and has a decent amount of torque. You will chew through front tires if you don't rotate them every 7,500 miles.
- Spark Plugs: These need attention around the 60,000-mile mark. It’s a small price to pay to keep the turbo firing correctly.
Practical Next Steps for Buyers
If you’re hunting for a 2022 Kia Forte GT on the used market, check the VIN for any open recalls—Kia is usually good about fixes, but it’s worth a look. Look specifically for models with the GT2 Package. This adds ventilated seats (a godsend in summer), a sunroof, and rear parking sensors.
Make sure to test drive both the manual and the DCT if you can. They change the personality of the car completely. The manual makes it a weekend backroad toy; the DCT makes it a sharp, effortless commuter. Either way, you’re getting a car that punches way above its weight class without the "enthusiast tax" you'll find on a Honda or a VW.
The 2022 Kia Forte GT is proof that you don't need to spend $40,000 to have a car that makes you look back at it in the parking lot. It’s practical, it’s loud enough to be fun, and it still has that 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty if you’re the original owner (or a 5-year/60,000-mile one if you’re second in line). That’s peace of mind you just don't get with most used sport compacts.