2018 Kia Forte LXa sharp, well-equipped compact sedan that punches above its weight:
Spotlight Features & Personality
Imagine stepping into a car thats compact, sensible but with just enough style and tech to feel special every day. Thats the Forte LX. Its not flashy, but its confident. Its got personality without trying too hard and thats a rare balance in a base model.
Performance & Efficiency
Under the hood is a 2.0liter naturally aspirated inline4, producing about 147 horsepower and 132 lbft of torque.
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Transmission options include a 6speed manual (for drivers who like more engagement) or a slick 6speed automatic.
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Fuel efficiency is impressive: up to 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway with the manual, and even better (up to 29 / 37 mpg) with the automatic.
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Design & Comfort
Clean, modern styling up front, expressive design cues without overdoing it. The LX keeps things simple but looks well put together.
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Interior space is pleasantly roomy for its class: ample front headroom and legroom, decent rear space for passengers or cargo.
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Essential comforts: a splitfolding rear seat, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, cloth upholstery. Not overly fancy, but everything you need is there.
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Tech & Safety The Surprises
In 2018, Kia made some nice updates even to the LX trim: standard cruise control (for automatic transmission models) and availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its Popular Package.
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Standard safety and driverassist features include stability and traction control, multiple airbags, ABS, etc. Optional/addon features in higher trims or packages include forward collision warning, blindspot detection, rear crosstraffic alert, etc.
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Used 2018 KiaForte LX
- Odometer
- 42,188 miles
- Fuel Economy
- 29/37 MPG City/Hwy
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-wheel Drive
- Engine
- 2.0 Liter
- VIN
- 3KPFK4A72JE169386
- Stock Number
- JE169386
Kia
Forte
Included Packages & Accessories
Dealer Notes
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

Overall4.2Out of 5
- 1.0
*One & done...NEVER BUY A KIA!*
By stocktones | on Friday, August 16, 2024
This was my first time owning a Kia, and my Forte EXGDI starting burning an inordinate amount of oil when it had around 80k miles (almost entirely freeway miles). I started keeping records of the oil consumption in 2019. I've had to check my oil levels weekly for a long time. The numerous times I mentioned it to the local Kia dealer when I was in for recall notices, I was told that it was normal. I subsequently learned that they didn't document any of those inquiries—I didn't realize that I should have ensured they were documenting my concerns about oil (which aside from being a pain, I suspected would lead to problems with my catalytic converter, etc.). Additionally, since about 2 years into ownership, I had to run only premium fuel (and regular Techron fuel treatment) to keep the car from pinging. Anyway, the car eventually started running terribly, and I confirmed that the catalytic converter was shot...as I've long feared would occur. The dealership quoted almost $3k. Even with that repair, the high oil consumption will prematurely clog up the new cat converter, obviously. I recently sold my "still looked pretty nice but would barely run" Kia for $1k. Btw, there has since been a recall, but my vehicle didn't qualify because by the time Kia acknowledged a problem with their GDI engines, my car was several thousand miles past the recall parameters (max 150k miles). I've never encountered a less scrupulous brand than Kia. I tell EVERYONE WHO WILL LISTEN...if you have an opportunity to buy a Kia, RUN AWAY. SAVE YOURSELF. If I can dissuade just one person from experiencing the frustration and mistreatment I've gone through at the hands of Kia, I'll be grateful.… - 4.0
Tires
By Tjn | on Tuesday, February 23, 2021
At 12000 miles i had 3 tires blow out on me at once. I almost flipped but thank God u didn't. Khumo tires are completely trash in my opinion because of this incident. Next kia deal will have to be with different tires if that brand is on them. I can always get a car somewhere else if they decline… - 5.0
High Quality For Low End Vehicles
By Jeff | on Friday, April 09, 2021
I've been driving my 2016 Kia Forte 4 door Sedan from its birth to 103,000 miles. Mostly all I've needed to do are general maintenance tasks (oil changes, tires, brakes). I think I replaced a shock. It's been smooth, handles nicely, normal modern amenities.…
Based on 144 consumer ratings for 2014–2018 models. | Privacy
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