If you are currently car shopping and wondering is the kia forte all wheel drive, I'll give it to you straight: no, it is not. As of the current model year, the Kia Forte is strictly a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle. While many of its competitors have started offering all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option to lure in buyers who live in the "Snow Belt," Kia has chosen to keep the Forte simple, lightweight, and—most importantly—affordable.
It's a common question, though. With so many crossovers and even some rival sedans moving toward AWD, it's natural to assume that a modern, tech-packed car like the Forte might have a hidden AWD trim level. But whether you go for the base LX or the punchy, turbocharged GT, you're going to be putting the power down through the front wheels only.
Why Doesn't the Forte Have an AWD Option?
You might be thinking, "Why wouldn't Kia just throw an AWD system in there?" It seems like a missed opportunity, especially when you see the Subaru Impreza or the Mazda3 offering that extra grip. However, car manufacturers have to make tough choices based on the "platform" the car is built on.
The Forte is designed to be an entry-level compact sedan. To keep the price tag under that $20,000 to $25,000 mark, they have to save money somewhere. Adding an AWD system isn't just about sticking a couple of extra gears in the back. It requires a different rear suspension setup, a driveshaft tunnel that eats into cabin space, and a more complex transmission.
By sticking with FWD, Kia keeps the car lighter, which helps with fuel economy. It also keeps the floor in the back seat flatter, giving your passengers more legroom. For most people commuting to work or school, the trade-off for a lower monthly payment and better gas mileage is usually worth more than the three days a year they might actually need AWD.
How the Forte Handles Bad Weather
I know what you're thinking. "That's great for California, but I live in a place where it snows six months a year." If you're asking is the kia forte all wheel drive because you're worried about getting stuck in a snowbank, let's talk about how FWD actually performs.
Front-wheel drive is actually pretty decent in the snow. Because the engine's weight sits directly over the wheels that are doing the pulling, you get a fair amount of traction. It's significantly better than an old-school rear-wheel-drive car that likes to fish-tail the second it sees a snowflake.
If you really want to make a Forte a "winter warrior," the secret isn't AWD—it's a good set of winter tires. Honestly, a front-wheel-drive Forte equipped with dedicated winter tires (like Bridgestone Blizzaks or Michelin X-Ices) will often outperform an AWD car running on standard "all-season" tires. All-wheel drive helps you get going, but it doesn't help you stop or turn on ice. Tires do that.
The Performance Factor: The Forte GT
Now, if you were looking for AWD for performance reasons, I get the disappointment. The Kia Forte GT is a surprisingly quick little car. It packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine making 201 horsepower. When you have that much poke in a light car, you can sometimes get a bit of "torque steer" or wheel spin if you hammer the gas from a stoplight.
In a perfect world, an AWD Forte GT would be a mini Audi S3. It would grip and rip. But again, that would drive the price up into the $30,000 range, and at that point, you're competing with cars that are simply in a different league. Kia decided to keep the GT fun and flickable without the added weight of a heavy AWD system hanging off the back. It makes the car feel more agile in the corners, even if it's a bit "scooty" off the line.
Comparing the Forte to AWD Rivals
If you are dead set on having all four wheels spinning, you do have other options in the compact segment. But you have to look at what you're giving up to get that feature.
- Subaru Impreza/Crosstrek: These come with AWD standard. However, they usually have a CVT transmission that feels a bit "rubbery" compared to the Forte's dual-clutch or manual options, and the interior isn't quite as flashy.
- Mazda3: You can get AWD here, and it's a fantastic system. But to get it, you usually have to climb up the trim levels, and the price tag starts looking more like a luxury car's.
- Toyota Corolla: There is an AWD hybrid version now. It's great for gas mileage, but it's definitely not "sporty."
When you look at the Forte, you realize you're paying for things like a massive infotainment screen, heated and ventilated seats, and a killer warranty. For many buyers, having a cooled seat in July is a better "everyday" feature than having AWD in January.
Will the Future "K4" Have AWD?
There's a bit of a shake-up happening at Kia. The Forte nameplate is actually being retired in favor of a new model called the Kia K4. This is a bigger, more futuristic-looking sedan that is set to replace the Forte very soon.
Naturally, people are asking if the K4 will finally bring AWD to the table. As of right now, it looks like the K4 will also remain primarily a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Kia seems to want to keep a clear distinction between their compact cars and their larger offerings. If you want AWD in a Kia sedan, they really want to point you toward the Kia K5 (the mid-sized sibling), which does offer an AWD option on certain trims.
Kia Alternatives with All-Wheel Drive
If you've read this far and decided that the answer to is the kia forte all wheel drive is a dealbreaker for you, don't walk away from the brand just yet. Kia has plenty of other options that fit a similar budget but offer the traction you're looking for.
- Kia Seltos: This is essentially the "SUV version" of a compact car. It's small, easy to park, and offers a very capable AWD system. It sits a bit higher off the ground, which is actually more helpful in deep snow than AWD anyway.
- Kia K5: As I mentioned, this is the next step up. It's bigger, more comfortable, and offers AWD on the GT-Line trim. It's a great highway cruiser.
- Kia Sportage: If you need AWD because you're heading up to trailheads or dealing with serious winter weather, the Sportage is the way to go.
Final Thoughts on the Forte
At the end of the day, the Kia Forte is what it is: a high-value, stylish, and efficient commuter car. By not offering all-wheel drive, Kia is able to pack the car with features that people use 99% of the time. You get a better stereo, better safety tech, and a much better interior than you'd expect for the price.
If you live in a city or a place with decent snow plowing, don't let the lack of AWD scare you off. The Forte is a blast to drive, it's incredibly easy on the wallet at the gas pump, and it looks way more expensive than it actually is. Just invest in a good set of tires if you live in the North, and you'll be perfectly fine.
So, while the answer to is the kia forte all wheel drive is a "no," that doesn't mean it isn't one of the best bangs for your buck on the market today. It's all about deciding what features actually matter for your daily drive. If you can live without those extra two drive wheels, the Forte offers a lot of car for the money.