Housed underneath the Forte’s longer hood is a second-generation 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine that benefits from Atkinson Cycle technology and a cooled EGR system. Typically applied to hybrid and electric vehicles, the Atkinson Cycle and cooled EGR technologies are designed to help boost fuel efficiency in a variety of situations. The new powerplant can be paired with a standard six-speed manual or an all-new available Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The engine and in-house-built IVT are the first of a new line of highly efficient “Smart Stream” powertrains that will make their way into the Kia lineup in the future.
Waiting before developing Kia’s own continuously variable transmission (CVT) allowed engineers to research issues often associated with CVTs and apply their findings in the application used in the Forte. One of the main criticisms is that they can create a rubber-band-like feel, and in an effort to address this issue, engineers built the IVT with adaptive style shift logic with a chain-type belt instead of push belt, a first in the compact class. This results in smooth and linear acceleration, and for a more enjoyable and sporty driving experience, a step-shift-like feel mimics a conventional automatic at wide-open throttle or when more acceleration is needed.
Noise is another issue CVTs can sometimes face and engineers worked hard to reduce this in the Forte by wrapping the transmission case in a sound-insulating cover to help quiet the typical “drone” associated with this tech from other manufacturers. In doing so, NVH levels in the Forte are reduced by 5dB from the outgoing model.
Horsepower and torque remain unchanged from the 2018 Forte, putting out 147 HP and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. Without sacrificing engine performance, the Forte delivers improved EPA estimated combined MPG ratings all around. The FE trim equipped with the six-speed manual returns 27/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined1, but when outfitted with the IVT, the ratings improve to 31/41/35 mpg city/highway/combined. The LXS, S, and EX trims are rated at 30/40/34 mpg city/highway/combined.1
1 Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.
