2018 Kia Forte LX vs. EX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Kia Forte LX and 2018 Kia Forte EX contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Kia Forte LX and the 2018 Kia Forte EX.
When we compare the 2018 Kia Forte LX's and the 2018 Kia Forte EX's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Kia Forte LX has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. The 2018 Kia Forte EX has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. The 2018 Kia Forte LX and 2018 Kia Forte EX have the same interior volume, overall quality score Based on this comparison of the 2018 Kia Forte LX's and the 2018 Kia Forte EX's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Kia Forte EX is a better car than the 2018 Kia Forte LX.
Pricing: A used 2018 Kia Forte LX ranges from $8,499 to $16,998 while a used 2018 Kia Forte EX is priced between $10,120 to $17,948.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the 2018 Kia Forte LX and the 2018 Kia Forte EX both lose 33 percent of their value.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Forte is 8.0 out of 10. Kia Forte is ranked 27 out of 43 Best Small Cars based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Kia Forte is 7.6 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Kia Forte LX’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the 2018 Kia Forte EX base engine makes 164 horsepower. The LX is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles. The EX is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. This gives the 2018 Kia Forte EX the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Kia Forte LX. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The Kia Forte has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$16,800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$20,571
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,395 - $39,785
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$21,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$20,571
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,395 - $39,785
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$12,974
Price Range:
$8,499 - $16,998
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$17,195
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$9,985 - $30,573
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
290
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
88,511
# Good or Great Deals:
102
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$14,454
Price Range:
$10,120 - $17,948
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$17,195
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$9,985 - $30,573
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
10
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
65,910
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Kia Forte Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Kia Forte Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Kia Forte LX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
5.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
3.1 - 8.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Kia Forte EX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
5.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
3.1 - 8.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.5 - 16.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.5 - 16.6
Kia Forte Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
25 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Kia Forte Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
25 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Kia Forte Trim Levels
EX, S
Other Kia Forte Trim Levels
LX, S
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
164 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
330 / 449 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 37 / 32
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 488 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.9 inches
Cargo Space:
14.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.9 inches
Cargo Space:
14.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2811 lbs
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
179.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2908 lbs
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
179.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/45R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Deep Sea Blue
Brown
Titanium Bronze
Red
Garnet Red
Silver
Silky Silver
White
Clear White
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Not available
