The 2015 Kia Forte 5 2.0L’s 28 MPG combined fuel economy provides a nice middle-ground for buyers who want hatchback practicality without paying extra for a hybrid. This car suits someone who needs space, appreciates some style, and wants an affordable vehicle. The Forte 5 offers a good mix of utility and affordability, and its fuel economy is acceptable in that context, if not class-leading.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Forte 5 2.0L show that city driving reduces fuel economy more than highway driving. The 25 MPG city rating reflects the frequent stopping and starting in urban environments, which puts more stress on the engine. On the other hand, the 33 MPG highway figure demonstrates the engine’s efficiency at a constant speed. These numbers suggest the Forte 5 is better suited for drivers with a balanced mix of city and highway driving, rather than those mainly driving in heavy city traffic.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Kia Forte 5 2.0L at $1,550. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual costs will depend on driving habits and local gas prices; however, $1,550 gives a good benchmark for comparing the Forte 5’s running costs to others in its class. Keep this number in mind when considering the overall cost of ownership, including insurance, maintenance, and possible repairs. You can view all Kia fuel economy data on our site.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings offer a standard comparison, but actual fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, heavy cargo, and even tire pressure can change the numbers you see. Forte 5 owners often report numbers close to the EPA estimates, but reaching the 33 MPG highway rating requires driving efficiently. Expect lower numbers with frequent hard acceleration or heavy loads. The automatic transmission (S6) is programmed for both performance and efficiency, balancing these factors impacts fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2015 Kia Forte 5 2.0L is in a competitive segment. The Mazda3 5-Door, known for its fun driving experience, gets a slightly better 29 MPG combined with its automatic transmission. The Honda Civic Hatchback, another popular option, offers similar fuel economy to the Forte 5, around 31 MPG combined in its non-Si trims. For those who want maximum fuel efficiency, the Toyota Prius c gets over 50 MPG combined, but offers a different driving experience and costs more. The FORTE MPG across all years shows consistent efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to maximize fuel economy in the Forte 5. Avoid quick starts and stops, and try to anticipate traffic to keep a steady speed. The 2.0L engine works well with a light touch, and you’ll likely see better MPG if you don’t push it hard.

Regular maintenance is important for good fuel efficiency. Keep tires inflated to the right pressure because low tires increase rolling resistance and waste fuel. Make sure the air filter is clean for the engine to work efficiently.

Don’t idle, especially when it’s cold. Modern engines warm up quickly, so idling wastes fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine; it’s more efficient.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to keep a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy, especially on long drives. Be aware of the terrain since cruise control can hurt fuel economy on hills because it uses more gas to maintain your speed.

Remove extra weight from the car. Extra weight increases fuel consumption. Remove anything you don’t need regularly to lighten the load and improve MPG.