28 MPG combined is what most 2016 Kia Forte 2.0L buyers expect: good, dependable fuel economy. It’s not a hybrid or a sports car. It’s a well-rounded compact sedan, hatchback, or coupe for those wanting affordable transportation where gas mileage is a priority, but not the only one. These buyers are often first-time car owners, commuters on a budget, or small families looking for a practical and reliable vehicle.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Kia Forte 2.0L, with its six-speed automatic transmission, are 24 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects stop-and-go traffic, where acceleration and idling use more gas. The Forte’s 2.0L engine has to work harder to move the car from a stop compared to more fuel-efficient powertrains. However, 35 MPG highway is respectable for a non-hybrid compact. Longer trips, at consistent speeds, will have better fuel economy, making the Forte a good choice for those with highway commutes or occasional road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Kia Forte 2.0L is $1,550. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, the roads you drive on, and gas prices in your area. If you drive mostly in the city, expect to spend more than $1,550. If you do a lot of highway driving, you might spend less. The $1,550 figure is a benchmark for comparing the Forte’s fuel costs to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can change. Some drivers achieve figures close to the EPA estimates with careful driving. Aggressive acceleration, short trips, and heavy loads can hurt fuel economy. A driver who anticipates traffic and accelerates gently can match or exceed the highway MPG figure. Regular maintenance, like keeping tires inflated and changing the oil, helps maintain fuel economy.

How it compares

In 2016, the Kia Forte’s fuel economy was competitive with other compacts, but it wasn’t a leader. The Honda Civic LX with its 2.0L engine was rated at 31 MPG combined, a noticeable improvement. The Toyota Corolla LE achieved a similar 32 MPG combined. The Hyundai Elantra SE, which shares its platform with the Forte, usually delivered similar MPG figures, so the purchase decision was more about styling and features. These differences can add up over a year. The Forte offers a combination of value, features, and acceptable fuel economy. Some buyers preferred a lower price or a longer warranty over a few extra miles per gallon. You can explore all Kia fuel economy data to see how models compared. Owners wanting better efficiency might research FORTE MPG across all years to see if a different model year is better.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy in your 2016 Kia Forte 2.0L is to accelerate gently. Avoid fast starts and maintain a consistent speed on the highway. The Forte’s engine doesn’t need to be pushed hard, and how you use the accelerator will impact fuel consumption.

Tire pressure is often missed, but inflated tires can reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a few PSI below the level can hurt fuel economy.

Use air conditioning less, especially for short trips. The air conditioning compressor uses a lot of the engine’s power, reducing fuel economy. Use the car’s ventilation system or open the windows instead when you can. On the highway, using the A/C is often more efficient than driving with the windows down because of wind resistance.

Regular maintenance is important for fuel economy. Keep your engine tuned, change the oil and filters, and make sure your air filter is clean. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently.

Don’t carry extra weight in the vehicle. Extra weight increases the energy required to accelerate and maintain speed, which reduces fuel economy. Remove items from the trunk or backseat that you don’t always need.