The 2016 Kia Forte 5 hatchback with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission gets 28 MPG combined, according to the EPA. This figure won’t win any hypermiling contests, but for buyers prioritizing versatility, affordability, and a bit of style over outright fuel efficiency, it’s a perfectly acceptable tradeoff. The Forte 5 isn’t targeting the Prius crowd, it’s aimed at young urban professionals, small families, and anyone needing a practical vehicle that can handle daily commutes, weekend errands, and the occasional road trip without breaking the bank.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the Forte 5’s fuel efficiency further, reporting 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the engine spends more time idling and accelerating. The 33 MPG highway rating demonstrates the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at steady speeds. This difference is typical for most vehicles and mirrors my own experience with the Forte 5. In real-world testing, the 2.0L engine, while not overtly powerful, provides adequate acceleration for merging onto highways and passing maneuvers, all while maintaining reasonable fuel economy once up to speed. The six-speed automatic transmission contributes to this by selecting the optimal gear for the driving conditions and keeping the engine at a relatively low RPM during steady-state cruising.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Kia Forte 5 2.0L at $1,550. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel expenses will depend on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the prevailing fuel prices in your area. However, $1,550 provides a useful benchmark for comparing the Forte 5’s running costs against other vehicles in its class. It also underscores the importance of practicing fuel-efficient driving techniques to keep those costs as low as possible.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often varies. Several factors can influence your MPG, including driving style, traffic conditions, weather, and even the age and condition of your vehicle. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds will all negatively impact fuel efficiency. Similarly, driving in heavy traffic or in extremely cold weather can reduce your MPG. Keeping your Forte 5 properly maintained, including regular oil changes and tire pressure checks, can also help optimize fuel economy. Overall, expect to see numbers within a few MPG of the EPA estimates, but be prepared for some fluctuation based on your individual circumstances. You can review FORTE MPG across all years to get a better feel for trends.

How it compares

The 2016 Kia Forte 5 2.0L exists in a crowded field of compact hatchbacks. The Honda Civic Hatchback (LX trim) from the same year achieves an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined with its 2.0L engine, a noticeable improvement over the Forte 5. The Mazda3 hatchback, known for its sporty handling, achieves around 32 MPG combined with its 2.0L engine in its base trim, offering a comparable blend of efficiency and driving enjoyment. Even the Toyota Corolla iM (later Corolla Hatchback), a practical and reliable choice, manages around 31 MPG combined. The Forte 5’s 28 MPG, while adequate, isn’t class-leading. Buyers choosing the Kia might be drawn to its styling, features, or price point, accepting the slightly lower fuel economy as a reasonable compromise. You can easily see the bigger picture when looking at all Kia fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Forte 5’s 2.0L engine responds best to smooth, gradual throttle inputs. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel and don’t significantly improve your travel time.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. Letting your engine idle for extended periods, such as while waiting in a parking lot, wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the system may downshift frequently, negating any potential fuel savings.

Lighten your load. Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from your trunk or backseat that you don’t need, especially heavy objects. The less weight the engine has to move, the better your fuel economy will be.