The 2017 Kia Forte 5 1.6L gets 27 MPG combined. It’s not going to set any fuel efficiency records, but it’s an acceptable trade-off for buyers who want a practical and somewhat sporty compact hatchback. It’s no Prius, but it offers affordable transportation with a little extra power, and its fuel economy reflects this balance.

City and highway performance

The 2017 Forte 5’s EPA ratings are 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city number is probably more important to the typical Forte 5 owner since these cars are often used for commuting and running errands in urban areas. The turbocharged 1.6L engine, working with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provides decent response in stop-and-go traffic, though some drivers may find the initial throttle a bit sensitive.

On the highway, 30 MPG is fine for longer trips, but keeping up high speeds will decrease fuel consumption. The Forte 5 isn’t really meant for cross-country travel, but it’s adequate for weekend trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Kia Forte 5 1.6L at $1,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This number will change depending on how you drive and where you buy gas. Someone who drives mainly in heavy city traffic and accelerates quickly will probably spend more than $1,600. A driver with a more relaxed style and longer highway commutes might spend less. Tracking your fuel expenses can help you monitor how your actual MPG compares to EPA estimates and better plan your finances.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard for fuel economy, but real-world MPG often changes. Consider how you drive, the traffic, and even the weather. Accelerating hard, braking often, and idling for long periods will all hurt your MPG. Colder temperatures can also reduce fuel efficiency because engines take longer to warm up. Tire pressure matters too; underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. Smart driving habits are important for getting the best possible MPG in any car.

How it compares

The 2017 Kia Forte 5’s fuel economy is similar to many of its competitors in the compact car class, but it isn’t the best. For example, the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback with the 1.5L turbocharged engine gets around 31 MPG combined, slightly better. A Mazda3 hatchback from the same year, with its 2.0L engine, gets about 32 MPG combined. The FORTE MPG across all years shows a steady range over the car’s recent timeline. Some competitors get similar or slightly lower MPG. The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM (now the Corolla Hatchback) gets around 30 MPG combined. Fuel economy is only one factor for the Forte 5 buyer, who might also consider price, features, and styling. Checking all Kia fuel economy data also helps to identify differences across the brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2017 Kia Forte 5’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is designed to be efficient, so drive smoothly. Accelerating and braking hard wastes fuel. Predict traffic and drive at a constant speed if possible. Let the transmission shift through its gears smoothly, without forcing it to downshift by pressing the accelerator hard.

Tire pressure is a simple, often ignored factor. Check your tires regularly and keep them at the pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Correctly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy and makes your tires last longer. A simple tire pressure gauge can easily save you money on fuel.

Avoid idling. Modern engines are designed to be more efficient when turned off than when idling for long periods. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially helpful in city driving, where idling at traffic lights and in congested areas can really decrease your MPG.

Reduce drag. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when you don’t need them. These add wind resistance and hurt fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. Keeping the car clean can also help by reducing drag from dirt.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps you maintain a constant speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can really improve fuel economy on long highway drives, especially on relatively flat roads. Avoid using cruise control in hilly areas, because the system may downshift often and reduce any fuel savings.