- kia is preparing some visual updates to its compact sedan for 2022.
- we expect the u.s. model to look just like this korea-market version, called the k3.
- the forte may also be renamed k3 in the u.s., as kia has already filed for a trademark for that name.
kia's compact sedan is about to get a new outlook on life—and possibly a new name to go along with it. the korea-market k3 has been revealed with updated styling inside and out, and we think that the u.s. version, currently called forte, will adopt its global name like its big sibling did when it was renamed from optima to k5. kia has already filed for a trademark for the k3 name in the u.s.; a kia spokesperson told c/d that the company does not comment on future product.
the refreshed 2022 kia k3/forte benefits from attractive new headlights, slightly different taillights, and a new wheel design. kia's new logo is on board, too. inside, it appears to have a larger touchscreen infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster.
we don't expect any significant mechanical changes to the forte/k3 for the u.s. market. it will likely keep its 2.0-liter inline-four base engine, although it may drop the base model's manual transmission and offer only a cvt automatic like its sibling, the hyundai elantra. the higher-performance gt model should continue with its more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four, and we hope it will still offer a manual like the current gt, which has a six-speed manual as standard and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as an option.
look for kia to announce more information about the u.s.-market forte/k3 later this year. it should go on sale in the u.s. by the end of 2021.