2016 KIA Forte LX

The Forte is Kia's compact sedan, the one you cross-shop with the Civic and Corolla when you want a little more value. It drives with a light, eager feel that makes it easy to hustle around town, and the ride stays composed on the highway. The cabin is roomier than you'd expect for a compact, with a big trunk and rear seats that fold down for extra cargo space. Some owners note the seats stain easily and the paint is thin, so it's worth protecting the interior and exterior. The LX is the base Forte, sitting below the EX with a smaller engine and fewer standard features, but it's the one to pick if you want the lowest price of entry. Its 1.8L I4 makes 145 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic, which is enough for daily driving and returns 31 mpg combined.