Kia Forte Blue (2023)

Slotting between the Kia Rio mini-car and mid-size K5 family sedan, the 2023 Forte sedan specializes in value and moderation. Frugality is its most important character trait. It has hints of sportiness but doesn't thrill when driven at the limit even in its sportiest GT form. It has handsome design elements but isn't drop-dead gorgeous. It has adequate engine offerings—with up to 201 horsepower from a turbocharged 1.6-liter in-line four—though it's far from a hot-rod. It offers plenty of safety tech, but nothing we'd cite as innovative. The Forte is akin to an inexpensive cup of convenience-store coffee that could be better but could also be a whole lot worse.