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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Kia
The Forte is Kia's compact sedan for the Americas, a car sold in Europe under different names and never as the Forte, which makes it a quietly interesting import.
Model profile
Two recent generations matter to importers. The second generation (YD) ran from about 2014 to 2018 and was offered as a sedan, a five-door hatch (Forte5) and, earlier, a coupe (Koup). The third generation (BD) arrived for the 2019 model year with sharper styling clearly inspired by the larger Stinger, a bigger cabin and Kia's latest infotainment and safety technology.
Powertrain and equipment
Most Fortes use the 2.0-litre Nu four-cylinder, making around 147 hp, in either multi-point or direct-injection form. The sporty GT trim swaps in the 1.6-litre turbocharged Gamma engine with roughly 201 hp, a genuinely quick little sedan.
This page focuses on the four-door sedan. US trims followed Kia's LX, S, GT-Line, EX and GT ladder, with the GT-Line adding sporty looks without the turbo engine and the full GT delivering the performance hardware.
Vehicle selection
The Forte is plentiful and affordable in the American used market, with a steady supply of 2019-onward BD cars coming off lease and finance. Mileage and condition vary; fleet and rental examples exist alongside privately owned cars. Kia's original long powertrain warranty means many cars were dealer-serviced, which helps when assessing history.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): 4-door compact sedan |
|---|---|
| Length | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): approx. 4,640 mm (BD) |
| Width | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): approx. 1,800 mm |
| Wheelbase | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): approx. 2,700 mm |
| Seating | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): 5 |
| Base engine | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): 2.0 L Nu inline-4, approx. 147 hp |
|---|---|
| GT engine | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): 1.6 L Gamma turbo, approx. 201 hp |
| Torque (GT) | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): approx. 195 lb-ft |
| Transmissions | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto, IVT, 7-speed DCT (GT) |
| Drivetrain | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel type | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): Petrol |
| Generations | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): YD (2014–2018), BD (2019–present) |
|---|---|
| Boot volume | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): approx. 502 L |
| Country of build | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): Mexico or Korea (verify by VIN) |
| Model years (US) | Kia Forte (BD, 2019+ sedan): 2014 onward |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The Forte has a generally solid reputation, helped by simple mechanicals on the volume 2.0-litre cars.
Germany and Europe
The Forte name is unique to the Americas, so there is no identical European car to reference, which makes the individual approval slightly more involved.
Expect to fit a rear fog lamp, adapt the lighting to European requirements, and ensure the speedometer displays km/h. The odometer reading is recorded during approval.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
Not under the Forte name. The equivalent compact Kia sedan was marketed elsewhere under different badges, so a Forte in Germany is genuinely an import and an uncommon sight.
The GT-Line adds sporty styling but keeps the 2.0-litre engine, while the full GT has the 1.6-litre turbo with around 201 hp and the dual-clutch or manual gearbox. Only the GT is quick.
The IVT is generally well regarded and smoother than many CVTs.If expressly commissioned, feasible at the vehicle location and approved by the seller, USCar Trader can arrange a driving assessment to document observable shift quality, shudder, hesitation or driveline noise; service and repair records are reviewed separately.
Reports are relatively few; direct-injection carbon build-up at high mileage, occasional infotainment quirks and minor rattles are the most cited, alongside normal wear items.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
Yes. The third-generation sedan offers around 502 litres, which is generous for a compact three-box car and a practical advantage over hatchback rivals.
No. We are an independent broker for used vehicles. We help you find, verify and import a car and never add a margin to the vehicle price.
Available VIN, title and history information can be reviewed in the vehicle profile. USCar Trader can also arrange a separately booked on-site inspection within a scope agreed in advance.
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