The 2020 Kia Forte is not powered by a V6. It uses four-cylinder engines, with a base 2.0-liter engine for most trims and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine for the sportier GT variant.
What powers the 2020 Forte?
For the 2020 model year, Kia offered two four-cylinder engine options in the Forte lineup. The standard 2.0-liter engine delivers everyday efficiency and practicality, while the GT version adds turbocharged power for stronger acceleration and sportier driving dynamics.
- 2.0-liter inline-four engine (approximately 147 horsepower) used in base and most trims.
- 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine (approximately 201 horsepower) used in the Forte GT.
These configurations confirm there is no V6 option for the 2020 Forte. Transmission choices vary by trim and market, with the GT typically pairing the turbo engine with a performance-oriented transmission, while the 2.0-liter options use standard automatic or manual configurations depending on region.
Performance and market context
The Forte lineup emphasizes efficiency and value in the compact sedan segment. The presence of a turbocharged four-cylinder in the GT brings meaningful power without introducing a V6 option. For buyers seeking more power, the GT trim offers a notable uplift over the base models while keeping the Forte compact and practical.
Bottom line: If your key question is whether the Forte ever used a V6 in 2020, the answer is no—the Forte has always been four-cylinder, with the high-performance GT relying on a turbocharged four instead of a larger V6.
Summary
The 2020 Kia Forte is not a V6. It is powered by four-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter baseline for most trims and a 1.6-liter turbo for the GT. No V6 option was offered in the 2020 Forte lineup.


