2014 Kia Forte Safety Analysis: How Does It Really Perform?

When Kia redesigned the Forte for 2014, it made significant strides in styling and features that impressed automotive experts at MotorVero during comparative tests against class leaders like the Honda Civic. However, safety performance told a different story, with concerning results from both government and independent crash tests that potential buyers should carefully consider.

NHTSA Crash Test Results: Mixed Performance

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2014 Forte an overall score of four out of five stars in its safety evaluation program. This respectable-but-not-outstanding result masked some concerning specifics:

IIHS Small Overlap Test: A Concerning Failure

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) delivered much harsher criticism when the Forte underwent their rigorous small overlap front test. This evaluation, introduced in 2012, simulates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle strikes a narrow object like a tree or utility pole at 40 mph - one of the most deadly real-world crash scenarios.

In their official statement, IIHS researchers didn't mince words: the Forte was "the worst performer for both restraints and structure of all the small cars evaluated" at that time. The troubling findings included:

• Excessive seat belt slack allowed the test dummy's head to strike hard surfaces
• Inadequate airbag coverage failed to prevent contact with the windshield pillar
• Severe structural intrusion into the driver's footwell area
• High injury risk to the left thigh and lower leg
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Why the Small Overlap Test Matters

Unlike traditional frontal crash tests that assess direct head-on collisions, the small overlap test replicates accidents where only about 25% of the vehicle's front end makes contact with another object or vehicle. According to IIHS research:

• Small overlap crashes account for nearly 25% of serious frontal crash injuries
• They're particularly common in head-on collisions between vehicles of mismatched sizes
• Many vehicles with good traditional crash ratings perform poorly in this test

How the Forte Compares to Segment Rivals

While the Forte's performance was concerning, it wasn't alone in struggling with the small overlap test. The IIHS noted that as a category, small cars generally performed worse than midsize vehicles but better than small SUVs in this evaluation.

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Some key comparisons from 2014 model year testing:

Safety Improvements in Later Model Years

Kia responded to these safety concerns in subsequent Forte generations by:

• Redesigning the front-end structure to better handle small overlap impacts
• Improving airbag deployment patterns and seat belt pretensioners
• Adding more high-strength steel to the passenger cage
• Introducing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on higher trims

By 2017, the Forte earned significantly better IIHS ratings, including an "Acceptable" small overlap score - demonstrating how automakers can and do respond to safety testing feedback.

What Buyers Should Consider

For consumers considering a used 2014 Forte, we recommend:

• Prioritize later model years if safety is a primary concern
• Look for optional safety packages that may include additional airbags
• Compare insurance costs - poor crash ratings often lead to higher premiums
• Consider certified pre-owned options with warranty coverage

While the 2014 Forte offered compelling value in terms of features and styling, its safety performance reminds us that crash test ratings should be a key factor in any vehicle purchase decision.

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