Published by Rims & Tires
Compiled & checked by the site's publisher from manufacturer, NHTSA & USTMA data · Updated 2026-07-24
The Kia Forte delivers a well-rounded compact car at a competitive price. It is not a driver-focused performance car, but it is a capable daily driver. The best tires for the Forte balance long wear, reliable wet grip, and a quiet ride — without the premium price of performance compounds the car does not need.
Common Kia Forte tire sizes
4th gen Forte (2019-2024 — the final Forte before the Kia K4 replaced it): 195/65R15 (FE), 205/55R16 (LXS), 225/45R17 (GT-Line), 225/40R18 (GT).
Between them, the 205/55R16 and 225/45R17 cover most Fortes on the road (LXS and GT-Line were the high-volume trims).
Best tires — Forte LXS/GT-Line (225/45R17)
Michelin CrossClimate2 in 225/45R17: the best choice for year-round Forte drivers — 3PMSF all-weather rating, excellent wet grip, and long 60,000+ mile tread life.
Continental TrueContact Tour in 225/45R17: the value pick — long wear, reliable wet traction, comfortable ride at a lower price than the CrossClimate2.
Goodyear Assurance MaxLife in 225/45R17: for Forte owners focused on maximum tread life and total cost of ownership.
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Best tires — Forte GT (225/40R18)
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ in 225/40R18: the best match for the GT turbocharged sport trim — handling precision to match the sportier suspension tuning.
Choosing tires for a Forte on a budget
The Forte is a value car, and its tires should follow the same logic: reliable wet grip and long life without paying for performance rubber the car does not need. For a daily commuter, a well-reviewed touring all-season with a strong treadwear warranty is the sweet spot. It keeps the cost of ownership low, which is the whole point of a car like this.
West Georgia rarely demands a winter tire, so a good all-season handles the year for nearly every Forte owner. Where it pays to be careful is the very bottom of the price range, since the cheapest tires often wear fast and grip poorly in the rain, which erases the savings. A mid-tier tire usually wins on cost per mile, and a local shop can match the right size to your trim and give you a fair out-the-door price.
Best Tires for Kia Forte at a glance
| Trim | Tire | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Forte LXS/GT-Line (225/45R17) | Michelin CrossClimate2 in 225/45R17 | the best choice for year-round Forte drivers — 3PMSF all-weather rating, excellent wet grip, and long 60,000+ mile tread life. |
| Forte LXS/GT-Line (225/45R17) | Continental TrueContact Tour in 225/45R17 | the value pick — long wear, reliable wet traction, comfortable ride at a lower price than the CrossClimate2. |
| Forte LXS/GT-Line (225/45R17) | Goodyear Assurance MaxLife in 225/45R17 | for Forte owners focused on maximum tread life and total cost of ownership. |
| Forte GT (225/40R18) | Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ in 225/40R18 | the best match for the GT turbocharged sport trim — handling precision to match the sportier suspension tuning. |
Frequently asked
How much do Kia Forte tires cost?
225/45R17: $110–160 per tire. 225/40R18 (GT): $120–175 per tire. A set of four installed (225/45R17): $440–640.
How do I know when my Forte needs new tires?
Do the penny test on the tread, and notice how the car handles wet roads. If it takes longer to stop in the rain or the steering feels loose, the tires are worn. Cracks in the sidewall and uneven wear are your other signs to replace.
Is it worth buying used tires for a Forte?
It can stretch a tight budget, but tread carefully. Used tires hide their real history, and a cheap new tire with a warranty often costs about the same per mile. If you go used, have a shop inspect for interior damage and check that all four are close in tread depth.
How much should I budget for tires on a Forte?
The Forte uses common, affordable sizes, so it is one of the cheaper cars to keep in tires. The bigger question is how long you want them to last, since spending a little more up front usually buys more miles. A local shop can give you an out-the-door quote that includes mounting and balancing so there are no surprises.
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Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.