Kia introduced the second generation of the Forte lineup in 2016 for the 2017 model year, and, along with the sedan, it also offered a fived-door version named Forte5.

Kia introduced the first generation of the Forte lineup in 2008 in Korea and unveiled it as a five-door hatchback at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

Kia introduced the five-door version of the Forte at the 2010 New York Auto Show, trying to survive in a market deeply affected by the world financial crisis.