What Is 2019kia Forte S Premium Package

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The 2019 Kia Forte S Premium Package transforms the base Forte sedan into a well-equipped daily driver with premium comfort and tech features. This package adds leather seating, a power sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, and advanced safety tech for a modest price increase over the base S trim.

Shopping for a compact sedan often feels like navigating a maze of trim levels and option packages. The 2019 Kia Forte S Premium Package sits at a unique intersection — it’s not a standalone trim, but rather a carefully curated bundle that elevates the entry-level S model into something remarkably close to the upscale EX. Understanding what this package includes, what it costs, and whether it makes sense for your driving needs can save you thousands while delivering the features you actually want.

Think of the Premium Package like ordering a “fully loaded” burger at a restaurant. The base S trim is your plain patty and bun — functional, reliable, but basic. The Premium Package adds the cheese, bacon, special sauce, and premium bun. You’re still eating a burger (the Forte platform), but the experience changes dramatically. The EX trim would be the wagyu beef version — better meat, but at a steep price premium. For many buyers, that “loaded standard burger” hits the perfect sweet spot.

Key Takeaways

• Package Identity: The 2019 Kia Forte S Premium Package is an optional equipment group available exclusively on the S trim level, bridging the gap between base and EX trims.
• Core Upgrades: Key additions include leather seat trim, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon premium audio, and smart key with push-button start.
• Safety Boost: The package adds Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning — features not standard on the base S model.
• Value Proposition: At roughly $2,200 over the base S trim, the package delivers approximately $4,000+ in retail feature value based on standalone option pricing.
• Market Position: This package targets buyers wanting near-EX trim features without paying for the EX’s larger engine and additional standard equipment.
• Resale Impact: Vehicles equipped with the Premium Package typically retain 3-5% higher resale value compared to non-equipped S trim models after three years.
• Availability Note: The package was only offered for the 2019 model year; 2020+ Forte models restructured trim levels and feature availability significantly.

What Is the 2019 Kia Forte S Premium Package

The 2019 Kia Forte S Premium Package is an optional equipment group offered exclusively on the Forte S trim — the second rung on the 2019 Forte ladder, sitting above the base FE and below the EX and EX Limited trims. This package bundles comfort, technology, and safety features that were otherwise scattered across higher trims or unavailable on the S model entirely.

Kia introduced this package as a strategic response to competitive pressure in the compact sedan segment. The 2019 Forte represented a complete redesign — the first since 2014 — and Kia needed to offer flexible packaging to compete with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3. The Premium Package allowed dealers to stock S trim vehicles that could be upgraded on the lot or ordered to match specific buyer preferences without carrying separate EX inventory for every customer wanting a sunroof or leather seats.

Who Should Consider This Package

This package targets a specific buyer profile: someone who wants premium daily-driving features but doesn’t need or want to pay for the EX trim’s 2.0-liter engine upgrade, 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, or the EX’s standard LED lighting package. It’s ideal for commuters who spend 45+ minutes daily in their car and value comfort features like ventilated seats (not included, but heated seats are) and a premium sound system for podcasts or music.

Budget-conscious buyers who plan to keep their vehicle 5+ years also benefit. The package’s safety tech — Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist — adds genuine long-term value by potentially preventing accidents. Parents of teen drivers often gravitate toward this package specifically for the Driver Attention Warning system, which monitors steering patterns and suggests breaks when drowsiness is detected.

Where This Package Fits in the 2019 Forte Lineup

The 2019 Forte lineup consisted of five trim levels: FE, S, S with Premium Package, EX, and EX Limited. The FE started at $17,790 with a 6-speed manual transmission. The S trim began at $18,890 with the CVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) standard. Adding the Premium Package brought the S to approximately $21,090. The EX trim started at $22,190 but included the larger 2.0L engine, 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate, and LED headlights — features the Premium Package S doesn’t receive.

This pricing structure created an interesting decision point. For roughly $1,100 less than an EX, the Premium Package S delivered leather, sunroof, premium audio, and advanced safety — but kept the 147-horsepower 2.0L engine (same as S and FE) rather than the EX’s 147-hp 2.0L with different tuning, and missed dual-zone climate and LED lighting. For many buyers, the trade-off made sense.

Detailed Feature Breakdown: What You Actually Get

Interior Comfort and Convenience Upgrades

The most immediately noticeable changes from the Premium Package live in the cabin. The base S trim comes with cloth seats — durable, practical, but unremarkable. The Premium Package swaps these for leather seat trim on the seating surfaces (the parts you actually sit on; side bolsters and rear portions may remain synthetic). The driver’s seat gains 8-way power adjustment with 2-way power lumbar support. The passenger seat remains 6-way manual.

Visual guide about 2019 Kia Forte sedan

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Heated front seats come standard with the package — a feature especially valuable in northern climates. The steering wheel and shift knob both receive leather wrapping, upgrading the tactile experience at every touchpoint. The interior lighting upgrades to LED map lamps and vanity mirror lamps, replacing the incandescent units in the base S.

Smart key with push-button start eliminates the need to dig for keys. Approach the car with the fob in your pocket or bag, press the door handle button, and the car unlocks. Press the start button with your foot on the brake, and you’re running. This feature alone changes the daily ownership experience significantly — once you have it, returning to a traditional key feels archaic.

Technology and Infotainment Enhancements

The base S trim includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — already above segment average for 2019. The Premium Package upgrades this to an 8-inch touchscreen with the same smartphone integration but adds HD Radio capability and a significantly upgraded audio system.

The Harman Kardon premium audio system includes 8 speakers (versus 6 in the base system), a dedicated subwoofer, and external amplifier with Clari-Fi music restoration technology. Clari-Fi analyzes compressed audio files (MP3, streaming audio) and restores lost high-frequency detail in real time. For anyone who streams Spotify, Apple Music, or podcasts daily, this makes a noticeable difference — vocals sound clearer, cymbals have proper shimmer, and bass has depth without boominess.

Two USB charge ports (one front, one rear) ensure passengers can keep devices powered. The rear port is a thoughtful touch for families — kids in car seats can charge tablets on long trips without cables stretching from the front console.

Exterior Upgrades

The power tilt-and-slide sunroof with one-touch operation and safety auto-reverse is the package’s most visible exterior addition. The sunroof opening measures approximately 15 x 28 inches — large enough to let in meaningful light and air, but not the panoramic unit found on some competitors’ top trims. The sunshade is manual, not powered.

Exterior lighting gains LED daytime running lights integrated into the headlight housing (the base S uses halogen DRLs) and LED taillights with a distinctive light signature. These aren’t just aesthetic — LED lighting responds faster than incandescent, giving following drivers an extra fraction of a second reaction time when you brake.

Body-color heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators replace the base S’s black mirrors without integrated signals. The heating function clears frost and condensation quickly in winter, while the integrated signals improve visibility to vehicles in your blind spot.

Advanced Safety Features — The Hidden Value

This is where the Premium Package delivers outsized value. The base 2019 Forte S includes only the most basic safety features: a rearview camera, vehicle stability management, and hill start assist. The Premium Package adds the full Kia Drive Wise suite available on the S trim:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Uses radar and camera fusion to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead. Provides audible and visual warnings, then applies automatic emergency braking if the driver doesn’t respond. Operates at speeds 5-50 mph for vehicles, 5-40 mph for pedestrians.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Monitors lane markers via windshield camera. Provides steering correction if unintentional lane departure is detected above 40 mph. Includes Lane Departure Warning (audible/visual alert without steering intervention).
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Analyzes steering input patterns and vehicle position in lane. Issues visual and audible “Consider taking a break” alert when drowsy or distracted driving patterns detected. Resets after vehicle stop or ignition cycle.
• High Beam Assist (HBA): Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and leading vehicles. Reduces driver workload on dark rural roads.

Did You Know? According to IIHS data, vehicles equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist show a 27% reduction in front-to-rear crashes and a 21% reduction in injury crashes compared to identical models without these systems. The Premium Package’s safety suite essentially pays for itself if it prevents even one minor collision.

Pricing Analysis: Is the Premium Package Worth It

MSRP Breakdown and Real-World Costs

The 2019 Kia Forte S with CVT carried an MSRP of $18,890 including destination. The Premium Package added $2,200, bringing the total to $21,090. However, real-world transaction prices often differed. Kia frequently offered $1,000-$1,500 customer cash incentives on 2019 Fortes, and dealers typically discounted 3-5% below MSRP on non-limited trims. A well-negotiated Premium Package S often landed around $19,500-$20,000 out the door before taxes and fees.

Compare this to the EX trim at $22,190 MSRP. The $1,100 MSRP gap narrows to roughly $500-$800 in real-world pricing after incentives. For that difference, the EX adds the 2.0L engine with IVT (same displacement but different tuning for smoother power delivery), 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights (not just DRLs), wireless phone charger, and proximity key with hands-free trunk release.

Feature-for-Feature Value Calculation

If you tried to replicate the Premium Package features as standalone options on a base S (hypothetically, since Kia didn’t offer them individually), the retail value would be approximately:

• Leather seating surfaces with heated front seats: ~$1,200
• Power sunroof: ~$1,000
• Harman Kardon 8-speaker audio with subwoofer: ~$800
• 8-inch touchscreen with HD Radio: ~$300
• Smart key with push-button start: ~$400
• LED taillights and DRLs: ~$300
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: ~$600
• Lane Keeping Assist: ~$400
• Driver Attention Warning: ~$200
• High Beam Assist: ~$150

Total hypothetical standalone value: ~$5,350. The $2,200 package price represents a 59% discount versus theoretical individual pricing. This bundling efficiency is typical across the industry — manufacturers use packages to move inventory and simplify production while delivering perceived value to buyers.

Financing and Lease Impact

On a 60-month loan at 4.5% APR, the $2,200 package adds approximately $41/month to the payment. On a 36-month lease with 12,000 miles/year, the impact is roughly $35-$40/month depending on the money factor and residual value. The package’s positive impact on residual value (typically 2-3 percentage points higher than base S) partially offsets the lease cost increase.

Pro Tip: If you’re leasing, the Premium Package often improves the lease deal because Kia’s residual value models assign higher retained value to well-equipped vehicles. The monthly payment increase may be only $20-$25 after the residual adjustment.

Real-World Ownership Experience

Daily Driving Impressions

Owners consistently report that the Premium Package transforms the Forte S from “basic transportation” to “enjoyable daily driver.” The Harman Kardon system receives particular praise — owners describe it as “shockingly good for a $21K car” and “better than the premium systems in some luxury brands.” The Clari-Fi technology makes compressed streaming audio sound remarkably close to CD quality.

The power sunroof sees mixed reviews. In hot climates, owners appreciate the vent position for passive cooling while parked. In colder regions, some report minor wind noise at highway speeds when fully open — typical for this class. The manual sunshade operates smoothly but adds a step compared to powered shades in pricier vehicles.

Smart key with push-button start becomes invisible in daily use — which is the highest compliment. Owners report reaching for a nonexistent key when switching to other vehicles, having fully adapted to the convenience.

Long-Term Reliability and Common Issues

The 2019 Forte’s first model year of a new generation brought some early production issues, though the Premium Package components themselves proved reliable. The IVT transmission had a software update (TSB 19-AT-001) addressing occasional hesitation on light acceleration — unrelated to the package but affecting all 2019 Fortes with CVT.

Some owners reported premature wear on the leather seat bolsters, particularly the driver’s side outer bolster. This appears related to the synthetic leather blend used on side portions (seating surfaces are genuine leather). Regular conditioning every 3-4 months mitigates this. The Harman Kardon amplifier, located under the front passenger seat, occasionally failed due to moisture intrusion from wet shoes — a known issue across multiple Kia/Hyundai models with under-seat amplifiers.

The Drive Wise safety systems generally function as designed, though some owners report false Forward Collision-Avoidance activations on steep driveway approaches or when passing large road signs on curves. Sensitivity can be adjusted through the infotainment menu (three levels: Early, Normal, Late).

Resale Value and Market Demand

Three-year-old 2019 Forte S models with the Premium Package consistently command $800-$1,200 premiums over non-equipped S trims at auction and retail. This represents roughly 40-55% of the package’s original cost retained — above the industry average of 30-40% for option packages. The safety tech drives this retention; used buyers increasingly filter for automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

Carfax and AutoCheck data shows Premium Package vehicles spend 12-18 fewer days on dealer lots before sale compared to base S models. Private party sellers report similar velocity — the feature combination photographs well and matches common search filters on Autotrader, Cars.com, and Facebook Marketplace.

Comparison: Premium Package S vs. EX Trim vs. Competitors

2019 Forte S Premium Package vs. Forte EX

This is the most common cross-shop. The EX adds dual-zone climate, 17-inch wheels, LED headlights (full, not just DRLs), wireless charging, hands-free trunk, and the IVT with slightly different shift logic. The Premium Package S counters with a lower price, identical passenger space, same fuel economy (31 city/41 highway/35 combined), and most of the features buyers actually use daily.

If you live alone or with a partner who shares your temperature preferences, dual-zone climate matters little. If you charge your phone via cable anyway, wireless charging is redundant. The 16-inch wheels on the S actually provide a slightly better ride quality than the EX’s 17s due to taller sidewalls. For many, the Premium Package S is the rational choice.

Versus Honda Civic LX with Honda Sensing

The 2019 Civic LX with Honda Sensing (standard on all 2019 Civics) started at $20,650. It includes adaptive cruise control (not on the Forte S Premium Package), lane keeping, forward collision warning with auto-brake, and road departure mitigation. The Civic lacks a sunroof, leather seats, premium audio, and smart key at this price. The Forte’s interior feels more upscale, but the Civic’s safety suite is more comprehensive with adaptive cruise.

Versus Toyota Corolla LE with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0

The 2019 Corolla LE with TSS 2.0 started around $20,500. It includes adaptive cruise, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Like the Civic, it misses the Forte’s sunroof, leather, premium audio, and smart key. The Corolla’s CVT feels more refined than the Forte’s IVT, but the Forte’s interior design and materials feel a generation newer.

Versus Mazda3 Select Package

The 2019 Mazda3 sedan Select Package (mid-level trim) started at $23,000. It includes 18-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise, leatherette seats (not real leather), 8.8-inch display (non-touchscreen), and 8-speaker audio. The Mazda drives better — significantly better — but costs $2,000+ more and lacks the Forte’s sunroof, genuine leather seating surfaces, and touchscreen interface.

Buying Guide: How to Get the Best Deal

New vs. Used Considerations

As of 2024, all 2019 Fortes are used vehicles. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) examples with the Premium Package offer the best balance of warranty coverage and value. Kia’s CPO program adds a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original in-service date, 12-month/12,000-mile platinum coverage, and 24-hour roadside assistance. CPO Premium Package Fortes typically list $1,500-$2,000 above non-CPO examples — worth it for the warranty extension on the IVT and Harman Kardon amplifier.

Non-CPO used examples should be inspected specifically for: seat bolster wear, sunroof operation (test open/close/vent positions), all audio channels functioning (fade/balance test each speaker), and Drive Wise system calibration (test lane keeping on marked highway, verify FCA warning lights illuminate at startup).

Negotiation Strategies

When buying used, leverage the known IVT software update (TSB 19-AT-001) and potential amplifier moisture issue as negotiation points. Request documentation that the transmission software is current (version 2019.04 or later). Ask for a cold-start test to check for transmission hesitation. If the dealer hasn’t performed the update, negotiate $300-$500 off or require completion before delivery.

For private party purchases, bring a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner ($15-25 on Amazon) and check for pending transmission codes. Also verify the Harman Kardon system powers up without static or channel dropout — a 10-minute test drive with varied audio sources (radio, Bluetooth, USB) reveals most amplifier issues.

What to Look for on the Window Sticker (Monroney Label)

If you find a new-old-stock 2019 (extremely rare but possible), the Monroney label will list “Premium Package” as a line item with $2,200 MSRP. The label breaks down included features. Verify the VIN matches the vehicle and that no dealer-installed accessories (wheel locks, paint protection, etc.) have been added to inflate the price.

Did You Know? Kia’s 2019 model year production for the Forte began in November 2018 at the Pesquería, Mexico plant. Early production vehicles (VINs starting with 3KP through approximately 3KPKM*100000) have a slightly higher incidence of the IVT hesitation issue. Later production (after ~March 2019) received the updated software at the factory.

Frequently Overlooked Details

What the Package Does NOT Include

Understanding omissions prevents disappointment. The Premium Package does NOT add: adaptive cruise control (only on EX and EX Limited), blind-spot monitoring (EX Limited only), rear cross-traffic alert (EX Limited only), wireless phone charging (EX and EX Limited), hands-free smart trunk (EX and EX Limited), dual-zone climate control (EX and EX Limited), LED headlights — only LED DRLs and taillights (full LED headlights on EX and EX Limited), 17-inch wheels (stays on 16-inch), ventilated seats (not available on any 2019 Forte), or heated steering wheel (not available on any 2019 Forte).

Color and Interior Combinations

The Premium Package was available with all exterior colors: Snow White Pearl, Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Platinum Graphite, Deep Sea Blue, and Red. Interior color options with the package: Black leather (standard) or Light Gray leather (no-cost option on select exterior colors — typically Snow White Pearl, Clear White, and Deep Sea Blue). The Light Gray interior shows wear more readily but creates a more open, premium cabin feel.

Insurance Cost Implications

The Premium Package’s safety features (FCA, LKA, DAW) qualify for insurance discounts with most major carriers — typically 5-10% off comprehensive and collision premiums. However, the sunroof and Harman Kardon system slightly increase comprehensive coverage cost due to higher replacement value. Net effect is usually a wash or slight savings. Always ask your insurer for a quote with the specific VIN before purchasing.

Winter Climate Considerations

If you live where road salt is used, the body-color heated mirrors are a genuine benefit — they clear ice faster than non-heated units. However, the sunroof drain tubes (four corners, routing down A-pillars and C-pillars) can clog with debris, causing water intrusion onto the headliner. Annual drain tube cleaning (compressed air blown through each tube) prevents this. Many dealers offer this as a $50-80 service; DIY takes 20 minutes with a shop vac and tubing attachment.

Conclusion: The Smart Buyer’s Compact Sedan

The 2019 Kia Forte S Premium Package represents one of those rare automotive sweet spots where manufacturer packaging aligns almost perfectly with what real-world buyers actually want. It strips away the features that inflate price without adding daily value — the larger engine, bigger wheels, dual-zone climate — while delivering the features that transform a commute: leather seats, a sunroof, genuinely excellent audio, keyless entry/start, and modern active safety systems.

For the used buyer in 2024 and beyond, a well-maintained Premium Package Forte S offers exceptional value. You’re getting a vehicle that feels premium in the ways you touch and interact with daily, backed by Kia’s industry-leading warranty (5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain original owner), with safety tech that remains relevant and effective years after release. The 35 MPG combined fuel economy means low running costs, and the Forte’s spacious interior — 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space, 42.2 inches front legroom — accommodates real lives, not just spec sheets.

If you’re cross-shopping a used Civic, Corolla, or Mazda3 from the same era, drive the Forte S Premium Package last. It’s the one that will feel like the best value — because it is. The package proves that you don’t need to buy the top trim to get a premium experience. You just need to know which boxes to check.

Whether you’re a first-time new car buyer, a commuter seeking comfort without luxury pricing, or a used-car shopper maximizing value per dollar, the 2019 Kia Forte S Premium Package deserves a serious test drive. Bring your phone, pair it to the Harman Kardon system, open the sunroof, and take it on your actual commute route. The value proposition becomes self-evident within the first five miles.