Will 185 55 R15 work on a 2019 Kia Forte ex

You want to use 196 65 15 , the size you listed is too small. Did you can test mount the wheels to see if they clear the brakes?

No they are the wrong series. Stick with the 65 series tires.

Your car came with P225/45R17 tires. Smaller rims, like the 15 inch you suggest, won't fit over brake parts; stay with the 17s. Winter tires can be narrower in tread to get tread down through snow to a solid surface. Plan on something like a 205/45R17 or an taller profile, like 50 or 55, whit a much shorter sidewall.