Used 2014 Kia Forte for Sale nearPhoenix, AZ

How much does the 2014 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 4.11% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 238 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2014 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2014 Kia Forte earns a 4.6/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfort, and they also call out the spacious trunk as a practical advantage. That lines up with the Forte’s everyday-use focus in the overview, where it’s positioned as a compact car with style, space, efficiency, and in-car tech. For you, that means it makes the most sense if you want a value-oriented small car that feels well thought out rather than especially sporty. 24.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 4.6/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to reliability as one of the Forte’s biggest strengths, alongside fuel efficiency and comfort. It’s also described as a practical choice that many drivers would recommend as a great first car, which reinforces the idea that it’s easy to live with over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that Kia has closed the gap with competitors, and the cost-effectiveness discussion suggests the car delivers a lot for the money. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the lightweight feel can translate into more noise and a less substantial driving experience.

What should I look for when buying a used 2014 Kia Forte?

At 54.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and make sure any prior damage lines up with the seller’s explanation and the car’s current condition. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important here, since you’ll want to check for signs of repair quality, uneven panel gaps, and any issues that could come from past accidents. Focus on overall condition and maintenance records, because the Forte’s value proposition depends heavily on whether it still feels well kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LX is the value play if you want the lowest entry price, but it is missing the UVO infotainment system that comes standard on the EX. The EX adds a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, a more upscale cabin presentation, and features that make it the better-equipped choice for most shoppers.
• Powertrain: The base LX uses a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The EX upgrades to a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 173 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic with tap-shifting.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes front impact and side curtain airbags, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, braking assist, hill assist control, electronic brakeforce distribution, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams and a tire pressure monitoring system. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, but the small-overlap frontal result was a Poor rating.
• Infotainment: Bluetooth is standard, while UVO infotainment is unavailable on the LX and standard on the EX. The system uses a color touchscreen and supports voice-activated navigation.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.8-liter engine returns 25 mpg city/37 highway with the manual and 25/36 with the automatic. The 2.0-liter EX is rated at 24/36, with a 27.8 mpg combined figure.

Which 2014 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2014 Kia Forte is offered in 2 trim levels: LX and EX.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the budget-friendly entry point, and it makes sense if your priority is keeping the purchase price as low as possible. You still get the core Forte formula, but you give up the more powerful engine and the UVO infotainment system.
• EX: This is the best-value trim for most buyers because it adds the stronger 2.0-liter engine, standard UVO infotainment, and a more polished overall feel. If you want the Forte to feel more complete without jumping into a much pricier setup, this is the trim to target.

The safety equipment is strong across the lineup, but the small-overlap frontal crash result is a notable caveat to keep in mind.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2014 Kia Forte?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 24.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 238 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.11% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 54.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $6,468, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2014 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $6,517 sits slightly below last year's $6,797.

That downward move suggests the Forte has become a more buyer-friendly used-car purchase, but it also means future sellers may face some pricing pressure if the market stays soft. If you buy well and keep the car in good condition, you can help protect your resale position. The Forte’s practical appeal and strong owner satisfaction should continue to support demand among budget-minded shoppers.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.6/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2014 Kia Forte safe?

The 2014 Kia Forte earned a Good rating for side impact, roof strength and moderate frontal offset tests from IIHS, but a Poor rating in small-overlap frontal offset testing, and IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes front impact and side curtain airbags, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, braking assist, hill assist control, electronic brakeforce distribution, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams and a tire pressure monitoring system. The small-overlap frontal result is the main caveat, so you should weigh that carefully if crash protection is a top priority.

Should I buy a 2014 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2014 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2014 if:

• 24.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 54.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.11% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Kia’s redesign made the Forte far more complete and competitive, with style, space, efficiency, and in-car tech that put it near the top of the small-car class.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $7,105, the 2015 costs more than the current year's $6,517 average.
• It adds more available equipment for buyers willing to spend more.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2014 is the smarter starting point because prices have softened and owner satisfaction is strong. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer model year and extra equipment, the 2015 is worth a look, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2014’s stronger market value.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.