How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.20% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 775 listings available, which gives you a workable pool to compare prices and equipment.

If you find a listing below $8,835.91, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte a good car?

With a 3.25/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating, the 2017 Forte lands in the solid-but-selective-buy category rather than the standout-everywhere tier.

The model scores 8/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

The 2017 refresh gives you a restyled front end, new lights front and back, a more efficient 2.0-liter engine, a sport trim, and more standard features across the lineup. That makes it a sensible fit if you want a compact sedan that feels updated without moving up to a larger or pricier vehicle.

23.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you still have room to shop carefully and compare equipment.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The 2017 Forte is presented as a refreshed compact sedan with a more efficient 2.0-liter engine and a lineup that was updated to stay competitive in a crowded segment.

The expert evaluation also points to a car that delivers enough power for everyday use without feeling strained, while noting that the suspension can get busy over rough pavement when you push it. That suggests the mechanical package is competent, but not especially polished.

Kia’s long warranty reputation and the model’s strong cost-effectiveness case help support the ownership picture, especially if you want a well-equipped compact sedan without stretching your budget. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is buying a neglected example that has been driven hard or skipped routine care.

What should I look for when buying a used 2017 Kia Forte?

At 47.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been in a collision or has higher mileage. Focus on body-panel alignment, paint consistency, tire wear, and how the car tracks and brakes on a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is the most stripped-down version, with a small 4.3-inch touchscreen and a basic 4-speaker stereo, while S trims add a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus more standard equipment. The EX adds more comfort and convenience content, and the higher trims are the ones that make the Forte feel more complete.
• Powertrain: The updated 2.0-liter engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, with EPA estimates of 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for 32 mpg combined. The base LX manual drops to 25/34 mpg and 28 combined, while the EX’s carryover 2.0-liter setup is rated at 25/33 mpg.
• Safety package: The available safety suite includes lane-departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with auto brake and pedestrian detection. Those features are available above the base LX, so you should verify whether a specific listing has the package you want.
• Infotainment: The base LX uses a 4.3-inch touchscreen, while S trims and above get a 7-inch touchscreen with Kia’s UVO infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded color LCD screen between the gauges in the EX is a nice extra, but it is not the main reason to move up.
• Fuel efficiency: The updated 2.0-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with 32 mpg combined, while the base LX manual is rated at 25/34 mpg and 28 combined. The EX is rated at 25/33 mpg.

Which 2017 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2017 Kia Forte is offered in 3 trim levels: LX, S, EX.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, but it is very bare-bones unless you add packages. It makes sense only if you want the lowest purchase price and are willing to give up a lot of convenience and tech.
• S: This is the best-value trim because it adds the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, selectable drive modes, sport suspension, unique trim and upholstery, and 16-inch alloy wheels. It gives you the strongest mix of equipment and price without pushing you into the most expensive version.
• EX: This is the comfort-oriented choice if you want more upscale features, including the upgraded color LCD meter cluster and available heated power seats with ventilation, navigation, and other premium touches. It suits you best if you care more about comfort and convenience than the sportier setup of the S.

The safety systems are available above the base LX, so if those features matter to you, make sure the listing you choose includes the right package.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2017 Kia Forte?

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you have enough inventory to shop intelligently without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 23.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 775 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.20% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 47.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,835.91, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2017 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $9,002 sits slightly below last year's $9,701.

That price movement suggests the Forte has softened enough to help you as a buyer today, but it also means future resale may remain modest unless the car is especially clean and well equipped. If you plan to sell later, condition and trim choice will matter a lot more than trying to time a big rebound.

For a future seller, the good news is that the Forte’s refreshed design and strong equipment story can help it stay relevant. The caution is that compact sedans face heavy competition, so a well-kept example will usually hold value better than one with accident history or missing features.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

The Forte earns five-star ratings from NHTSA overall, with a four-star rating in overall front impact tests.

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

The available safety suite includes lane-departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with auto brake and pedestrian detection. Those systems are available above the base LX, so you should confirm that a specific used listing includes the package you want.

The front-impact result is the main caveat to keep in mind, even though the overall government rating is strong. If safety is a top priority, look for a car with the full driver-assistance package and verify that all systems work properly.

Should I buy a 2017 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2017 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2017 if:

• 23.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 47.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.20% compared with last year.
• The 2017 refresh brought a restyled front end, new lights, a more efficient 2.0-liter engine, a sport trim, and more standard features across the lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the Forte with the most meaningful mid-cycle updates, the 2017 is the one to target. It gives you the refreshed styling and added equipment that make the car feel more current, while the softer pricing helps on the used market. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can still shop carefully and focus on the cleanest, best-equipped example rather than chasing the cheapest one.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.