Used 2017 Kia Forte for Sale near California

How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 5.03% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 705 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte a good car?

The 2017 Kia Forte is a solid choice if you want a refreshed compact sedan that puts value, efficiency, and added standard equipment ahead of flash. It earns a 3.25/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating, and the model scores 8/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

The Forte’s appeal comes from Kia’s effort to make it feel more modern without abandoning the practical compact-sedan formula. The refreshed front end, new lighting, and broader feature set help it feel more current, while the updated engine points to better efficiency. That makes it a sensible fit if you want a commuter-friendly sedan with a stronger sense of freshness than a simple facelift would suggest.

The market also shows 29.8% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The 2017 Forte is presented as a practical, efficiency-minded compact sedan with a refreshed design and a more efficient 2.0-liter engine. The expert evaluation also notes that Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been popular residents of reliability lists of late, alongside the brand’s warranty reputation.

The updated 2.0-liter engine is described as modestly stronger than the old 1.8 while also improving fuel economy, and the car is said to provide enough power for everyday driving without feeling strained. Kia also mentions special financing and lease incentives, which can help lower ownership cost up front.

For a used buyer, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained well, since the best ownership experience will depend on condition and how the previous owner treated it.

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

At 48.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had any prior damage or repair work. Focus on body alignment, paint consistency, tire wear, and how the car drives over rough pavement, since those clues can reveal whether a car has been repaired well or simply patched up.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is notably sparse, with a small 4.3-inch touchscreen and a four-speaker stereo, while S trims add a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus more standard equipment. The EX adds a more upscale presentation and additional comfort features, so the lower trims are the ones where feature gaps are most obvious.
• 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 combined in automatic form. The base LX manual drops to 25/34 and 28 combined, while the EX uses a carryover 2.0-liter setup with 164 hp and 151 lb-ft.
• Safety package: Available driver-assistance features include 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 the entry trim is the main gap to watch.
• 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 setup is the one that makes the Forte feel much more competitive.
• Fuel efficiency: The updated 2.0-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with 32 combined, while the LX manual returns 25/34 and 28 combined. The EX’s carryover engine is rated at 25/33.

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 cheapest way into the Forte, but it is also the most stripped-down. You get the basic refreshed design and the efficient new engine, but many of the features that make the car feel modern cost extra, so this trim makes the most sense only if your priority is the lowest possible price.
• S: This is the best-value trim because it adds the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, selectable drive modes, sport suspension, and a more complete feature set without pushing the price into the upper end of the lineup. If you want the strongest mix of equipment and value, this is the trim to target.
• EX: This is the more comfort-oriented choice, with a more upscale feel and the option to add features like heated power seats, ventilation, HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light, and a color LCD meter cluster. It suits you best if you want the most polished Forte and are willing to pay more for it.

The safety systems are available above the base LX, so if those features matter to you, avoid the entry trim.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and pricing softness to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 705 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.03% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 48.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,791, 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 $9,034 sits slightly below last year's $9,512.

That tells you the Forte has softened in the market, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in good condition, you should be able to stay competitive with other compact sedans in this segment.

For a future seller, the key is to avoid overpaying now, because the market has already moved down from last year. A clean, well-maintained Forte with the right trim and equipment should be easier to move than a neglected example, but you should still expect resale value to depend heavily on condition and mileage.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

The 2017 Kia Forte earns five-star ratings from NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings in overall front impact tests.

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

The Forte’s safety story is built around a strong feature set and good braking performance. Available driver-assistance tech 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 the entry trim is the main place where you give up safety equipment.

The expert review also notes a 120-foot 60-0 stopping distance, which is a strong result for the segment. The main caveat is that the front-impact result is not as strong as the overall government rating, so you should pay close attention to trim level and available safety equipment when shopping used.

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:

• 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 48.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.03% compared with last year.
• The 2017 model’s refresh brings 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 refresh and a better mix of modern features and efficiency, the 2017 is the right place to focus. If your main goal is to minimize purchase price, you can still shop nearby years, but the 2017 gives you a stronger case for paying a little more because the updates are substantial and the market is still showing some deal opportunities.

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