Used 2017 Kia Forte for Sale nearColumbia, SC

How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.76% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 731 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte a good car?

The 2017 Kia Forte is a solid pick if you want a refreshed compact sedan with a stronger feature set than before, and its 3.25/5 user rating and 7.33/10 expert rating show a car that is competent rather than class-leading.

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

Kia’s updates for this year matter: the Forte gets a restyled front end, new lights, a more efficient 2.0-liter engine, and more standard equipment across the lineup. It is aimed at you if you want a compact sedan that feels updated without moving up to a larger or pricier vehicle, though the segment’s competition is still intense.

The market shows 28.5% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The 2017 Forte’s appeal is helped by Kia’s reputation for value and warranty coverage, and the expert review notes that Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been popular residents of reliability lists of late.

The updated 2.0-liter engine is described as efficient and not particularly strained or overworked, which is a good sign for everyday use. The review also points to a generally competent package rather than one that feels overtaxed in normal driving.

Kia’s special financing and lease incentives also reinforce the model’s value proposition, but as with any used compact sedan, long-term ownership risk depends heavily on how the car was maintained and whether it was equipped and driven in a way that matches your needs.

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

At 48.4% 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 you are considering a car with available safety tech or higher-mileage use. Pay close attention to body condition, braking feel, tire wear, and whether the equipment on the car matches the trim and package claims in the listing.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is the most stripped-down version, while the S adds 16-inch alloy wheels, selectable drive modes, a sport suspension, unique trim and upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX drops the sport pretension but carries over the rest of the S’s features, so it is the more comfort-focused choice.
• 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 and 28 combined, while the EX’s carryover 2.0-liter setup is rated at 25/33.
• Safety package: The available 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. These systems are available above the base LX, so you should confirm 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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia’s UVO system is part of the setup, and the EX adds an upgraded color LCD screen between the gauges.
• Fuel efficiency: The updated 2.0-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with 32 mpg combined, while the LX manual is rated at 25/34 and 28 combined. The EX 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 entry point, but it is very bare-bones unless you add options. It makes sense only if you want the lowest purchase price and are comfortable giving up a lot of convenience and tech.
• S: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the features that make the Forte feel modern, including the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sportier setup. If you want the strongest mix of equipment and price, this is the one to target.
• EX: This is the comfort-oriented choice, especially if you want the more upscale feature set and are willing to pay more for it. It is the trim to consider if you care more about added refinement than the S’s sportier character.

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: there are deals to be found, but you still need to compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 731 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.76% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 48.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,747, 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 $8,747 sits slightly below last year's $9,484.

That price movement suggests the Forte has become a more affordable used buy than it was a year ago, which can help you if you are shopping now. For a future seller, though, it also means you should expect a softer resale position unless the car is especially clean, well equipped, and priced competitively.

Because the market has moved down, condition and trim matter more when you eventually go to sell. A well-kept example with desirable equipment should hold up better than a basic or heavily used one.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

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

It earns an 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. Kia also notes teen driver notifications on the EX when speed, distance, or time limits are exceeded.

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, you should look for a listing with the available driver-assistance package rather than assuming every Forte has the same equipment.

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:

• 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 48.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.76% compared with last year.
• This year brings a refreshed front end, new lights, a more efficient 2.0-liter engine, a sport trim, and more standard equipment across the lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the Forte with the most meaningful refresh and a better value position in today’s market, the 2017 is the one to focus on. If you are shopping mainly on price, you can still find attractive listings, but you should be selective about condition and equipment so you do not give up the benefits of this updated model year.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.