Used 2017 Kia Forte for Sale near New Jersey

How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.29% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 746 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 compact sedan that was updated to feel more current and better equipped, 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 refresh brought a restyled front end, new lighting, a more efficient 2.0-liter engine, a sport trim, and more standard features, so the Forte feels more relevant than a simple cosmetic update. It also makes sense if you value practical compact-sedan usability and want a car that was clearly improved to stay competitive in a crowded segment.

The market shows 28.0% good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The Forte’s expert coverage points to a car that was updated to stay competitive while keeping the familiar compact-sedan formula intact, and the refreshed 2.0-liter engine is described as a more efficient step forward.

The expert notes also frame Kia and Hyundai products as having been popular on reliability lists, and the Forte’s value proposition is strengthened by the brand’s warranty reputation. The 2.0-liter engine is presented as a modest power upgrade with better efficiency, and the car is described as providing enough power without feeling strained in normal driving.

Kia’s financing and lease incentives also reinforce the ownership value case, but as with any used compact sedan, long-term ownership risk depends heavily on how well the car was maintained and whether prior use was gentle.

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

At 48.8% 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’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with visible cosmetic repairs. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the equipment level matches the trim you’re paying for.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is notably sparse, with a small touchscreen and fewer standard conveniences, while the S adds a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, selectable drive modes, a sport suspension, and unique trim and upholstery. The EX drops the sport pretension but keeps the broader feature set and adds more upscale equipment through its package.
• Powertrain: The updated 2.0-liter engine delivers 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’s carryover 2.0-liter setup is rated at 25/33.
• 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. These systems are available above the base LX, and the S Technology Package is one route to getting them.
• 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 described as simple and logical, and the EX adds a 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 combined, while the LX manual returns 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 cheapest way into the Forte, but it is also the most stripped-down. You’ll want to be careful here because the base car lacks the richer standard equipment found higher up the range, and even basic conveniences can require packages.
• S: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, selectable drive modes, a sport suspension, and a more complete feature set without pushing the Forte into luxury-car pricing.
• EX: Choose this if you want the more upscale feel and are willing to pay for it. It keeps the Forte’s practical strengths while adding more comfort and convenience equipment through its available package.

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 movement to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 28.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 746 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.29% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 48.8% 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 $8,858 sits slightly below last year's $9,555.

That price movement suggests the Forte has softened enough to be more approachable for buyers today, but it also means future sellers may need to stay competitive on price. If you buy well now, you may have less downside than someone who paid closer to last year’s average.

For a future seller, the key will be condition, mileage, and trim. Better-equipped examples should hold up better than bare-bones cars, but the broader market still appears to favor shoppers more than sellers.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

The 2017 Kia Forte earns five-star ratings from NHTSA overall, 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. Those features are available above the base LX, and the S Technology Package is one way to get them.

The Forte’s stopping performance is also a strength, with a 120-foot 60-0 stopping distance that ranks near the top of the segment. The front-impact result is the main caveat to keep in mind when you’re comparing used examples.

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:

• 28.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 48.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.29% compared with last year.
• Kia refreshed the Forte with a restyled front end, new lights, a more efficient 2.0-liter engine, a sport trim, and more standard features, making this year feel notably more current.

The bottom line: The 2017 Forte is the better choice if you want the refreshed look, improved efficiency, and broader standard equipment. If you’re shopping mainly on price, a nearby year may still make sense, but the 2017 is the stronger pick when you want the updated package without moving up to a pricier compact sedan.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.