Used 2017 Kia Forte for Sale nearSeattle, WA

How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 5.75% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 718 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 that leans into value, added standard equipment, and a more modern presentation. It earns a 3.25/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating.

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

Kia’s updates for this year focus on keeping the Forte competitive in a crowded compact-sedan field, with a restyled front end, new lighting, a more efficient engine, and broader feature availability. That makes it especially relevant if you want practical transportation with a fresher feel rather than a bare-bones commuter.

28.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The Forte’s appeal here is tied to its updated powertrain, improved efficiency, and the fact that Kia packed in more standard equipment for the year. The expert review 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 a modest power increase over the old 1.8, with better fuel economy and enough punch for everyday driving. The review also says the car never feels particularly strained or overworked, which is a good sign for routine use.

If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is less about the basic mechanical formula and more about how well the car was maintained and equipped over time.

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

At 48.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report before you get too far into the process, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection if the car has any accident history or visible wear. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, brake feel, and whether the equipment on the car matches the trim level you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is the most stripped-down version, with a small 4.3-inch touchscreen and a stereo that struggles compared with the upgraded setup. 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 keeps the broader feature set and adds more upscale available equipment.
• 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 LX manual drops to 25/34 and 28 combined. The EX uses a carryover 2.0-liter with 164 hp and 151 lb-ft, but its fuel economy is weaker at 25/33.
• Safety package: The available driver-assistance 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 Technology Package on the S and the EX Premium Plus Package expand the safety equipment further.
• 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 plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX also 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 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, and it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price, but you should know it is the most basic version. The small touchscreen and limited standard equipment mean you’ll likely want to add packages if you care about convenience or tech.
• S: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the features that make the Forte feel much more current, including the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, alloy wheels, and a sportier setup. If you want the strongest mix of price and equipment, this is the one to target.
• EX: This is the more upscale choice, with the carryover 2.0-liter engine and the most available comfort and convenience equipment. It suits you best if you want a better-equipped Forte and are willing to pay more for it.

The safety systems are available above the base LX, and the Technology Package on the S and the EX Premium Plus Package add the most complete driver-assistance setup.

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

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 28.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 718 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.75% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 48.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,797, 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 $9,004 sits slightly below last year's $9,553.

That softer pricing suggests the Forte has become a more buyer-friendly used-car option, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping now. For a future seller, it means you may need to price competitively to stand out, especially if your car has average mileage or visible wear.

The current range also shows that values have settled into a fairly tight band, so condition and equipment will matter more when it comes time to resell.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

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

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

The Forte’s safety package 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, and the Technology Package on the S and the EX Premium Plus Package add the fullest set of driver aids.

The review also highlights a strong 120-foot 60-0 stopping distance, which helps support the Forte’s safety case. The front-impact result is the main caveat to keep in mind when you’re comparing it with rivals.

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 48.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Prices have softened 5.75% compared with last year.
• In expert testing, Kia’s updates for this year included a restyled front end, a more efficient engine, a sport trim, and more standard features across the lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the freshest version of this generation with better standard equipment and a more modern feel, the 2017 is the right place to start. If your main goal is to minimize purchase price, you can still shop carefully within this year’s market and focus on the cleanest, best-maintained example you can find.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.