How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.65% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 769 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $8,837.87, 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 user rating of 3.25/5 and an expert rating of 7.33/10, the Forte lands in the solid-but-not-class-leading range for this compact sedan. The model’s refreshed styling, added standard equipment, and improved efficiency help it feel more current, and it was built to stay competitive in a crowded segment. It also makes sense if you want a compact sedan that feels updated without moving up to a larger or pricier vehicle.

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

That said, the Forte’s appeal is strongest when you value the refresh and the equipment gains more than outright polish or segment dominance. 27.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The Forte’s case for reliability is helped by its straightforward mechanical setup and the fact that Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been popular residents of reliability lists of late. The updated 2.0-liter engine is described as modestly stronger and more efficient, and the car is presented as a practical compact sedan rather than a complicated one.

The expert notes also point to a car that feels competent rather than strained in normal driving, which is a good sign for everyday use. Kia’s warranty reputation and the model’s relatively simple mission should help reduce long-term ownership anxiety for used buyers, especially if you choose a well-maintained example.

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

At 48% 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 prior collision or has higher mileage. Focus on body-panel alignment, paint consistency, tire wear, brake feel, and whether the safety and infotainment features work as expected. If you’re comparing multiple listings, condition should matter as much as trim level because the market includes a wide spread of equipment and usage histories.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is light on equipment, with a small touchscreen and fewer convenience features than higher trims. The S adds a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, selectable drive modes, and a sport suspension, while the EX adds more comfort-oriented equipment and a more upscale feel.
• 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 a combined 32 mpg. The base LX manual drops to 25/34 mpg and 28 combined, while the EX’s carryover setup is rated at 25/33 mpg.
• Safety package: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with auto brake and pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning and prevention are available above the base LX. Those systems are a meaningful upgrade if you want more active safety tech.
• Infotainment: The base LX gets a 4.3-inch touchscreen, while S trims and above get a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The UVO infotainment system is described as simple and logical, and the upgraded color LCD cluster in the EX adds a nicer presentation.
• Fuel efficiency: The updated 2.0-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while the base LX manual returns 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The EX is rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

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:

• Base trim: The LX is the least expensive way in, but it lacks the richer standard equipment you get higher up the range. You’ll need to pay extra for conveniences like the touchscreen, and the base stereo is a weak point.
• Sweet-spot trim: The S is the best value if you want the strongest mix of equipment and price. It adds the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, selectable drive modes, and the sport suspension, making it feel much more complete than the LX.
• Premium/top trim: The EX is the most comfort-focused choice, with a more upscale presentation and available upgrades like heated power seats, ventilation, navigation, and a color LCD cluster. It makes sense if you want the nicest Forte experience and are willing to pay for it.

The safety systems are available above the base LX, so if active safety matters to you, avoid the entry trim.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 27.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 769 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.65% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 48.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,837.87, 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 $9,003 sits slightly below last year's $9,749.

That price movement suggests the Forte has softened enough to create a better buying opportunity now than it did a year ago. For a future seller, that also means you should be realistic about resale expectations unless you buy well and keep the car in excellent condition. If you’re planning to hold the car for several years, the current pricing makes it easier to enter at a reasonable cost basis.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

While the overall rating from the government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stands at five-star, it should be noted the Forte received a four-star rating in overall front impact tests.

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

The Forte’s safety story is strongest when you look at its available driver-assistance tech and braking performance. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with auto brake and pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning and prevention are part of the available safety suite above the base LX. The expert testing also highlights a 120-foot 60-0 stopping distance, which is a strong result for the class.

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:

• 27.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 48% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.65% compared with last year.
• This year brought a meaningful refresh, including updated styling, a more efficient engine, a sport trim, and more standard features.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed Forte with better equipment and improved efficiency, the 2017 is the right place to focus. If your priority is simply the lowest possible purchase price, you can still shop this year selectively and look for the best-condition example rather than chasing the cheapest listing.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.