Used 2017 Kia Forte for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.78% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 748 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 pick if you want a refreshed compact sedan with updated styling, more standard equipment, and a clear value focus, though it still has to stand out in a crowded segment. 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 changes for this year make the Forte feel more current, and the added standard features help it compete better with other compact sedans. It is especially appealing if you want a compact sedan that feels updated without moving up to a larger or pricier vehicle.

Only 28.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective rather than broadly discounted.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The 2017 Forte’s appeal is tied to its refreshed hardware and improved efficiency, and Kia’s own warranty reputation helps support the ownership case. The updated 2.0-liter engine brings better fuel economy than before, and the expert review notes that the car feels adequately powered for everyday driving.

The expert review also says Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been popular residents of reliability lists of late, which supports the Forte’s long-term case for used buyers. Kia’s warranty terms are also described as a strength, and that can reduce some ownership anxiety.

For a used buyer, the main long-term risk is less about the basic mechanical package and more about finding a well-kept example that has been maintained consistently.

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

At 49.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report before you commit, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can check for prior bodywork, uneven wear, and any signs of deferred maintenance. Focus especially on how the car drives over rough pavement and whether the cabin electronics and safety features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is the most stripped-down version, with a small 4.3-inch touchscreen and fewer standard conveniences, while the S adds a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, unique trim and upholstery, selectable drive modes, and a sport suspension. The EX drops the sport pretension but keeps the broader feature set, so it is the better-value choice if you want more comfort and equipment without chasing the sportier setup.
• 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’s carryover 2.0-liter setup is rated at 25/33.
• Safety package: 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, 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. The system also uses Kia’s UVO interface, 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, while the base manual drops to 25/34. The EX’s version 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 and even basic conveniences can cost extra. Choose it only if you want the lowest possible price and can live without much equipment.
• S: This is the best-value trim because it adds the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, unique trim and upholstery, selectable drive modes, and a sport suspension. It is the most appealing choice if you want a more modern-feeling Forte without jumping to the top of the range.
• EX: This is the comfort-oriented choice, with the carryover 2.0-liter engine and a more upscale feature set than the S. It suits you best if you want the most polished everyday experience and are willing to pay more for it.

The safety package is available above the base LX, so make sure any listing you consider has the driver-assistance equipment you want.

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: 28.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 748 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.78% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 49.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,790, 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 $8,790 sits slightly below last year's $9,532.

That price movement suggests the Forte has softened enough to be attractive on the used market, but not so much that it looks distressed. If you buy well now, you may be starting from a relatively favorable entry point compared with where the car was priced a year ago.

For a future seller, that means resale value will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment level. A well-kept example with the better trim and safety equipment should be easier to move than a stripped car with visible wear.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

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

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

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 systems are available above the base LX, so you should verify that a used listing actually has them.

The Forte’s strong braking performance is also a highlight, with a 60-0 stopping distance of 120 feet that ranks near the top of the segment. The main caveat is the lower front-impact result, so safety-minded shoppers should pay close attention to trim and equipment when comparing listings.

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:

• 28.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 49.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.78% compared with last year.
• For this year, Kia refreshed the Forte with new styling, a more efficient 2.0-liter engine, and more standard features across the lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the most updated version of this compact sedan in this price range, the 2017 Forte is the one to target. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can still shop carefully and look for a clean, well-equipped example, but you should be selective about history and trim because the best-equipped versions make the strongest case.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.