Used 2019 Kia Forte for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 8.76% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,116 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and equipment.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2019 Kia Forte earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its safety features, great gas mileage, and comfortable ride. They also describe it as a strong value, especially versus pricier alternatives, while noting that the interior can feel a bit basic for a newer model.

That lines up with the overview: you get a practical compact sedan with room for daily use, a useful trunk, and a value-first approach that still feels more upscale than the Forte did before this redesign.

With 30.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a compelling buy.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with repeated praise for the car’s value, gas mileage, and comfort. That kind of feedback suggests you can count on it for everyday use without feeling like you’re giving up much.

The expert drive notes also support that impression by describing the Forte as a well-rounded daily driver with confident handling and a powertrain that responds well in normal use. On the cost side, the model’s value proposition is reinforced by its strong equipment list for the money.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the concept and more about individual vehicle history and upkeep, so condition and maintenance records matter.

What should I look for when buying a used 2019 Kia Forte?

At 57.4% 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 the car has had bodywork or multiple owners. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior repair quality, and whether the equipment still works as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The FE trim already includes electric power side mirrors, remote keyless entry, forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, so the base car is better equipped than many entry trims. The LXS adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, soft-touch interior materials, and a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, while the S adds LED lighting, fog lights, 17-inch wheels, navigation, and UVO e-services. The EX brings heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a power driver’s seat, and other comfort upgrades.
• Powertrain: Every trim uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. Output is 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and you can get either a 6-speed manual or a CVT, depending on trim. The CVT is tuned to respond well and helps the car feel quick off the line while still staying efficient.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. Available upgrades include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: You get an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus a straightforward interface with physical buttons and tuning/volume dials. UVO e-services adds roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and a smartphone parking reminder.
• Fuel efficiency: With the CVT, the Forte returns 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined. The FE with the manual is rated at 27/37/31, and the FE with the CVT is the most efficient configuration at 31/41/35.

Which 2019 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2019 Kia Forte is offered in 4 trim levels: FE, LXS, S, EX.

Here's the short version:

• FE: This is the best-value starting point because it already includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone climate control. If you want the lowest entry price without giving up the core safety and tech features, this is the trim to target.
• LXS: This trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, soft-touch cabin materials, and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. It makes sense if you want a nicer-feeling interior and a bit more everyday flexibility without jumping too far in price.
• S: This is the step-up choice if you want more style and convenience, thanks to LED lighting, fog lights, 17-inch wheels, navigation, and UVO e-services. It’s a good fit if you want a more polished feel and are willing to pay for it.
• EX: This is the most comfort-focused trim, with heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a power driver’s seat, rear air vents, and other upscale touches. It suits you best if you want the most premium version of the Forte rather than the best bargain.

Safety equipment is strong across the lineup, and the standard driver-assistance suite is a major reason the base trim remains appealing.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2019 Kia Forte?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,116 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.76% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,464, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2019 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $11,499 sits slightly below last year's $12,603.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition, you can reduce the impact of that softer market.

The Forte’s strong value reputation and high owner satisfaction should help support demand, especially among shoppers looking for an affordable, well-equipped compact sedan.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte safe?

The 2019 Kia Forte earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

It comes with standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. You can also get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control, depending on trim and equipment.

A notable strength is that the Forte offers standard driver-assistance features that many rivals reserve for higher trims. That said, you should still verify which optional safety features are present on any used example you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2019 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2019 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2019 if:

• 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.76% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 was completely redesigned, giving you a fresher, more upscale take on the Forte.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $12,761, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $11,499 average.
• It adds a more performance-oriented GT version with a turbocharged sport-sedan character.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2019 is the stronger buy because it combines a lower average price with strong owner satisfaction and a well-equipped standard feature set. If you’re willing to spend more for a sportier personality, the 2020 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.