Used 2019 Kia Forte for Sale nearDurham, NC

How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 9.70% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,085 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

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. The Forte is also described as a strong value, especially for shoppers who want an affordable sedan that still feels practical and well equipped. That lines up with its role as a redesigned compact car that offers useful trunk space, room for 4 or even 5 passengers, and a more upscale feel than the model had before.

With 30.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

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 Forte’s gas mileage, comfort, and overall value. The expert evaluation also supports that impression by describing the car as a serious step forward for Kia, with strong everyday usability and well-managed power delivery. The cost-effectiveness notes add to that confidence by showing that the Forte undercuts several rivals while offering a lot of content.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained well and hasn’t been compromised by prior damage or neglect.

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

At 57.9% 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 any bodywork or airbag-related repairs. Focus on overall condition, because the Forte’s value proposition depends heavily on getting a clean, well-kept example. It’s also worth checking that the equipment you care about is actually present, since trim levels vary meaningfully.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The FE trim comes with electric power side mirrors, remote keyless entry, forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, a 3.5-inch TFT information center, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The LXS adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, soft-touch materials, and a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, while the S adds LED head- and taillights, fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation, and UVO e-services. The EX adds heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, push-button start, and a 10-way power driver’s seat, making it the best-value choice if you want the most comfort and convenience.
• 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, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. The CVT is tuned to respond well and helps the Forte feel quick off the line while 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: The standard 8-inch UVO touchscreen includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the system keeps physical buttons and tuning and 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 CVT is the most efficient configuration at 31/41/35, while the FE with the 6-speed manual returns 27/37/31.

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 entry point, but it already brings a lot of value with standard driver-assistance features, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone climate control. If you want the lowest price and still want meaningful safety and tech, this is the trim to start with.
• LXS: This trim adds alloy wheels, a split-fold rear seat, soft-touch interior materials, and a few convenience upgrades. It makes sense if you want a nicer-feeling cabin without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• S: This is the style-and-tech step up, adding LED lighting, fog lights, navigation, and UVO e-services. It suits you if you want more features and a more polished look without going all the way to the top trim.
• EX: This is the most comfortable and well-equipped version, with heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, push-button start, and a power driver’s seat. If you want the most complete package, this is the one to target.

The standard safety package already includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning, with additional driver-assistance features available on higher trims.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile deals.

• Deal availability: 30.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,085 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.70% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,443, 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 $11,443 sits slightly below last year's $12,672.

That decline suggests the Forte has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it easier for future sellers to attract interest if the car is priced competitively. The current market also shows that shoppers are still responding to the Forte’s value story, especially when the car is clean and well equipped. If you maintain the car well and keep it accident-free, you should be in a better position to preserve demand when it’s time to sell.

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 joins the small-car group that offers standard forward-collision avoidance, and it also includes standard lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Standard equipment also includes a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. Buyers can add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control, depending on trim and options.

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:

• 30.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.70% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 is a completely redesigned Forte with strong value, standard driver-assistance features, and a more upscale feel.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $12,826, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $11,443 average.
• It adds a more performance-oriented personality, with a GT version that is described as a turbocharged sport sedan.

The bottom line: If you want the better value play, the 2019 is the smarter starting point because it combines a lower average price with strong owner satisfaction and a lot of standard equipment. 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 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.