Used 2019 Kia Forte for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 8.27% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,067 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $11,633.81, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 great gas mileage, comfortable ride, and strong value. The model’s overview also points to a practical daily-driver setup with room for 4 or even 5 passengers and enough trunk space for several bags.

That combination makes it a smart fit if you want a compact sedan that feels more substantial than a bare-bones commuter. It also lands in a market where 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which helps the value case.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?

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

The owner feedback also points to a car that feels reliable, dependable, and easy to count on, with praise for its trouble-free ownership experience and long-term value. The expert drive notes that the CVT manages power well and responds immediately when you step on the throttle, which supports the impression of a well-sorted everyday drivetrain.

The cost-effectiveness notes also reinforce the ownership appeal by showing that the Forte undercuts several rivals while offering a lot of standard 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 worn down by prior use.

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

At 56% 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. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and signs that safety systems or driver-assistance features may not be functioning as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The FE trim comes with a strong set of standard features for an entry-level car, including forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist, while the LXS adds 16-inch alloy wheels, soft-touch materials, and a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. The S adds LED lighting, fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation, and UVO e-services, while the EX adds heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• Powertrain: Every Forte 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.
• 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 Forte comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and UVO e-services. The system also keeps physical buttons and conventional tuning and volume dials, which makes it easier to use on the move.
• Fuel efficiency: With the CVT, the Forte returns 30 mpg city, 40 highway, 34 combined. The FE with the manual returns 27/37/31, and the most efficient configuration is the FE with the CVT at 31/41/35 combined.

Which 2019 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• FE: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry price without giving up key safety and tech features. It already includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone climate control, so it gives you a lot for the money.
• LXS: This trim adds a more polished feel with 16-inch alloy wheels, soft-touch interior materials, and a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. It makes sense if you want a nicer cabin and a bit more everyday flexibility without jumping too far in price.
• S: This is the best fit if you want more style and convenience features, including LED lighting, fog lights, navigation, and UVO e-services. It adds a more upscale look and feel while staying below the range-topping model.
• EX: This is the most comfort-focused choice, with heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and available extras like a premium stereo, sunroof, wireless charging, smart cruise control, and pedestrian detection. It suits you best if you want the most complete Forte experience.

The safety package is especially notable because forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist are standard even on the base FE.

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

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you have room to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,067 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.27% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 56.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,633.81, 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 $11,700 sits slightly below last year's $12,755.

That price movement suggests the Forte has softened enough to be attractive on the used market, but not so much that it looks undesirable. If you buy well now, you may benefit from a lower entry cost than shoppers saw a year ago.

For a future seller, the key takeaway is that value-oriented cars with strong equipment and good owner satisfaction tend to stay relevant with budget-conscious buyers. The Forte’s broad appeal, standard safety tech, and strong ratings should help support demand over time.

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?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The Forte joins the small-car group that offers standard forward-collision avoidance, 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.

The named driver-assistance suite includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. You can also get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control, though those features are not standard across the lineup.

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:

• 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 56% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.27% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 was completely redesigned and brings a more upscale, value-rich package than the previous generation.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $12,840, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $11,700 average.
• It adds a turbocharged GT option for drivers who want more performance.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, standard safety tech, and everyday value, the 2019 is the stronger buy. If you’re willing to spend more for a turbocharged performance-oriented version, the 2020 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.