How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.18% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,066 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $11,644.13, 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 safety features, great gas mileage, and comfortable ride. They also describe it as a strong value, especially versus pricier alternatives, while the overview frames it as a practical daily driver with room for 4 or even 5 passengers and enough trunk space for several bags.

With 28.5% 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 its everyday usability and value. The expert drive notes also support that impression by describing the car as an effective daily driver with confident performance and refined handling.

The Forte’s standard 2.0-liter engine and CVT are presented as well-matched for daily use, and the transmission is described as responding immediately rather than feeling sluggish. If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is less about the model’s core design and more about how well a specific example has been maintained.

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

At 55.7% 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 any accident history. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair, then confirm that the safety and driver-assistance systems work as expected. It also helps to compare trim equipment carefully so you know whether the car has the features you want or if you’re looking at a stripped-down example.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base FE trim comes with plenty of content for an entry-level trim, including forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist, but the LXS adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, soft-touch materials, and a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. The S adds LED head- and taillights, fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation, and UVO e-services, while the EX adds heated and ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and other comfort upgrades.
• Powertrain: All trims use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, making 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. You can get a 6-speed manual or a CVT, and the CVT is described as responsive and well controlled for everyday driving.
• 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. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control are available.
• 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, it returns 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined. The FE with the manual returns 27/37/31, while the FE with the CVT is the most efficient configuration 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:

• Base trim: The FE is the value play, but it lacks the upgraded wheels, soft-touch cabin materials, and convenience features found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The LXS is the best balance if you want a nicer cabin and more everyday convenience without jumping too far in price.
• Premium/top trim: The EX is the most comfortable choice, adding heated and ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and available luxury-oriented upgrades like a premium stereo and sunroof.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use, so there’s no daily-driver caution to flag here.

The standard safety package includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning, which is a strong baseline even on the entry trim.

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 listings.

• Deal availability: 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,066 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.18% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,644.13, 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 $11,836 sits slightly below last year's $12,751.

That softer pricing suggests the Forte has already absorbed some of its depreciation, which can help future sellers if the market stays steady. A lower entry price can also make the car easier to move later, especially if you keep mileage reasonable and maintenance records organized.

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. It also includes a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control are available.

That standard driver-assistance suite gives you a strong safety baseline even before you move up the trim ladder. If you’re comparing used examples, pay close attention to whether the car has the optional assistance features you want, since not every listing will be equipped the same way.

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:

• 28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.18% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 redesign brought a more upscale feel, stronger standard safety tech, and standout value.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $12,820, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $11,836 average.
• It adds a turbocharged GT variant with a more enthusiast-focused personality.

The bottom line: If you want the better value proposition, the 2019 is the smarter buy because it combines lower pricing with strong owner satisfaction and a well-equipped standard safety package. If you’re willing to spend more for a sportier driving experience, the 2020 is the better secondary path.

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