Used 2019 Kia Forte for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.47% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,069 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 5/5 user-rated car with an expert score of 8.7/10. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the great gas mileage, comfortable ride, and strong value. The overview also points to a car that feels more upscale and sportier than earlier Forte models, while still staying practical for daily use with room for passengers and cargo.

That combination makes it a smart fit if you want an affordable compact sedan that feels substantial without giving up efficiency or everyday usability. 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?

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

User feedback points to a car that feels reliable, trouble-free, and easy to count on, with owners repeatedly highlighting its dependable nature alongside the strong fuel economy and comfortable ride. The expert drive notes also describe the Forte’s power delivery as well managed and its handling as composed, which supports the sense that it’s a car built to be lived with every day.

Kia also includes useful ownership-friendly features such as enhanced roadside assistance and in-depth vehicle diagnostics through the touchscreen. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the core mechanical package and more about finding a well-kept example with a clean history and properly maintained condition.

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

At 54.9% 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 close inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and signs of prior repair. It’s also smart to focus on how the car feels on the road, since a used compact sedan should still drive straight, brake cleanly, and operate without warning lights or unusual noises.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The FE comes with standard forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist, plus an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The LXS adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, soft-touch interior 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. The EX adds heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated power mirrors, and other comfort upgrades.
• Powertrain: Every Forte uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 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 car 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 interface is described as intuitive with physical buttons and conventional 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, 34 combined. The FE with the CVT is the most efficient setup at 31 mpg city, 41 highway, 35 combined. The FE with the 6-speed manual returns 27 mpg city, 37 highway, 31 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 point without giving up important standard safety and tech. You get forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a solid feature set for the money.
• LXS: This is the best-value upgrade if you want a nicer feel without jumping too far in price. It adds alloy wheels, a split-fold rear seat, soft-touch materials, and a few convenience upgrades that make daily use easier.
• S: Choose this if you want more style and a richer feature mix. It adds LED lighting, fog lights, navigation, UVO e-services, and a more upscale appearance.
• EX: This is the comfort-focused choice, with heated and ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat, heated mirrors, and other premium touches that make it feel the most upscale.

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

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

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

• Deal availability: 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,069 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.47% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 54.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,349, 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 $11,355 sits slightly below last year's $12,272.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you’re thinking about future resale. If you buy at a strong price and keep the car in good condition, you’ll be better positioned to soften the impact of further depreciation.

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. Buyers can also add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.

A notable strength is that forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist are standard, which is not always the case in this class. That said, you should still check whether a specific used example has the optional driver-assistance features you want.

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:

• 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 54.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.47% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 is a completely redesigned model year, with a more upscale feel and stronger standard safety content.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $12,474, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $11,355 average.
• The 2020 adds a turbocharged GT variant and a more enthusiast-focused character.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2019 is the smarter buy because it combines a lower average price with strong owner satisfaction and a redesigned package. If you’re willing to spend more for a sportier personality, the 2020 is the better path.

How does the 2019 Kia Forte compare to the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?

Our experts score the 2019 Kia Forte 8.7/10 and the 2019 Hyundai Elantra 8.2/10.

The Forte has the edge if you want stronger value, better standard safety content, and a more favorable used-price setup. The Elantra counters with slightly more listings and a marginally higher share of good and great deals, but the Forte’s overall package is the more compelling pick for most shoppers. Both are similar in basic powertrain specs, so your decision comes down more to value, equipment, and market availability than raw performance.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.