Used 2019 Kia Forte for Sale nearTampa, FL

How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.31% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,065 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — owners rate it 5/5, and experts give it 8.67/10. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the great gas mileage, comfortable ride, and strong value. The Forte is also framed as a practical daily driver with room for 4 or even 5 passengers, plus enough trunk space for several bags. That makes it a smart fit if you want an affordable compact sedan that still feels more upscale and sportier than the old value-first formula.

The market also shows 27.0% good or great deals, which supports the case for shopping carefully and comparing listings.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a reliable, dependable feel in everyday use, with many shoppers describing it as a car they can count on for the long haul. The expert drive notes also emphasize that the Forte manages power well and delivers a refined, confidence-inspiring driving experience, which supports the impression of trouble-free ownership.

The cost-effectiveness notes also reinforce the ownership appeal by showing that the Forte undercuts several rivals while offering a lot of content for the money.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the car’s core competence and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn hard.

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

At 57.5% 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 also makes sense to focus on how the car feels on the road, since the Forte’s appeal depends heavily on a balanced mix of comfort, efficiency, and everyday usability. If a listing has accident history, condition matters even more.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base 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. 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, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and more premium convenience features.
• Powertrain: All trims use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. Output is 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, 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.
• 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 uses an 8-inch UVO touchscreen, and it supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface is described as intuitive, with physical buttons and conventional tuning and volume dials. UVO e-services add roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and parking-location help.
• Fuel efficiency: With the CVT, the Forte 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.

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 if you want the Forte’s core strengths without paying for extras. You still get standard driver-assistance features, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the full everyday usefulness that makes the car appealing in the first place.
• LXS: This trim is the smart step up if you want a little more polish, thanks to alloy wheels, soft-touch interior materials, and a split-fold rear seat. It adds useful convenience without pushing the price too far, so it’s a strong middle-ground choice.
• S: Choose this if you want more style and tech, including LED lighting, fog lights, navigation, and UVO e-services. It’s the better pick if you care about a more upscale look and extra features.
• EX: This is the most comfortable and feature-rich version, with heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a power driver’s seat, and more premium convenience equipment. It suits you best if you want the most refined Forte experience.

Standard safety equipment is strong across the lineup, and the available driver-assistance upgrades make higher trims more appealing if you want extra peace of mind.

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 with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 27.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,065 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.31% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,642, 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 $11,686 sits slightly below last year's $12,607.

That decline suggests the Forte has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it easier for you to sell if your asking price stays realistic. It also means future resale will likely depend on condition, mileage, and equipment more than on broad market momentum. Well-kept examples with desirable features should stand out more clearly in a softer pricing environment.

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 Top Safety Pick recognition from IIHS.

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

Standard safety 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. You can also add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The standard lane-keeping assist is especially notable because it actively helps keep the car centered in its lane.

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:

• 27.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.31% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 was completely redesigned and brings standard driver-assistance features plus a more upscale, sportier feel.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $13,008, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $11,686 average.
• The 2020 adds a turbocharged GT option with a more enthusiast-focused character.

The bottom line: If you want the best value, the 2019 is the stronger buy because it combines a lower average price with strong owner satisfaction and a broad 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 September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.