Used 2019 Kia Forte for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 8.00% 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 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 8.7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its great gas mileage, comfortable ride, and strong value. The overview also points to a roomy trunk and seating for 4 or even 5 passengers, which makes it a practical daily driver. That combination fits you well if you want an affordable compact sedan that still feels substantial and useful.

There are 31.1% good or great deals in the market, so 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 also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with repeated praise for the car’s value and everyday usability. The expert drive notes reinforce that impression by describing the Forte as a serious leap forward for Kia and highlighting how well it balances performance, comfort, and efficiency. The cost-effectiveness notes also emphasize that Kia packed in a lot of content for the money, which can help reduce regret over the long haul.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about the car’s basic 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 55.1% 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 careful inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and any signs of prior repair. Because the market includes a meaningful number of accident-history listings, condition matters more than usual when you compare similar-priced cars. Focus on how the car presents in person, not just on the asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The FE trim comes with plenty of content for an entry-level trim, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Android Auto/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 lighting, fog lights, navigation, and UVO e-services. The EX adds heated and ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and other comfort upgrades, so it suits you best if you want the most features.
• Powertrain: All Fortes use 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 also supporting strong fuel economy.
• Safety package: The Forte includes standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. It also offers blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control, so you should check whether a given car has the extra driver-assistance equipment you want.
• Infotainment: You get an 8-inch UVO touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus a straightforward interface and physical controls. UVO e-services adds roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and a smartphone parking reminder feature.
• Fuel efficiency: The CVT returns 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined, while the FE with the CVT is the most efficient configuration at 31 mpg city, 41 highway, and 35 combined. The FE with the manual returns 27 mpg city, 37 highway, and 31 combined.

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 value pick if you want the most equipment for the least money. It already includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone climate control, so it covers the essentials well.
• LXS: This trim is the best-value step up if you want a nicer feel without jumping too far in price. You get 16-inch alloy wheels, soft-touch interior materials, and a split-fold rear seat, which makes it a smart middle ground for everyday use.
• S: Choose this if you want more style and convenience features, including LED lighting, fog lights, navigation, and UVO e-services. It adds a more polished feel, but it makes the most sense if those extras matter to you.
• EX: This is the trim to buy if you want the most comfort and convenience. Heated and ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat, push-button start, and available upgrades like a premium stereo and wireless charging make it the most upscale choice.

The standard safety equipment is already strong, but higher trims and option packages add more driver-assistance features, so check each listing carefully.

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 patiently but should move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,069 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.00% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,348, 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 $11,348 sits slightly below last year's $12,335.

That softer pricing suggests the Forte is a value-oriented used buy, which can help you if you’re shopping now but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. The current market also shows that buyers still respond to the Forte’s mix of value, safety features, and practicality, which helps support demand. If you keep mileage reasonable and maintenance records organized, you should be in a better position 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 strong safety marks from both IIHS and NHTSA, and it also scores 9/10 from our experts.

It earns standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning, along with a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. You can also get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The main caveat is that some of those helpful driver-assistance features are optional rather than standard, so you should verify equipment on any used listing you consider.

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:

• 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.00% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 model is the fully redesigned Forte, with a more upscale cabin and stronger standard safety content.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $12,494, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $11,348 average.
• The 2020 adds a turbocharged GT variant for buyers who want a more entertaining drive.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, value, and standard equipment, the 2019 is the smarter buy. 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 upscale redesign for the year. The Elantra is slightly cheaper on average and has a bit more inventory, but the Forte’s higher expert score reflects its stronger overall package. If you care most about standard equipment and value, the Forte is the more compelling pick.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.