How much does the 2020 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 9.83% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,389 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $12,739.68, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Kia Forte earns a 4.56/5 user rating and a 9/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its great value, fun driving experience, and excellent fuel economy. The expert review also highlights its stylish design and premium interior materials, which help it feel more upscale than many compact sedans.

The trade-offs are that the base engine is underwhelming and the car is more compelling when you choose the turbocharged version. That fits the Forte’s role as an affordable compact sedan with nearly midsize-like room and an available sport-sedan character.

The market also looks supportive, with 24.5% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 4.56/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that feels dependable and trouble-free in everyday use, with owners also emphasizing its value and fuel economy. The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the Forte GT’s powertrain as exceptionally well behaved and noting that the DCT is perfectly calibrated.

Kia’s warranty coverage adds another ownership confidence point, especially if you plan to keep the car for years. For used buyers, the main risk is making sure prior maintenance and wear match the mileage and trim you’re considering.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Kia Forte?

At 62% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any reported damage affected structural, suspension, or safety systems. A pre-purchase inspection matters here, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with sportier equipment. Focus on overall condition, tire wear, brake feel, and whether the car’s features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT stands apart with a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and bigger 18-inch wheels. The interior also gets sport-sedan touches like red stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and gloss-black trim, while the EX is positioned as the better choice if you want the loaded experience without the GT’s performance hardware.
• Powertrain: The GT uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or available 6-speed manual. Other Fortes use a 147-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, so the GT is the clear choice if you want stronger acceleration and a more engaging drive.
• Safety package: The Forte is a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and includes advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. The GT with the GT2 Package includes all of them, while the automatic emergency braking works only at lower speeds and adaptive cruise control does not bring the car to a full stop.
• Infotainment: Every 2020 Forte has an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT add SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s Your Voice (UVO) technology.
• Fuel efficiency: The GT’s turbocharged setup is described as efficient enough to support its performance value, but no mpg figure is stated in the available data.

Which 2020 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2020 Kia Forte is offered in 4 trim levels: LXS, EX, GT-Line, GT.

Here's the short version:

• LXS: This is the value-oriented choice if you want the Forte’s core practicality and a standard CVT without moving up to the pricier trims. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost path into the lineup and don’t need the extra equipment found higher up.
• EX: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it is described as loaded with everything the test car offers except the GT’s performance hardware. If you want the most complete everyday Forte without paying for sport-focused parts, this is the one to target.
• GT-Line: Choose this if you want the sporty look without the GT’s actual performance character. It gives you the appearance upgrade, but the data points you toward the GT if driving enjoyment matters most.
• GT: This is the trim to buy if you want the Forte to feel like a real sport sedan. The turbo engine, sport suspension, active exhaust, and stronger brakes make it the enthusiast pick, and the GT2 Package adds even more equipment value.

The GT with the GT2 Package includes all available driver-assistance systems.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Kia Forte?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 24.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,389 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.83% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,739.68, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $12,901 sits slightly below last year's $14,307.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right point in the cycle. If you purchase near the lower end of the range, you give yourself a better chance of limiting depreciation exposure. Strong value positioning also helps keep the Forte attractive to budget-minded shoppers when it comes time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.56/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte safe?

A Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2020 Kia Forte comes with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The safety suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect through UVO eServices. The GT with the GT2 Package includes all of these systems. One caveat is that automatic emergency braking works only at lower speeds, and adaptive cruise control does not bring the car to a full stop.

Should I buy a 2020 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 24.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.83% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.56/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 adds a turbocharged GT with serious performance value and a Top Safety Pick rating.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $11,759, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $12,901 average.
• It offers tremendous value and works well as a practical daily driver.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around package, the 2020 is the better target because it combines lower pricing than last year, strong owner satisfaction, and a more compelling GT performance story. If your priority is simply spending less, the 2019 is the smarter price-first alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.