Used 2020 Kia Forte for Sale near Charleston, SC

How much does the 2020 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 6.50% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,435 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Kia Forte earns a 4.56/5 user rating, and our experts give it an 9/10 overall score. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its great value, impressive design, and fun driving experience. The expert review also highlights its stylish design, excellent value for money, and premium interior materials.

That said, the expert notes an underwhelming base engine, and user feedback points to less acceleration than some expected plus a desire for a louder sound system. For you, that means the Forte makes the most sense if you want an affordable compact sedan that feels more upscale than its price suggests, especially in the GT form described in the overview.

With 29.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some attractive opportunities.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?

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

Drivers describe the Forte as reliable, dependable, and a car they can count on, with praise centered on its great value and smooth, trouble-free driving experience. The expert review also emphasizes the Forte’s industry-standard warranty program, which adds confidence for long-term ownership.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about the model’s reputation and more about how each individual car was maintained, so a careful service-history check still matters.

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

At 63.3% 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 you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one priced near the low end of the market. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim level you expect.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT stands out with a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and bigger machined-finish 18-inch wheels. Inside, it adds red seat piping and stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with metallic accents. If you want the most engaging version, the GT is the one to target.
• 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 an available 6-speed manual. The standard Forte engine is described as underwhelming, so the turbo model is the clear choice if you care about acceleration and driving enjoyment.
• Safety package: The Forte comes with advanced driver-assistance systems, and the GT with the GT2 Package includes all of them. Standard systems include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect through UVO eServices. The safety content also notes that 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, plus Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The Forte EX and GT also add SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s Your Voice (UVO) technology.
• Fuel efficiency: The GT is described as an affordable turbocharged sport sedan, and the expert review calls out excellent fuel economy in owner feedback. The GT’s performance content does not provide a specific MPG figure.

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 step up from the base car, adding a standard CVT and nicer wheels. It makes sense if you want a more comfortable daily driver without paying for the sportier hardware.
• EX: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because the cost-effectiveness content says it is loaded with everything the test car offers except the GT’s performance hardware. If you want the richest feature set without chasing speed, this is the trim to focus on.
• GT-Line: Choose this if you want the sporty look without the sporty driving character. It gives you the appearance upgrade, but not the GT’s actual performance focus.
• GT: This is the enthusiast pick. It adds the turbocharged engine, sport-tuned chassis hardware, and the most engaging driving experience in the lineup, making it the trim to buy if you want the Forte at its most distinctive.

The GT with the GT2 Package includes all of the Forte’s advanced 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 and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,435 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.50% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,691, 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 $13,032 sits slightly below last year's $13,938.

That decline suggests the Forte has become more affordable for used buyers, which can also mean a softer starting point for future resale. If you buy at the right price now, you may have less depreciation risk than someone who paid closer to last year’s average.

The model’s strong value reputation helps support demand, especially for well-kept examples with desirable equipment. Cars that combine solid owner satisfaction with a reasonable purchase price often stay easier to move later.

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?

The 2020 Kia Forte earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

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

The Forte comes with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems, and the GT with the GT2 Package includes all of them. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect through UVO eServices.

The safety content also notes a few caveats: automatic emergency braking works only at lower speeds, adaptive cruise control does not bring the car to a full stop, and lane-centering will shut off rather abruptly if you take your hands off the wheel.

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:

• 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.50% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.56/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 stands out for its affordable turbocharged GT setup, strong value, and polished driving character.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $11,639, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $13,032 average.
• It was completely redesigned for 2019 and is described as a strong daily driver with minimal compromise.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around package, the 2020 is the better target because it combines a lower average price than last year with strong owner satisfaction and a compelling GT option. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2019 is the better value play, especially if you find one in clean condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.