Used 2020 Kia Forte for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2020 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 9.70% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,439 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $12,689.14, 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 9.00/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its stylish design, great value, and fun driving experience. The review summary also points to strong fuel economy, smooth handling, and a powerful engine as recurring positives.

The trade-offs are familiar ones: some shoppers wanted quicker acceleration, and others wished for a louder sound system. In context, this is a compact sedan aimed at buyers who want practical transportation with a more engaging feel than the average commuter car.

Only 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the best examples may take some patience to find.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?

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

The review summary points to a car that many drivers find dependable, with strong value and a driving experience they feel good about living with over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes the Forte GT’s buttoned-down, business-like character and the way its powertrain and chassis inspire trust on the road.

The cost-effectiveness notes add that Kia’s warranty coverage is a major ownership perk, which helps reduce worry about early repair exposure. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained well and hasn’t been driven hard without proper care.

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

At 62.8% 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 drives, since the Forte’s appeal depends heavily on whether it feels tight, smooth, and well sorted.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT stands apart with a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and bigger 18-inch wheels. Inside, it adds red seat piping, red stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a more performance-focused cabin feel.
• Powertrain: The GT uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while other Fortes use a 147-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The DCT is described as exceptionally well behaved, and the manual GT brings extra equipment with it.
• Safety package: The Forte comes with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems, and the GT with the GT2 Package includes all of them. The suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect, though the braking system 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, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT also add SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s UVO technology.
• Fuel efficiency: The review summary highlights excellent fuel economy, and the cost-effectiveness notes reinforce that the Forte is a strong value for efficiency-minded shoppers.

Which 2020 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Forte LXS: This is the value-oriented choice if you want the Forte’s core strengths with a standard CVT and nicer wheels than the base setup. It makes sense if you want to keep costs down without giving up the car’s practical appeal.
• Forte EX: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it is loaded with everything the test car offers except the GT’s performance hardware. If you want the most complete everyday Forte without paying for sportier parts, this is the one to target.
• Forte GT-Line: Choose this if you want the sporty look without the full performance character. It gives you the styling upgrade, but the content makes clear that it is more about appearance than true driving punch.
• Forte GT: This is the enthusiast pick. You get the turbocharged engine, sport-tuned chassis hardware, stronger brakes, and the most serious driving character in the lineup.

The GT with the GT2 Package is the most fully equipped version, and the safety content notes that it includes all of the 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 have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,439 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.70% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,689.14, 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 $12,840 sits slightly below last year's $14,219.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more selectively now but may also limit upside if you plan to sell soon. If you purchase at a strong price and keep the car in good condition, you can reduce the impact of that softer market. The Forte’s value-focused reputation and broad appeal should still help it remain attractive to future shoppers.

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.

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 the available driver-assistance systems, while lower-speed braking performance and the lack of a full stop in adaptive cruise control are worth keeping in mind.

The lane-keeping and lane-centering systems work well, but the steering-wheel monitoring behavior is abrupt if you let go for too long. That means the Forte is well equipped, but you should still treat its assistance features as support rather than a substitute for attention.

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:

• 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.70% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.56/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 stands out for its turbocharged GT performance and strong expert praise for driving enjoyment.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $11,700, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $12,840 average.
• It was completely redesigned and offers strong everyday practicality with minimal compromise.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger overall market position, the 2020 is the better target because it combines softer pricing, solid inventory, and a well-regarded mix of value and driving appeal. If your priority is spending less upfront, the 2019 is the sensible fallback, especially if you find one in clean condition and at a meaningful discount.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.