Used 2020 Kia Forte for Sale nearLexington, KY

How much does the 2020 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 6.18% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,522 listings available, which gives you 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 9/10 overall. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its design, value, and fun driving experience, and they also highlight smooth handling and strong fuel economy. The Forte’s compact-sedan packaging is especially appealing if you want a lot of room for the money, and the GT version adds a more distinctive sport-sedan feel. The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the fact that some shoppers may want stronger acceleration or a louder sound system.

With its roomy, affordable, and well-equipped setup, it fits you well if you want a practical sedan that still feels a little special. The market also shows 32.1% good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities to shop carefully.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?

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

User feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with drivers repeatedly calling out the car’s strong value and fuel economy as reasons they’d count on it day to day. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the Forte is cost-effective and backed by a long warranty, which supports confidence in long-term ownership. Kia’s warranty coverage adds another layer of reassurance for used buyers.

For a used shopper, the main long-term risk is less about the car’s basic value proposition and more about choosing a well-maintained example with the right equipment and condition.

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

At 64.2% 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’s also smart to focus on how the car drives, since the Forte’s appeal depends on getting the balance of comfort, value, and equipment you expect. If you’re considering a GT, make sure the performance hardware and feature set match the listing description.

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. The standard Forte lineup is more value-focused, while the GT adds the sport-sedan character that makes this model feel more distinctive.
• 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 is a Top Safety Pick according to IIHS, and the GT with the GT2 Package includes all of the car’s advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard assistance includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist, 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 GT is described as a performance model with a turbocharged engine, but no MPG or MPGe 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: Forte LXS, Forte EX, Forte GT-Line, Forte GT.

Here's the short version:

• Forte LXS: This is the value-oriented step up from the base car, adding a standard CVT, nicer wheels, and a few extras. It makes sense if you want a more polished daily driver without paying for the sportier trims.
• Forte EX: This is the best-value choice if you want the most equipment without the GT’s performance hardware. It’s the trim the expert specifically points to for buyers who care more about comfort and value than speed.
• Forte GT-Line: This trim gives you a sporty look without the GT’s actual performance character. Choose it if styling matters more to you than acceleration.
• Forte GT: This is the one to buy if you want the turbocharged engine, sport-tuned chassis, and the most engaging driving experience. It’s the clear pick for enthusiasts.

The GT with the GT2 Package gets the full set of advanced driver-assistance systems.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop patiently but still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,522 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.18% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,689, 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 $12,902 sits slightly below last year's $13,753.

That price movement suggests the Forte has become a bit more buyer-friendly, which can help you if you’re shopping now but may temper future resale gains if you sell soon. The softer market also means your purchase price matters more, since buying well today gives you a better chance of limiting depreciation later. Strong value and broad appeal should still help support demand.

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 IIHS.

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

The Forte comes with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including 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, while the lower-speed operation of automatic emergency braking and the fact that adaptive cruise control does not bring the car to a full stop are worth keeping in mind. Lane-centering also shuts off 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:

• 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.18% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.56/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The GT brings a turbocharged sport-sedan character that makes this year especially appealing to enthusiasts.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $11,502, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $12,902 average.
• The 2019 is a practical, value-focused redesign with strong everyday usefulness.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around mix of value, features, and personality, the 2020 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2019 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the Forte’s core practicality.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.