Used 2020 Kia Forte for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2020 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.41% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,456 listings available, which suggests you have a decent 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 a 9/10 expert rating. 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, premium interior materials, and strong performance character, especially in GT form.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the fact that some buyers may want quicker acceleration or 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 if you value driving enjoyment and everyday practicality.

Only 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the best examples may move quickly.

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, with owners appreciating its smooth handling, excellent fuel economy, and overall confidence in daily use. The expert review also describes the Forte GT as well behaved and notes that its dual-clutch transmission is exceptionally well behaved, which supports the impression of a car that should be easy to live with.

The warranty coverage also adds peace of mind for used buyers, especially if you want a compact sedan that can still feel reassuring over time. For you, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific car you buy 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 63.4% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a GT or a higher-mileage example. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the car’s equipment and driving feel match the seller’s description.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT adds a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission, a 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 base car is more straightforward and less performance-focused.
• 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 GT’s DCT is described as exceptionally well behaved, and the manual transmission is available if you want a more involved setup.
• Safety package: The Forte is a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and includes numerous ADAS features. The GT with the GT2 Package gets all of them, while the automatic emergency 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, plus 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’s performance hardware is paired with a turbocharged setup, but no MPG or MPGe figure is stated here.

Which 2020 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2020 Kia Forte is offered in 5 trim levels: Forte, Forte LXS, Forte EX, Forte GT-Line, Forte GT.

Here's the short version:

• Forte: This is the least expensive way into the Forte, but it’s also the most basic. It makes sense if your priority is keeping the purchase price low and you don’t need the extra equipment or performance hardware found higher up.
• Forte LXS: This trim adds a standard CVT, nicer wheels, and a few extras over the base car. It looks like the best-value choice if you want a more polished daily driver without stretching to the pricier trims.
• Forte EX: This is the trim to target if you want the most complete non-GT package. The expert content says it is loaded with everything the test car offers except the GT’s performance hardware, so it suits you if comfort and features matter more than speed.
• Forte GT-Line: This trim gives you a sporty look without the GT’s actual performance character. Choose it if you want the appearance and a more expressive vibe, but not the extra cost or firmer setup of the GT.
• Forte GT: This is the enthusiast pick. It adds the turbocharged engine, sport suspension, active exhaust, bigger brakes, and the most engaging driving experience, making it the best choice if you want the Forte to feel genuinely quick and fun.

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

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

The market looks moderate and selective buyers should have some room to shop carefully.

• Deal availability: 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,456 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.41% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,692, 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 $13,057 sits slightly below last year's $14,103.

That price movement suggests the Forte has become a bit more buyer-friendly, which can work against a seller trying to maximize return. If you’re planning to sell later, the softer market means you may need to price competitively to stand out.

At the same time, the Forte’s strong value reputation and broad appeal can help keep demand steady. Well-equipped examples, especially those with desirable features and clean history, should be easier to position than a more ordinary compact sedan.

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

There are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. The automatic emergency braking system works only at lower speeds, adaptive cruise control does not bring the car to a full stop, and lane-centering assistance shuts 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:

• 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Prices have softened 7.41% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.56/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 stands out for its turbocharged GT character, strong value, and upscale feel.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $11,706, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $13,057 average.
• It was completely redesigned and offers a strong daily-driver balance with practical space and value.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around package, the 2020 is the better pick because it combines softer pricing, strong owner satisfaction, and a standout GT variant. If your main goal is to spend less upfront, the 2019 is the smarter budget path, especially if you find one in clean condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.