Used 2020 Kia Forte for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2020 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 6.15% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,530 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 9/10 overall. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its stylish design, excellent value, and fun driving experience. The review summary also points to smooth handling and strong fuel economy, while the overview frames it as a roomy compact sedan that feels closer to a midsize car in space and offers an entry-level sport-sedan character. The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and some desire for quicker acceleration or a louder sound system.

With a 31.2% good-or-great-deal share in the market, you have a decent chance of finding a strong-value example.

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 owners find dependable, with strong value and a driving experience they can count on over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes the Forte’s cost-effective ownership story, backed by a long warranty and practical features that support everyday use. Kia’s warranty coverage adds another layer of reassurance for long-term ownership.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about the platform itself and more about finding a well-kept example that has been maintained properly.

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

At 63.1% 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 the car has been in a collision or shows uneven wear. Focus on body condition, tire wear, brake feel, and whether the car’s equipment works as expected. If you’re considering a GT, pay extra attention to signs of harder driving.

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 machined-finish 18-inch wheels. It also gets styling changes, red seat piping and stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with metallic accents. The GT is the clear choice if you want the sportiest version, while the standard trims are better if you want a simpler commuter.
• 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 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is described as well behaved, and a 6-speed manual is also available.
• Safety package: The Forte is a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and includes numerous advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard systems include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, 911 Connect, automatic collision notification, speed alerts, curfew alerts, geographical boundary alerts, and smartphone-based vehicle location. The GT with the GT2 Package includes all of them.
• 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 turbocharged setup is tuned for performance rather than maximum thrift, and the review notes that the car’s efficiency remains a strength overall. The standard Forte lineup is positioned as the more economical choice if fuel savings matter most.

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, with a standard CVT, nicer wheels, and a few extras. It makes sense if you want a better-equipped Forte without moving into the pricier trims.
• Forte EX: This is the best-value trim if you want the richest everyday feature set without paying for the GT’s performance hardware. It includes the same core comfort and tech advantages as the GT, minus the sport-focused equipment.
• Forte GT-Line: Choose this if you want sporty styling without the GT’s actual performance character. It is the appearance-focused middle ground.
• Forte GT: This is the enthusiast pick, with the turbo engine, sport suspension, active exhaust, bigger brakes, and the most distinctive driving character. It is the trim to buy if you want the most fun behind the wheel.

The GT2 Package is the safety-package note to keep in mind, since it brings the full set of driver-assistance features.

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: 31.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,530 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.15% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,678, 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 $12,826 sits slightly below last year's $13,667.

That decline suggests the market has moved in buyers’ favor, which can make the car easier to purchase now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that pricing has already adjusted downward, so condition and trim will matter more when it comes time to list the car. Well-kept examples with desirable equipment should hold up better than rougher ones.

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 features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, 911 Connect, automatic collision notification, and driver-alert features tied to speed, curfew, and geographic boundaries. One caveat is that the automatic emergency braking system 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:

• 31.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.15% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.56/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The GT stands out this year as a turbocharged sport sedan with a well-executed dual-clutch transmission and strong enthusiast appeal.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $11,443, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $12,826 average.
• The 2019 is a redesigned compact sedan with strong daily-driver usefulness and standout value.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around buy, the 2020 is the better target because it combines a lower average price than last year, solid owner satisfaction, and a compelling GT performance option. If your priority is simply 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 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.