Used 2022 Kia Forte for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2022 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.20% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,257 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2022 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2022 Kia Forte earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

The Forte’s appeal is straightforward: it aims to give you a lot of modern equipment without pushing the price too high, and it adds sharper styling, updated infotainment, and newer driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems. It also brings spaciousness, impressive technology, and strong value for money, which makes it a practical fit if you want an affordable daily driver with a lot of content.

The trade-offs are just as clear. The base engine is underwhelming, and the car can be noisy. The GT trim adds more power and more engaging handling, but it also brings brake and noise complaints that matter if you want a refined commuter.

With 32.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market opportunity to shop selectively.

Is the 2022 Kia Forte reliable?

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

The Forte’s long warranty coverage supports its value proposition, and the model is positioned as a good choice if you want a budget-friendly compact car with a lot of room for people and cargo. Its powertrain is described as underwhelming in most trims, but the GT version is called out as more satisfying thanks to its stronger performance and greater sophistication.

Kia also backs the car with a long powertrain warranty and standard roadside assistance, which helps reduce ownership anxiety. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the less powerful trims may feel strained and less rewarding over time, especially if you prioritize smoothness and quiet.

What should I look for when buying a used 2022 Kia Forte?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the brakes, cabin noise, and overall condition, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or a GT trim. It’s also worth confirming that the equipment you want is actually present, since trim-level differences are meaningful on this car.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The FE is the fuel-economy-focused choice, the LXS is the value-oriented version, the GT-Line adds a sportier look without sporty driving characteristics, and the GT is the most fun. Base trims use unimpressive halogen headlights, while the GT gets brighter LED headlights and more red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels.
• Powertrain: Most trims use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The GT uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft, and it offers either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. GT-Line and GT add active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with rear automatic braking, and Safe Exit Warning.
• Infotainment: FE and LXS get an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GT-Line and GT move to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM, voice recognition, Kia Connect connected services, remote engine starting, remote climate preconditioning, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and a find-my-car feature, but CarPlay and Android Auto require a cable.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 35 mpg in combined driving for the FE and 33 mpg for the LXS and GT-Line. The FE is also rated at 41 mpg on the highway. The GT is rated at 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 30 mpg with the DCT.

Which 2022 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2022 Kia Forte is offered in 4 trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT.

Here's the short version:

• FE: This is the efficiency-first choice if you want the lowest-friction path into the Forte lineup and wireless smartphone connectivity with the 8-inch touchscreen.
• LXS: This is the best-value trim if you want the essentials without paying for extra appearance or tech upgrades.
• GT-Line: This is the right pick if you want a sportier look, more available tech, and the added safety features that come with the higher trims.
• GT: This is the enthusiast choice, with the turbocharged engine, stronger handling, and the most distinctive equipment, but it also brings the most compromises in brake feel and noise.

Safety-related upgrades are trim dependent, with GT-Line and GT adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with rear automatic braking, and Safe Exit Warning.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2022 Kia Forte?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,257 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.20% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,631, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2022 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $16,858 sits slightly below last year's $18,166.

That decline suggests the Forte has become more affordable for buyers, which can help keep demand moving in the used market. For a future seller, the current pricing trend means you may not see strong appreciation, but you can still benefit from a model that offers a lot of equipment for the money.

The Forte’s value story is helped by its long warranty, roomy cabin, and broad appeal as a practical compact sedan. If you buy well now, you’re starting from a lower price base, which can make eventual resale easier to justify.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2022 Kia Forte safe?

The 2022 Kia Forte earns a four-star overall crash protection rating from NHTSA, including a three-star frontal impact rating for the front passenger.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Across all trim levels, standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. GT-Line and GT add active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with rear automatic braking, and Safe Exit Warning, while higher trims can also add cyclist detection, navigation-linked adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, zone-based speed reduction, curve-speed reduction, and Highway Driving Assist.

The main caveat is the NHTSA result, which is weaker than you’d want in this class. IIHS gives the Forte’s crashworthiness and driving assist systems high marks, but testing remains incomplete for the revised LED headlights on the GT.

Should I buy a 2022 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2022 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2022 if:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.20% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Kia updated it with sharper styling and new infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems.

Consider the 2023 if:

• At $18,550, the 2023 costs more than the current year's $16,858 average.
• It offers more for the money while still aiming to preserve quality and performance.

The bottom line: If you want the better value play, the 2022 is the stronger buy because it combines lower pricing, solid deal availability, and a strong equipment list. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year alternative, the 2023 is worth considering, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2022 and shop for a clean, well-equipped example.

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