Used 2022 Kia Forte for Sale near Iowa

How much does the 2022 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 8.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,267 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

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 rooted in its roomy cabin, modern equipment, and strong value proposition. Kia updated this model year with sharper styling plus new infotainment, driver-assist, and collision-avoidance systems, so you get a lot of content for the money. It also works well as an affordable daily driver if you want a compact car that feels more substantial than a bare-bones commuter.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, and the car can be noisy. Those drawbacks matter most if you want relaxed highway manners or a more polished driving experience.

With 35.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still room to shop selectively and find strong value.

Is the 2022 Kia Forte reliable?

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

The Forte’s reliability case is helped by its long warranty coverage and its focus on straightforward, proven hardware for most trims. Kia also backs it with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile standard warranty with roadside assistance, which adds peace of mind for used buyers. The expert review also notes that the car is a good value and that the GT version adds more power and sophistication without losing everyday usability.

The powertrain is described as underwhelming in most versions, but not fragile, and the CVT is more of a refinement compromise than a reliability red flag. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is choosing a neglected example with higher wear, so service history and condition matter more than the badge itself.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, even if it appears clean on the listing page. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the brakes, tires, suspension, and infotainment functions, since those are the kinds of items that can separate a good used example from a merely average one. Focus on overall condition and maintenance records, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage car or one with more equipment.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT each bring a different mix of equipment and appearance. The FE is the fuel-economy champ, the LXS gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t, the GT-Line adds a sporty look without sporty driving characteristics, and the GT is the one you want for the most fun. Base trims use unimpressive halogen headlights, while the GT gets brighter LED headlights.
• Powertrain: Most trims use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The GT uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft, and it pairs with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
• Safety package: Across all trim levels, 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 satellite radio, voice recognition, Kia Connect connected services, remote engine starting, remote climate preconditioning, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and a find-my-car feature. Wireless smartphone charging is standard on the GT.
• 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’s turbocharged engine is rated at 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 30 mpg combined 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, and it makes the most sense if you want the lowest running costs and wireless smartphone integration. It’s the trim to consider if value and fuel economy matter more than extra features.
• LXS: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it keeps the Forte affordable while giving you the essentials without much compromise. It’s the trim that best matches the Forte’s “everything you need, and nothing you don’t” personality.
• GT-Line: Choose this if you want the sportier look plus more tech and safety content, but you do not need the GT’s stronger performance. It adds a lot of visual appeal and useful equipment without jumping all the way to the top price.
• GT: This is the one to buy if you want the most enjoyable driving experience, the strongest engine, and the most distinctive equipment. It also gets the best looks in the family, though the brakes and noise levels are worth keeping in mind.

GT-Line and GT also add important safety upgrades, including active 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 should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,267 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,472, 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 $16,472 sits slightly below last year's $18,008.

That price movement suggests the Forte has become more accessible for used buyers, which can also make it easier for future sellers to attract attention with the right mileage and condition. If you buy well now, you may benefit from a lower entry price, but resale will still depend on how clean the car is and how well it has been maintained. The Forte’s broad appeal as a roomy, value-focused compact sedan should help keep demand steady.

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.

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. Depending on trim, you can also get cyclist detection, navigation-linked adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, speed reduction for lower posted limits, speed reduction for curves, and Highway Driving Assist.

The main caveat is the NHTSA result itself, which is less impressive than you’d want in a compact sedan. 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:

• 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Kia updated this year with sharper styling and new infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems.

Consider the 2023 if:

• At $18,322, the 2023 costs more than the current year's $16,472 average.
• It offers more for the money while preserving quality and performance.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2022 is the smarter buy because prices are softer and inventory is healthy. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model year, the 2023 is the better secondary path for price-sensitive buyers who still want a strong all-around compact sedan.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.