Used 2023 Kia Forte for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 1.81% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,311 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable selection to compare.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — with a 4.57/5 user rating and a 6.33/10 expert rating, the 2023 Kia Forte lands as a solid value pick rather than a class leader. The model scores 7/10 across Performance, Form and function, and Cost effectiveness.

Owners repeatedly praise its stylish design, impressive fuel economy, and comfortable ride, and they also describe it as reliable and fun to drive. That lines up well with the Forte’s value-focused mission: you get a compact sedan that feels more substantial than a stripped-down commuter car. The main trade-offs are a cabin that can feel a bit cheap in places and a base engine that is described as underwhelming.

For shoppers who want an affordable daily driver with a broad appeal, the Forte makes sense as an all-around choice. Good and great deals account for 35.4% of listings, so there’s some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 4.57/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner feedback also points to a reliable, trouble-free ownership experience, with many drivers saying they count on it for everyday use.

From an expert perspective, the Forte’s value-oriented setup and well-built feel support the idea that it should be a dependable long-term commuter. The generous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty also adds peace of mind for used buyers.

For long-term ownership, the main risk is less about durability and more about whether you’re comfortable with the car’s lower crash-test performance and modest base-engine character.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Kia Forte?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because accident-free status is only a starting point. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body condition, interior wear, and how the car drives at low speeds and on the highway. If you’re comparing multiple listings, pay close attention to trim content and whether the features you want are standard or optional.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin uses an older layout with a touchscreen mounted above the center stack and physical climate controls below, which can make it easier to get acclimated than some newer rivals. GT models add bolder red accents and a more convincing synthetic leather upholstery, while the base setup is more straightforward and less upscale.
• Powertrain: The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The GT upgrades to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft, plus either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The LXS trim can add blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system, while GT-Line and higher can add adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection.
• Infotainment: Supporting trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen, while GT-Line and above get a 10.25-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless charging is available starting with GT-Line.
• Fuel efficiency: The base LX is estimated at 34 mpg combined, other models with the base powertrain are rated at 32 mpg combined, the automatic GT is estimated at 30 mpg combined, and the manual GT is estimated at 26 mpg combined.

Which 2023 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2023 Kia Forte is offered in 2 trim levels: LX and GT.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry price and the best fuel economy in the lineup. It gives you the Forte’s core strengths without pushing the budget, and it makes the most sense if you care most about affordability and efficiency.
• GT: This is the choice if you want the strongest performance and the most engaging driving experience. The turbocharged engine, available manual transmission, and sport-tuned suspension make it the clear pick for shoppers who want more excitement.

The safety package starts with standard driver-assistance features on all trims, while higher trims add more advanced options.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 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: 35.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,311 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.81% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,489, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $18,049 sits slightly below last year's $18,381.

That softer pricing suggests the Forte is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. If you purchase near the lower end of the range, you reduce the chance of taking a bigger hit later. The model’s value reputation and broad appeal should help support demand, but resale will still depend heavily on trim, mileage, and condition.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.57/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte safe?

The 2023 Kia Forte earns four-star ratings for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection from NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good scores in most evaluations but Poor results in the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests.

It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard driver-assistance features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The LXS trim can add blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system, while GT-Line and higher can add adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection. The Top GT trims include those features as standard, along with rear parking proximity sensors.

The main safety caveat is the weaker IIHS performance in key crash tests, which is worth weighing carefully if safety is a top priority.

Should I buy a 2023 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 35.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.81% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.57/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It offers strong value, a comfortable ride, and available manual transmission.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,212, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $18,049 average.
• It brings updated infotainment and driver-assist tech for budget-minded shoppers.

The 2023 is the better all-around pick if you want the strongest mix of value, comfort, and feature content. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is the smarter path, especially if you find one in good condition with the equipment you want.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.