How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 1.14% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,569 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

If you find a listing below $17,503.83, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Kia Forte earns a 4.57/5 user rating and a 6.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 7/10 across Performance, Form and function, and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise its excellent value for money, comfortable ride, and manual transmission available. The review summary also points to stylish design, impressive fuel economy, and a car that many owners find reliable and fun to drive.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, and some drivers feel the cabin can seem a bit cheap in places. That lines up with the Forte’s compact-sedan mission in the overview, where it’s positioned as a practical daily driver that gives you more for the money without feeling stripped down.

With 32.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding strong value if you shop carefully.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 4.57/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a car that many drivers find reliable and trouble-free enough to recommend, especially for everyday use. It also highlights the Forte as a model people feel good about keeping for the long term, which matters if you want a used car you can count on.

From the expert side, the Forte is described as a solid, well-built compact sedan that delivers value without forcing major compromises. The cost-effectiveness discussion also notes Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, which adds peace of mind for buyers considering ownership costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a lower-quality example could show wear more quickly if it has been neglected or driven hard.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are common but not guaranteed. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection if you’re considering a higher-mileage car or one with incomplete service records. Focus on cabin condition, electronics, and signs of hard use, since owner feedback suggests some examples can feel a bit cheap inside.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT trims add bold red accents and a more upscale feel, while the interior keeps an older layout with physical controls that are easy to learn. Base models miss some of the richer tech and convenience upgrades found higher up the range.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque in the base setup, while GT models use a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft. The base CVT is adequate, but it can make the car feel slower than it is.
• 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 starts at GT-Line or higher.
• 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 returns 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 4 trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: LX is the value play, but it starts with the smaller 8-inch screen and misses the richer convenience and safety upgrades available higher up.
• Sweet-spot trim: LXS is the best balance if you want a few more safety options without jumping too far in price; it can add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a safe passenger exit system.
• Premium/top trim: GT-Line is the best all-around upgrade if you want the larger 10.25-inch display, wireless charging, navigation, and more audio capability.
• Off-road trim: GT is the enthusiast choice, not the everyday value pick; its turbo engine and sport-tuned suspension make it the most engaging, but the manual is less fuel efficient and the dual-clutch automatic can feel jumpy at low speeds.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that the more advanced driver-assistance features are not standard on every trim, so you should verify exactly which systems are included on the car you’re considering.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Kia Forte?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,569 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.14% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,503.83, 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 $18,767 sits slightly below last year's $18,984.

That modest decline suggests the Forte has softened a bit in the used market, which can help you as a buyer today. For a future seller, it means pricing discipline will matter if you want to stay competitive. The good news is that a model with broad appeal and strong value tends to keep shopper interest steady, especially when it has a reputation for comfort and efficiency.

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 Forte earns four-star ratings in overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection from NHTSA, and 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. Some base forward collision mitigation features are flagged as not meeting the Administration’s performance criteria, while available upgrades do. The LXS trim can add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system, and GT-Line and higher can add adaptive cruise control plus pedestrian/cyclist detection.

The main caution for used shoppers is that the crash-test picture is mixed, so you should pay close attention to which safety features are actually installed on the specific car you’re considering.

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:

• 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.14% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.57/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 Forte combines value with a manual transmission option and broad everyday usability.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $17,363, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $18,767 average.
• It offers modern equipment and strong value at a lower entry price.

The bottom line: if you want the better-balanced shopping environment and don’t mind paying a bit more, the 2023 is the cleaner choice. If your priority is the lowest purchase price, the 2022 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers a lot of the Forte’s core appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.