Used 2023 Kia Forte for Sale near Iowa

How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 1.01% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 4,441 listings available, you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

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 repeatedly praise its stylish design, impressive fuel economy, and comfortable ride. They also describe it as reliable and fun to drive, with safety features that add confidence in daily use. In practical terms, that lines up well with the Forte’s value-focused mission: you get an affordable compact sedan that still feels like a solid all-around choice rather than a stripped-down commuter.

The main trade-offs are an underwhelming base engine and a cabin that can feel a bit cheap in places, especially in the trunk area. Even so, the market shows 33.6% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still attractive opportunities 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 feedback also points to a car that feels reliable, dependable, and trouble-free enough to inspire confidence over time. On the road, the Forte’s powertrain is described as adequate for most drivers, and the overall package is presented as a solid daily driver rather than something that feels fragile or high-strung. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty also adds a useful ownership cushion for used buyers.

For a used purchase, the main long-term risk is less about outright complexity and more about choosing a well-kept example, since condition and maintenance history will matter more than the badge alone.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.7% — 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 if you’re considering a higher-mileage car or one with incomplete service documentation. Focus on overall condition, interior wear, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim you expect.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT trims add bold red accents and a more distinctive look, while the interior keeps a more traditional layout that can be easier to learn than some newer rivals. Base-trim cars miss some of the richer equipment and visual 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 the GT uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The base powertrain is adequate, but the GT is the choice if you want more urgency.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The LXS trim is eligible for the optional blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system. The GT-Line makes adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection available as an option, while the Top GT trims include these as standard, along with rear parking proximity sensors.
• Infotainment: Supporting trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the GT-Line and above get a 10.25-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on all models, and wireless charging starts at the 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 should achieve 30 mpg, 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:

• LX: This is the value play if you want the lowest starting price and the best fuel economy in the lineup. It gives you the essentials without stretching the budget, and it makes the most sense if you care more about affordability than extra features.
• LXS: This is the trim to watch if you want a smarter balance of price and equipment. It keeps the Forte’s value focus while opening the door to useful safety upgrades, making it the best-value choice for many shoppers.
• GT-Line: This is the better pick if you want a more upscale tech experience. You get the larger 10.25-inch display, plus wireless charging and navigation, so it suits you if infotainment matters more than absolute entry price.
• GT: This is the trim for you if you want the strongest performance. The turbocharged engine, quicker acceleration, sport-tuned suspension, and available manual transmission make it the enthusiast choice.

For safety equipment, note that some driver-assistance features are optional on lower trims and become standard only as you move up the lineup.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop but still need to move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,441 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.01% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,498, 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 $18,550 sits slightly below last year's $18,739.

That mild decline suggests the Forte is holding value reasonably well, but not aggressively appreciating. For a future seller, that means your return will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice rather than broad market momentum alone. The current pricing also suggests buyers are still getting a fair amount of car for the money, which can help keep demand steady.

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 was awarded four-star ratings for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection from NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it its highest score of Good in all evaluations except the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, which received Poor.

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 is eligible for the optional blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system, while the GT-Line makes adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection available as an option. The Top GT trims include those features as standard, along with rear parking proximity sensors.

The main safety caveat is the weaker crash-test performance in those IIHS tests, so you should pay close attention to the vehicle history and condition 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:

• 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.01% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.57/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It offers strong value, solid comfort, and available manual-transmission appeal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,858, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $18,550 average.
• It brings updated styling, infotainment, and driver-assist tech.

The 2023 is the better all-around pick if you want the stronger current-market mix of value, inventory, and owner satisfaction. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is the more budget-friendly path and still gives you a lot of the same core appeal.

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