Used 2023 Kia Forte for Sale near Iowa

How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 2.31% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,161 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable number of options to compare.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Kia Forte earns a 4.6/5 user rating and a 6.3/10 expert rating. The model scores 7/10 across Performance, Form and function, and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, impressive fuel economy, and comfortable ride. The feedback also points to a reliable, fun-to-drive character that many shoppers can count on over time.

On the downside, expert testing notes that the base engine is underwhelming and that lower-than-average crash test scores may matter to cautious buyers. In practical terms, this is a strong fit if you want a value-focused compact sedan that still feels well equipped and comfortable, and the market shows 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 4.6/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback describes the Forte as reliable and fun to drive, with many owners appreciating its dependable feel and safety features. The expert evaluation also notes that the car feels as well-built as its rivals, which supports confidence in everyday use.

The ownership picture is still best approached with normal used-car caution, especially if you want a trouble-free example for the long haul. A clean service history and a careful pre-purchase inspection matter most.

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

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

You should still check the report carefully, because accident-free listings are not the same as problem-free cars. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body condition, interior wear, and how well the car has been maintained. If you want the best odds of a satisfying ownership experience, pay close attention to trim-specific equipment and whether the features you want are actually present.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Forte keeps an older interior layout with a touchscreen mounted atop the dash and traditional climate controls below, while GT trims add bold red accents and a more distinctive look. Base trims are simpler, so make sure you are comfortable with the more straightforward cabin and feature set before you buy.
• Powertrain: The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 147 horsepower and uses a CVT, while the GT upgrades to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual. The base setup is adequate for most drivers, while the GT is the choice if you want more excitement.
• 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 included on all models, and wireless charging starts at GT-Line or higher.
• Fuel efficiency: The base LX is estimated at 34 mpg combined, other versions 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 4 trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the value-first choice if you want the lowest entry point and the best fuel economy in the lineup. It makes the most sense if you care most about keeping costs down and can live with the simpler equipment set.
• LXS: This is the trim to watch if you want a better balance of price and features, especially because it can add useful safety equipment like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. For many shoppers, this is the best-value trim.
• GT-Line: This is the sweet spot if you want the larger 10.25-inch display, wireless charging, navigation, and a more upscale tech experience without jumping all the way to the performance model.
• GT: This is the pick if you want the strongest performance, the turbocharged engine, and the available manual transmission. It suits you best if driving engagement matters more than pure value.

The safety package starts with core driver-assistance features on all trims, while higher trims add more advanced systems and the most complete feature set.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,161 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.31% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,486, 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 $17,820 sits slightly below last year's $18,241.

That softer pricing trend suggests the Forte is currently a buyer-friendly used car, but it also means future sellers may need to stay competitive on price. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later.

Strong value positioning can help keep demand steady, especially for shoppers who want a practical compact sedan without paying new-car prices. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.6/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte safe?

The 2023 Kia Forte was awarded four out of five stars 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 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 main caution is that some base forward collision mitigation features do not meet the Administration's performance criteria, even though available upgrades do. That makes trim choice especially important if safety equipment is a priority for you.

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:

• 35.6% 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 2.31% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 model combines strong value with available manual transmission and a comfortable ride.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,082, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $17,820 average.
• It offers updated styling and modern tech for budget-minded shoppers.

The bottom line: Choose the 2023 if you want the stronger current-market mix of value, satisfaction, and available inventory. If your top priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is the better price-sensitive alternative.

How does the 2023 Kia Forte compare to the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Kia Forte:

• Pros: Excellent value for money, Comfortable, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Lower-than-average crash test scores, Underwhelming base engine.

2023 Hyundai Elantra:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Easy-to-use technology, Excellent value for money.
• Cons: Potentially polarizing design.

Our experts score the 2023 Kia Forte 6.3/10 and the 2023 Hyundai Elantra 8.7/10. The Forte is the better pick if you want comfort and a manual transmission, while the Elantra stands out for its broader powertrain lineup and easier-to-use technology. Both are value-focused compact sedans, but the Forte's weaker crash-test performance and base engine hold it back relative to the Elantra.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.