Used 2023 Kia Forte for Sale nearTrenton, NJ

How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 1.15% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 4,463 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 consistently 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 to its appeal. On the downside, the cabin can feel a bit cheap in places, especially in the trunk area, and the base engine is not especially strong.

That lines up with the Forte’s role as an affordable compact sedan that still aims to feel like a solid contender rather than a stripped-down budget car. For shoppers who want value, comfort, and everyday usability, it fits the brief well.

Good and great deals account for 32.8% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a car that many drivers find reliable, with a reputation for being fun to drive and easy to live with over time. The expert evaluation also supports that impression by describing the Forte as well-built and competitive against newer sedans in the class.

The Forte’s value-focused ownership story is strengthened by its generous warranty coverage, which can help reduce worry for used buyers. Even so, you should still pay close attention to maintenance records and overall condition, since long-term dependability depends heavily on how the car was cared for.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any candidate, even if the listing looks clean at first glance. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with incomplete service records. Focus on cabin condition, too, since some owners note that the interior can feel a bit cheap in places.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT trims add bold red accents and a more distinctive look, while the interior keeps a traditional layout that can be easier to get used to than some newer rivals. Base trims miss some of the extra visual flair and upscale touches found higher up the range.
• 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 above 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 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 play if you want the lowest starting price and the best fuel economy in the lineup. It gives you the essentials without pushing the budget, and it makes the most sense if you care most about affordability and efficiency.
• LXS: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a bit more flexibility on the safety side, including the option for blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system. If you want a smarter balance of price and features, this is the trim to focus on.
• GT-Line: This is the trim to consider if you want the larger 10.25-inch display, wireless charging, navigation, and the upgraded six-speaker audio system. It’s the better pick if tech matters more to you than absolute lowest price.
• GT: This is the performance choice, with the 201-hp turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and either a dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual. Choose it if you want the most engaging Forte and are willing to pay more for it.

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 is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it’s worth shopping carefully and comparing listings.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,463 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.15% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.0% 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 $18,582 sits slightly below last year's $18,800.

That modest decline suggests the Forte has softened a bit in the used market, which can be good news if you’re buying now. For a future seller, it means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice rather than on broad market appreciation.

The Forte’s value-oriented reputation helps support demand, especially because shoppers looking at compact sedans often prioritize price and equipment. If you keep the car clean, well maintained, and documented, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

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 out of five stars for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection from NHTSA, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 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 safety features on all 2023 Forte models 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. The GT-Line makes adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection available as an option, and the Top GT trims include these as standard, along with rear parking proximity sensors.

The lower crash-test results are the main caveat here, so safety-minded used buyers should pay close attention to the exact trim and equipment list.

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:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.15% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.57/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 stands out for value, comfort, and available manual transmission.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,881, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $18,582 average.
• It offers updated styling, infotainment, and driver-assist features in a budget-friendly package.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.