Used 2023 Kia Forte for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 1.63% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,313 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 4.57/5 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. The Forte also gets credit for being reliable and fun to drive, with safety features that many shoppers appreciate. On the trade-off side, the cabin can feel a bit cheap in places, and the trunk area draws some criticism.

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 commuter car. It is especially appealing if you want value, comfort, and a manual transmission option without giving up too much everyday polish.

Good and great deals account for 35.8% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

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 people find reliable, and the same summary also describes it as trouble-free enough to be fun to live with over time. The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by describing the Forte as well-built and a strong value for the money.

You also get a generous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, which helps reduce long-term ownership risk for used buyers who want extra peace of mind.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.6% — 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 are considering a higher-mileage example or one with visible wear. Focus on overall condition, especially interior wear and any signs that the car has been used hard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT trims add bold red accents and a more distinctive look, while the interior keeps Kia’s older layout with a touchscreen mounted atop the dash and physical climate controls below. Base trims are simpler, so compare equipment carefully if you want a more modern-feeling cabin.
• Powertrain: The base model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a CVT and front-wheel drive, while the GT upgrades to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual. The base setup is adequate, but the GT is the better choice if you want stronger acceleration and more engagement.
• 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 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.
• 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 standard, 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 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 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 is the trim most likely to make sense if you care most about affordability and efficiency.
• GT: This is the one to choose if you want the strongest performance, the turbocharged engine, and the manual transmission option. It is the better fit for shoppers who want the Forte to feel more engaging, and it also adds the sport-tuned suspension.

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

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

This looks like a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and deal activity to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,313 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.63% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,493, 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 $18,147 sits slightly below last year's $18,447.

That modest decline suggests the Forte is holding value reasonably well, but not aggressively appreciating in the used market. For a future seller, that means pricing should stay competitive if the car remains clean, well maintained, and lightly worn.

The current trend also shows that buyers still have options, so condition and equipment will matter when you go to resell. A Forte with strong presentation and a desirable trim should be easier to move than one with visible wear or a weak service history.

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 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 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 those features as standard, along with rear parking proximity sensors.

The lower crash-test results are the main caveat here, so safety-focused used buyers should pay close attention to trim equipment and overall vehicle condition.

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:

• 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.63% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.57/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 combines strong value, available manual transmission, and a well-rounded everyday driving experience.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,330, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $18,147 average.
• It brings updated styling, infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems.

The bottom line: Choose the 2023 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 better price-first alternative and still delivers a lot of equipment for the money.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.