How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 1.13% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 4,426 listings available, you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $17,499.47, 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 stylish design, impressive fuel economy, and comfortable ride. The review summary also points to reliability and a fun-to-drive character, along with safety features that many shoppers appreciate.

The trade-offs are familiar ones: some drivers feel the cabin can seem a bit cheap inside, and the trunk area draws criticism compared with rivals. The Forte’s value-focused mission still comes through clearly, especially if you want a practical compact sedan that doesn’t feel stripped down.

That fits well if you want an everyday commuter with broad appeal rather than a bare-bones economy car. With 27.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still 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 summary points to a car that many people find reliable and enjoyable over time, with language that emphasizes dependable ownership and a trouble-free feel. That matters if you want a used compact sedan you can count on for daily driving.

The expert evaluation also supports that impression by describing the Forte as well-built and competitive with rivals in everyday use. Its value-oriented positioning and long warranty coverage add to the sense that it is designed for long-term ownership rather than short-term flash.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright complexity and more about choosing a well-kept example that hasn’t been neglected or abused.

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.

Start with a vehicle history report so you can confirm accident history, title status, and service records. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage car or one with optional equipment. Pay close attention to cabin condition, since some owners note that interior materials can feel a bit cheap in places.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT trims add bold red accents and a more exciting look, while the interior keeps a traditional layout that can be easier to learn than more screen-heavy rivals. Base trims are simpler, so check whether you’re giving up the larger display and added convenience features you want.
• 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 upgrades to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft. The base powertrain is adequate for most drivers, while 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, while the GT-Line makes adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection available as an option.
• Infotainment: Supporting trims come standard 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 the GT-Line or higher adds a wireless charging pad and navigation.
• 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-first choice if you want the lowest entry price and the strongest fuel economy. It gives you the essentials without much extra, so it makes sense if your priority is keeping costs down.
• LXS: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more flexibility without jumping into sportier pricing. It’s also the trim where you can add the blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic warning, and safe passenger exit system.
• GT-Line: This is the sweet spot if you want the larger 10.25-inch display, wireless charging, and navigation. It’s the trim that most clearly balances everyday convenience with a more upscale feel.
• GT: Choose this if you want the turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and the most engaging driving experience. It also brings the strongest performance focus in the lineup, though the dual-clutch automatic can feel jumpy at low speeds.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is 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 market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 27.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,426 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.13% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,499.47, 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 $18,742 sits slightly below last year's $18,957.

That kind of softening suggests the Forte is currently in a buyer-friendly phase, which can work against a future seller if prices continue to ease. If you buy at the right number now, you may have less downside risk than someone who paid closer to the peak.

The good news is that the Forte’s value reputation and broad appeal can help support demand later. A car that offers strong equipment, good fuel economy, and solid owner satisfaction tends to stay relevant in the used market.

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 earns four-star ratings from NHTSA for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it Good scores in most evaluations, but the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests 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 caveat is that some base forward collision mitigation features do not meet the Administration’s performance criteria, so you should pay close attention to the exact safety equipment on the 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:

• 27.7% 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 1.13% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.57/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 stands out for value, with more equipment for the money than many rivals.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $17,345, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $18,742 average.
• It offers a more contemporary feel with updated infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around shopping case, the 2023 is the better pick because it combines value, inventory depth, and solid owner satisfaction. If your main goal is to spend less upfront, the 2022 is the better price-sensitive alternative and still brings a well-equipped compact-sedan package.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.