Used Kia Forte for Sale nearCedar Knolls, NJ

How much does the Kia Forte cost in today's market?

Used Kia Forte prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Kia Forte's current nationwide average price is $15,715, and its lowest point over the past year was $15,449. Recently, prices have come down for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the Kia Forte is a strong used-car pick if you want value, comfort, and a well-rounded compact sedan. The all-generations owner rating is 4.55/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners repeatedly praise the Forte for its stylish design, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and overall value for money. Expert reviews also reinforce its appeal as a compact sedan that delivers a lot for the price, with a cabin that feels more polished than many rivals and a driving character that stays easy to live with.

Expert reviews rate the 2020 and 2019 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert coverage are the underwhelming base engine, lower crash-test scores on some years, and some road noise or interior materials that feel less upscale than the strongest rivals.

34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Forte models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Forte as dependable, efficient, and easy to live with, and expert coverage repeatedly points to strong value and a comfortable everyday driving experience. Across the model years, that combination makes it a reassuring choice for shoppers who want a compact sedan with broad appeal.

• Owners rate the Kia Forte between 3.25 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For long-term ownership, the Forte looks like a sensible used buy when you prioritize value and everyday usability, especially if you choose a well-kept example with a clean history.

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

Across all model years, at 73.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2022 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor
• Infotainment: an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; GT-Line and above receive a 10.25-inch display

Which Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2023 Kia Forte offers these trims:

• LX: The entry trim gives you the Forte's value-focused starting point, and it suits shoppers who want the lowest-cost way into the model.
• LXS: This trim adds the optional blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system, making it a smart value step for buyers who want more driver-assist coverage.
• GT-Line: This trim brings the 10.25-inch display, a navigation system, a six-speaker audio setup, and the wireless charging pad; it is the best-value trim for many shoppers who want a richer feature set.
• GT: This trim adds the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and the choice of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual, making it the pick for buyers who want the most performance.
• Top GT: This trim makes adaptive cruise control, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and rear parking proximity sensors standard.

What Kia Forte do most buyers choose?

The Kia Forte years with the most listings are 2023, 2024, and 2022.

These higher-volume years tend to draw the most attention because they offer the newest mix of features, pricing, and availability. More listings also give you a better chance to compare condition, mileage, and equipment before you buy.

What is the Kia Forte's resale value?

Most Forte model years are showing lower prices than a year ago, which can work in your favor if you're shopping used. The newest model years are changing the least, while older examples show larger drops that can create stronger value opportunities.

The 2024 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2024, 2023, and 2021 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Kia Forte safe?

• 2023: 5/10
• 2022: 7/10
• 2020: 8/10
• 2019: 9/10
• 2017: 8/10
• 2015: 6/10
• 2014: 8/10

For the safest used buy, the 2019 model posts the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Kia Forte now?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2023 model is at −1.62% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −8.96%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 37.4% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 36.9%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $18,232. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and strong everyday value that make it easy to live with.

If you're buying used today, the 2023 model year offers the best mix of value and availability.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.