Used Kia Forte for Sale nearColumbia, SC

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 $15,820, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $15,441 over the past year.

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 everyday usability backed by a high owner rating. 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, comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and overall value for money. Across the model years, the car also earns consistent credit for modern technology and a practical, easy-to-live-with character.

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

The main trade-offs that come up most often are interior quality, acceleration performance, and road noise, especially in lower trims and older model years.

33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Forte models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Forte's value, fuel efficiency, comfort, and practical everyday character. The model also earns repeated praise for its modern tech features and easy-to-live-with nature.

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

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is most manageable when you focus on newer, better-kept examples and verify maintenance and history carefully.

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

Across all model years, at 73.3% 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: 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.
• Infotainment: Supporting Forte trims come standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen while the GT-Line and above receive a 10.25-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with all models.

Which Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2023 Kia Forte offers these trims:

• LX: The value-focused starting point, with the standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Forte's core everyday comfort and efficiency. This is the best-value trim for shoppers who want the Forte's main strengths at the lowest entry price.
• LXS: Adds the optional blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system, making it a smart step up if you want more driver-assistance coverage.
• GT-Line: Brings the 10.25-inch display, a navigation system, a six-speaker audio setup, and access to a wireless charging pad, while also serving as the gateway to more upscale tech.
• GT: Adds the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual, and a sport-tuned suspension for the most performance-focused Forte experience.
• GT Manual: For drivers who want the most engagement, this version pairs the turbo engine with the six-speed manual and keeps the Forte's sporty character front and center.
• GT Automatic: The easiest way to get the turbocharged GT's stronger acceleration and extra performance hardware.

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 be the most popular used picks because they give you more listings to compare, stronger deal availability, and newer features that many shoppers want.

What is the Kia Forte's resale value?

Most Forte model years are showing year-over-year price declines, which creates better buying opportunities for used shoppers. The newer model years are changing more slowly, while older examples are posting larger drops that can improve affordability.

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

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.

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 −1.44% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −8.53%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 36% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 35.3%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $18,322. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride, strong value, and a practical everyday feel that makes 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 September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.