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 $16,071, and its year-round low is $15,449.27. That gives you a useful snapshot of where this model sits today across the full lineup.

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. The all-generations owner rating is 4.55/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners repeatedly praise its stylish design, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. They also consistently point to reliability, modern technology, and overall value for money.

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

The main trade-offs show up in interior quality, acceleration, and road noise, and those themes appear often enough that you should pay attention to them when you test-drive a used example.

26.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Forte models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Forte as a dependable, easy-to-live-with compact sedan with strong value, good fuel economy, and comfortable daily driving manners. Expert feedback also reinforces its appeal as a practical, well-rounded choice with broad everyday usability.

• 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, the long-term ownership picture looks favorable overall, especially if you choose a well-kept example with a clean history and solid maintenance records.

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

Across all model years, at 72.6% 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, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with all models.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual transmission isn't as fuel efficient as the automatic. It's estimated by the EPA to only return 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The automatic should achieve 30 mpg. The most economical of the lineup is the base LX trim, which is estimated at 34 mpg. Other Fortes with this powertrain are rated at 32 mpg combined.

Which Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2023 Kia Forte offers these trims:

• LX: Best-value starting point if you want the Forte’s core appeal at the lowest entry price, with the standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the model’s everyday value focus.
• 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 confidence features.
• GT-Line: Brings the 10.25-inch display, wireless charging pad, navigation, and a six-speaker audio system, so it suits shoppers who want the most noticeable tech upgrade.
• GT: Adds the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, 201 hp, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual, and a sport-tuned suspension for the most performance-focused Forte.
• Top GT trims: Include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and rear parking proximity sensors as standard.

What Kia Forte do most buyers choose?

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

These higher-volume model years tend to attract more shoppers because they offer a strong mix of newer features, broad availability, and competitive pricing. That combination usually makes them the easiest years to compare and the most practical to shop.

What is the Kia Forte's resale value?

Most Forte model years are showing lower prices than a year ago, which is good news if you’re shopping used. The biggest drops are concentrated in older years, while the newest model years are changing by smaller amounts. That pattern suggests recent inventory has been easing more gradually than the older end of the lineup.

The 2023, 2024, and 2022 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 or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2023 model is at −1.13% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −5.51%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 27.7% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 27.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $18,742. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and a practical, easy-to-live-with character that makes it appealing as an everyday compact sedan.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, while the GT uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
• Tech: Supporting Forte trims come standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen while the GT-Line and above receive a 10.25-inch display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with all models.
• Safety: 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.
• Starting price: The Kia Forte in base LX trim has a starting price of $20,815 (including $1,125 in destination fees), making it one of the more affordable cars on sale today.

If you're buying used today, the 2023 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2025 inventory to mature.

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