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 $16,092, and its year-round low is $15,458.31. That gives you a useful snapshot of what you can expect to pay for this model across the 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 consistently praise the Forte for its stylish design, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and overall value. Across the model years, the car also earns repeat credit for reliability and modern tech, which helps explain why it remains a popular compact sedan choice.

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

The main trade-offs center on the base engine's modest performance, some interior materials that feel a bit basic in places, and road noise that can stand out more than you'd like. Even so, the Forte's value proposition stays compelling, especially if you prioritize comfort and features over outright speed.

31.1% 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, comfortable ride, and everyday usability as recurring strengths. The model also earns repeated praise for its reliability and practical ownership experience, which helps it stand out as a sensible used compact sedan.

• 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 encouraging if you choose carefully and verify condition, history, and maintenance records before you buy.

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

Across all model years, at 72.7% 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...

• LX: The base LX trim gives you the Forte's value-focused starting point, and it is the best-value choice if you want the lowest entry price while still getting the model's core comfort and everyday usability.
• GT-Line: The GT-Line adds the larger 10.25-inch display, wireless charging, and navigation, making it the trim to target if you want the strongest mix of tech and convenience.
• GT: The GT brings the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual, and a sport-tuned suspension, so it suits you if you want the most engaging Forte.

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 the broadest selection and the strongest mix of pricing and deal availability. That makes it easier to compare listings and find a Forte that fits your budget.

What is the Kia Forte's resale value?

Most Forte model years are down year over year, which is good news if you're shopping used and want to benefit from softer pricing. The largest drops are concentrated in older and mid-cycle years, while the newest models are declining more gradually. That pattern suggests you can find stronger value in several parts of the lineup rather than having to focus only on the oldest examples.

The 2023, 2024, and 2015 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Kia Forte safe?

• 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 −1.14% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −5.35%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 32.6% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 31.9%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $18,767. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and strong everyday value, which makes it easy to live with as a used 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 2023 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 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.