Used Kia Forte for Sale nearLincoln, NE

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 $15,430, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $15,430 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 choice if you want value, comfort, and broad appeal across model years.

The all-generations owner rating is 4.5/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Forte for its stylish design, comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and overall value for money. Across the newer expert-reviewed years, it also stands out for a well-built feel and a cabin that remains easy to live with.

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

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and lower-than-average crash test scores on the recent expert-reviewed years.

30.3% 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 fuel economy and a comfortable ride. Expert reviews also point to a well-built cabin and a value-focused character that helps the car age well.

• Owners rate the Kia Forte between 3.3 and 5 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 choose carefully and verify condition and history.

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

Across all model years, at 72.3% 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: 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 value-focused starting point, with the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Forte's core comfort-and-value appeal.
• 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 everyday confidence.
• GT-Line: Brings the 10.25-inch display, a navigation system, a six-speaker audio setup, and a wireless charging pad; this is the best-value trim for many shoppers who want the richest mix of tech and convenience.
• GT: The performance trim, with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual, and a sport-tuned suspension for drivers who want the most engaging Forte.
• Top GT: Adds 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.

Higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because they offer a wider selection and more pricing competition. In the Forte's case, the most listed years also pair strong availability with solid deal shares, which helps make them especially attractive used picks.

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 prices that have softened. The newest model years are changing the least, while older examples show larger drops that can create more room for value-minded buyers.

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

The 2024, 2023, and 2020 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 −1.88% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −8.82%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 31.4% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 30.8%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $18,025. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and a value-first character that makes it easy to live with every day.

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

How does the 2023 Kia Forte compare to the 2024 Hyundai Elantra?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Kia Forte:

• Pros: Excellent value for money, Comfortable, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Lower-than-average crash test scores, Underwhelming base engine.

2024 Hyundai Elantra:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Stylish design, Manual transmission available.
• Cons: Potentially polarizing design, Underwhelming base engine, Interior materials feel cheap.

Our experts score the 2023 Kia Forte 6.3/10 and the 2024 Hyundai Elantra 7.3/10. The Forte leans harder into value and comfort, while the Elantra brings more powertrain variety and a more stylish design. Both offer a manual transmission, but the Forte's lower crash test scores are a bigger concern than the Elantra's design and interior-material critiques.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.