Used Kia Forte for Sale nearPalm Desert, CA

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 $15,269, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $15,259 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, anchored by an all-generations owner rating of 4.5/5.

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

Owners consistently praise the Forte for its value, comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and safety features. Across the model years, the car also earns repeat praise for its stylish design and practical everyday usability.

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

The main trade-offs called out by experts are the base engine's modest performance, lower crash-test results on some years, and some road noise or interior quality concerns.

33.5% 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 reviews also reinforce that impression by highlighting its well-rounded character and practical appeal.

• Owners rate the Kia Forte between 3.3 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by checking maintenance history and choosing a well-kept example, especially on older model years.

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

Across all model years, at 68.8% 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-2023 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
• Fuel efficiency: 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, 30 mpg, 34 mpg, and 32 mpg combined

Which Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2023 Kia Forte offers these trims:

• LX: The value-focused starting point, with the base 2.0-liter engine and the core comfort and tech features that make the Forte appealing for everyday use.
• LXS: A smart step up if you want the optional blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system.
• GT-Line: The best-value trim for many shoppers, adding the 10.25-inch display, wireless charging pad, navigation, and the upgraded six-speaker audio system.
• GT: The performance-oriented trim, with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual, and sport-tuned suspension.
• GT Manual: The enthusiast choice for drivers who want the GT's turbocharged power with the six-speed manual.
• GT Automatic: The easier-to-live-with GT setup, pairing the turbo engine with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
• Top GT: The most fully equipped GT version, adding 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 availability, newer features, and pricing that still sits below brand-new-car territory. More listings also give you more chances to compare trims, colors, and condition.

What is the Kia Forte's resale value?

Most Forte model years are down year over year, which creates more room for used buyers to find value. The sharpest drops are concentrated in older and mid-cycle years, while the newest models are declining more slowly. That pattern suggests recent used Fortes are still holding relatively close to their prior-year pricing.

The 2024, 2023, and 2014 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 −2.31% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −8.68%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 35.6% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 34.8%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $17,820. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and strong everyday value.

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 into value and comfort, while the Elantra brings more powertrain variety and a stronger overall score. Both offer a manual transmission, but the Forte's lower crash-test results are a key consideration if safety is high on your list.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.