Used Kia Forte for Sale near Red Bluff, 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 $15,371, and its lowest point over the past year was $15,357.

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 earns strong marks from owners across the lineup, and the all-generations owner rating is 4.5/5 across every model year in the data. Owners consistently praise its value, comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, stylish design, and safety features.

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

The main trade-offs center on the base engine, interior quality in some years, road noise, and lower crash-test performance in certain model years.

33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Forte models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Kia Forte as a dependable, value-focused compact sedan with strong fuel economy and comfortable everyday manners. Expert commentary also points to a well-built feel, useful technology, and broad appeal across the lineup.

• 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 choosing a well-kept example with a clean history and a strong maintenance record.

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

Across all model years, at 70.3% 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-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, CVT, and a strong equipment-to-price balance for shoppers who want the Forte’s core strengths at the lowest cost.
• 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 larger 10.25-inch display, wireless charging pad, navigation, and upgraded audio, making it the best-value trim for many buyers who want the richest tech setup.
• GT: Adds the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, available six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, sport-tuned suspension, and the most engaging driving character.

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 draw the most shoppers because they offer the newest features, the broadest availability, and a strong mix of pricing and deal opportunities.

What is the Kia Forte's resale value?

Most Forte model years are down year over year, which creates better buying opportunities for used shoppers. The newer models are changing more slowly than the older ones, with the smallest price moves appearing at the top of the lineup. That pattern suggests recent Forte models are staying relatively steady while older examples continue to soften.

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 −2.27% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −9.08%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 35.7% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 34.4%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $17,890. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and strong value, which makes it easy to recommend for everyday commuting and budget-conscious shopping.

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 stronger overall expert score. Both offer a manual transmission, but the Forte’s lower crash-test scores and the Elantra’s polarizing styling and cheaper-feeling interior materials shape the trade-off.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.