Used Kia Forte for Sale nearSan Francisco, 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 $16,012, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $15,449 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 if you want value, comfort, and everyday usability backed by broad owner approval.

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, comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and overall value. Reviewers also repeatedly point to its reliability and modern technology, which help it feel well-rounded for daily driving.

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

The main trade-offs called out in recent expert reviews are the underwhelming base engine, lower crash-test scores on some years, and some cabin materials that can feel a bit cheap in places.

30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Forte models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently describe the Forte as a dependable, easy-to-live-with compact sedan with strong value, good fuel economy, and comfortable daily manners. Across the model years in the data, that combination shows up again and again in owner feedback.

• 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, long-term ownership risk is best managed by checking maintenance history and choosing a well-kept example with a clean vehicle record.

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

Across all model years, at 73.2% 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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with all models.

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 base 2.0-liter engine. It suits shoppers who want the Forte’s core strengths at the lowest entry price.
• LXS: Adds the option for blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe passenger exit system, making it a smart step up if you want more available driver-assist coverage.
• GT-Line: Brings the 10.25-inch display, wireless charging pad, navigation, and the six-speaker audio setup. This is the best-value trim for many buyers because it adds a more upscale tech experience without moving all the way to the performance model.
• GT: Adds the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual. It suits you if you want the most engaging Forte.
• GT Manual: Gives you the six-speed manual with the turbocharged GT setup for the most involved driving experience.
• GT Automatic: Pairs the turbocharged GT with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for easier everyday driving.
• Top GT: Adds adaptive cruise control, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and rear parking proximity sensors as standard, making it the most feature-rich choice in the lineup.

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 of listings and a strong mix of pricing and deal availability. That usually makes it easier to compare trims, colors, and equipment before you buy.

What is the Kia Forte's resale value?

Most Forte model years are down year over year, which is helpful if you want a used car with softer pricing than it had a year ago. The newer models are declining too, but by smaller amounts than many of the older years in the table. Overall, the pattern points to a market that is giving used buyers more room to shop.

The 2023, 2024, 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 −1.15% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −7.43%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 32.8% 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 $18,582. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and strong everyday value that make it easy to live with.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.