Used Kia Forte for Sale nearSan Luis Obispo, 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 $15,978, and its year-round low is $15,449.72. That puts the model's pricing across a broad spread of model years, with newer examples commanding the highest averages and older ones sitting much lower. 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 an all-generations owner rating of 4.55/5. 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 safety features, 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 that show up in expert coverage are the underwhelming base engine, lower-than-average crash test scores on some years, and some road noise and interior quality concerns in recent models.

30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Forte models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Forte's value, comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety features as core strengths. The model also earns repeated praise for its practical everyday character and easy livability.

• 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 looks manageable overall, especially if you focus on well-kept examples with clean history and strong maintenance records.

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: 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 add a 10.25-inch display

Which Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2023 Kia Forte offers these trims:

• LX: Best-value trim with the base 2.0-liter engine, CVT, and a strong value focus for shoppers who want the Forte's core strengths at the lowest entry point.
• GT-Line: Adds the 10.25-inch display, wireless charging pad, navigation system, and upgraded audio, making it the trim for shoppers who want the richest tech setup.
• GT: Brings the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, available dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual, and sport-tuned suspension for buyers who want the most performance.

What Kia Forte do most buyers choose?

The Kia Forte years with the most listings are 2023, 2024, and 2022.

The highest-volume years tend to be the most popular used picks because they give you the broadest selection and the strongest chance of finding the right trim, mileage, and price combination. They also tend to attract more deal opportunities, which helps keep shopping flexible.

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 because it creates more room for value. The steepest drops are concentrated in older and mid-cycle years, while the newest models are falling more slowly. 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 or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2023 model is at −1.59% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −6.69%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 32.2% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 31.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $18,617. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and strong everyday value that make it easy to live with.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, while the GT uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
• Tech: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with all models, and GT-Line and above receive a 10.25-inch display.
• Safety: The latest model adds available blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning, a safe passenger exit system, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and rear parking proximity sensors.
• Starting price: The base LX trim has a starting price of $20,815.

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 September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.