Used Kia Forte for Sale nearTrenton, NJ

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 $15,471, and its lowest point over the past year was $15,422. 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 a well-rounded compact sedan. The all-generations owner rating is 4.5/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners repeatedly praise the Forte for its stylish design, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and overall value for money. Across the expert writeups, the Forte also comes across as a car that gives you a lot for the money while still feeling polished and easy to live with.

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

The main trade-offs that show up in the expert reviews are the underwhelming base engine, lower-than-average crash test scores on some years, and road noise in everyday driving.

33.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Kia Forte models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Forte as a dependable, efficient compact sedan with comfortable daily-driving manners and strong value. Expert reviews also reinforce that impression by highlighting the car’s well-built feel and broad appeal across model years.

• 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 looks manageable overall, especially if you choose a well-kept example and verify its history carefully.

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

Across all model years, at 72.1% 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 touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Forte’s core comfort-and-value formula.
• 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-assist coverage.
• GT-Line: The best-value trim for many shoppers, since it adds the 10.25-inch display, wireless charging pad, navigation, and a six-speaker audio system.
• GT: Brings the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual for the most engaging driving experience.
• GT Manual: The enthusiast choice, pairing the turbo engine with the six-speed manual for maximum driver involvement.
• GT Automatic: The easier-to-live-with GT setup, combining the turbo engine with the dual-clutch automatic.
• 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 model years tend to draw more shoppers because they offer a broader mix of availability, pricing, and deal opportunities. That usually makes it easier for you to compare listings and find the right combination of features and value.

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 prices have generally softened. The newer models are changing more slowly than the older ones, and the smallest declines are concentrated at the top of the price range.

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

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 −2.06% versus a year ago, and the 2022 model is at −8.82%.
• Deal availability: The 2023 model has 35.3% good and great deals, and the 2022 model has 34.7%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2023 model has the most listings at a current average price of $17,970. The Kia Forte offers a comfortable ride and strong value, which helps it stand out as a practical compact sedan.

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 Elantra brings more powertrain variety and a slightly stronger expert score, while the Forte counters with excellent value and a comfortable driving experience. 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 October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.