Used 2017 Kia Forte for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 10.05% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 769 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used Forte options to compare.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte a good car?

With a user rating of 3.3/5 and an expert rating of 7.3/10, the 2017 Forte lands in the solid-but-not-class-leading range for compact sedans. It was refreshed for this model year with updated styling, more standard equipment, and a more efficient engine, which helps it feel more current than the outgoing version.

The model scores 8/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

That makes it a practical choice if you want a mainstream compact sedan with a broader feature spread than before, especially if you value value-oriented equipment and efficiency-focused updates. The market also shows 30.3% good and great deals, which suggests there are worthwhile listings if you shop carefully.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The 2017 Forte is presented as a well-equipped compact sedan that benefits from Kia’s long-running reputation for value and warranty support. The expert review also notes that Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been popular residents of reliability lists of late, which supports the Forte’s case as a sensible used-car pick.

The performance write-up says the updated 2.0-liter engine delivers enough power for everyday driving without feeling strained, and the cost-effectiveness section points to attractive financing and lease incentives when new. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the basic mechanical package and more about choosing a well-maintained example with the right equipment and condition.

What should I look for when buying a used 2017 Kia Forte?

At 45.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or visible cosmetic wear. Pay close attention to how the car was equipped from the factory, since some desirable features were tied to trim or packages rather than being standard across the lineup.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is sparse, while the S adds 16-inch alloy wheels, selectable drive modes, a sport suspension, unique trim and upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX drops the sport pretension but carries over the rest of its features, so you should compare equipment carefully if you want the best balance of comfort and value.
• Powertrain: The updated 2.0-liter engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, with EPA estimates of 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for the automatic-equipped version. The base LX manual drops to 25/34, while the EX uses a carryover 2.0-liter setup with 164 hp and 151 lb-ft but weaker fuel economy.
• Safety package: The available suite includes lane-departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with auto brake and pedestrian detection. Those systems are available above the base LX, so you should confirm whether a specific car has the package you want.
• Infotainment: The base LX uses a 4.3-inch touchscreen, while S trims and above get a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is described as simple and easy to use, and the EX adds an upgraded color LCD screen between the gauges.
• Fuel efficiency: The updated engine is rated at 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while the base LX manual is rated at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The EX is rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Which 2017 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2017 Kia Forte is offered in 3 trim levels: LX, S, EX.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, but it is very bare-bones unless you add options. It makes sense only if you want the lowest purchase price and are comfortable giving up features that many shoppers now expect.
• S: This is the best-value trim because it adds the most appealing everyday equipment, including the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sportier setup. If you want the strongest mix of price and features, this is the one to target.
• EX: This trim is the more comfort-oriented choice, and it carries over the S’s broader feature set while dropping the sportier character. It suits you best if you want a more upscale-feeling Forte and are willing to pay more for it.

The safety systems are available above the base LX, so if those features matter to you, avoid the entry trim unless the car is specifically equipped with the relevant package.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2017 Kia Forte?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and pricing softness to make comparison shopping worthwhile.

• Deal availability: 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 769 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.05% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 45.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,494, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2017 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $8,494 sits slightly below last year's $9,443.

That decline suggests the Forte has become more affordable for used buyers, but it also means sellers should expect a softer market than they would have seen a year ago. If you plan to sell later, condition and equipment will matter more because the model is competing in a crowded compact segment. For you as a buyer, that can work in your favor now, especially if you find a clean example with the features you want.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

The 2017 Kia Forte earns five-star ratings from NHTSA, though it received a four-star rating in overall front impact tests.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The available safety suite includes lane-departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with auto brake and pedestrian detection. Those systems are available above the base LX, so trim choice matters if safety tech is a priority. The expert review also highlights a strong stopping distance of 120 feet, which helps support the Forte’s safety case.

Should I buy a 2017 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2017 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2017 if:

• 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.05% compared with last year.
• The 2017 refresh brought updated styling, more standard equipment, a more efficient engine, and a sport trim.

The bottom line: If you want the Forte with the most up-to-date mix of styling, equipment, and efficiency-focused changes, the 2017 is the one to target. If your priority is simply the lowest possible price, a nearby year may be worth comparing, but the 2017’s refresh makes it the more compelling all-around pick.

How does the 2017 Kia Forte compare to the 2017 Hyundai Elantra?

Our experts score the 2017 Kia Forte 7.3/10 and the 2017 Hyundai Elantra 8.8/10. The Forte is the value-oriented choice, with a lower average used price and a stronger share of good and great deals. The Elantra brings better fuel economy, more listings, and a higher expert score, so it looks like the stronger all-around compact sedan if you want the broader recommendation. If you care most about price and deal potential, the Forte is the easier buy; if you want the better-rated option with more inventory, the Elantra has the edge.

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