Used 2019 Kia Forte for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.38% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,086 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2019 Kia Forte earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the Forte for its great gas mileage, comfortable ride, and strong value. The overview also frames it as a practical daily driver with enough trunk space for several bags and room for 4 or even 5 passengers, which makes it easy to live with if you want an affordable compact sedan instead of a crossover.

With 30.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car people feel good about keeping, with repeated praise for its great gas mileage, comfortable ride, and great value. That kind of feedback usually lines up with a vehicle that feels dependable in everyday use, especially when buyers are looking for a low-stress commuter.

The expert drive notes also emphasize that the Forte is a strong daily driver that asks for minimal compromise, and its value-focused design suggests it is built to be easy to live with over time. If you buy used, your biggest long-term risk is getting a car with hidden wear or prior damage, so condition and history matter.

What should I look for when buying a used 2019 Kia Forte?

At 58.2% 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 been in an accident or has incomplete service records. Focus on overall condition, because the Forte’s appeal depends heavily on getting the value, comfort, and equipment you expect for the money.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The FE trim already includes electric power side mirrors, remote keyless entry, forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, a 3.5-inch TFT information center, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. That makes it the key value play if you want the most standard equipment for the least money.
• Powertrain: Every Forte uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. Output is 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and you can get either a 6-speed manual or a CVT; the CVT is the better all-around choice if you want smoother everyday driving and stronger efficiency.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. Available upgrades include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: The standard 8-inch touchscreen is paired with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the system is described as intuitive and easy to use. UVO e-services add roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and a smartphone parking reminder.
• Fuel efficiency: With the CVT, the Forte returns 30 mpg city, 40 highway, 34 combined. The FE with the CVT is the most efficient setup at 31/41/35.

Which 2019 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2019 Kia Forte is offered in 4 trim levels: FE, LXS, S, EX.

Here's the short version:

• FE: This is the best-value trim because it already brings the core safety tech, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and useful everyday features without forcing you up the ladder.
• LXS: This trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, softer interior materials, and automatic unlock in Park, so it makes sense if you want a nicer-feeling cabin without jumping too far in price.
• S: This is the right pick if you want more style and convenience, thanks to LED head- and taillights, fog lights, 17-inch wheels, navigation, UVO e-services, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
• EX: This is the most upscale choice, with heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, push-button start, and available extras like a premium stereo, sunroof, wireless charging, smart cruise control, and pedestrian detection.

The standard safety package is strong across the lineup, and the FE already gives you a lot of what matters most.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2019 Kia Forte?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 30.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,086 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.38% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 58.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,580, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2019 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $11,580 sits slightly below last year's $12,502.

That downward move suggests the Forte is currently a buyer-friendly used car, but it also means future sellers may need to price carefully to stay competitive. If you buy at the right number now and keep the car in clean condition, you should be better positioned when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2019 Kia Forte safe?

The 2019 Kia Forte earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, a reversing camera, traction control, and front- and side-impact airbags. You can also add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.

One thing to keep in mind is that some of the more advanced driver-assistance features are optional rather than standard, so you’ll want to verify the exact equipment on any used listing.

Should I buy a 2019 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2019 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2019 if:

• 30.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 58.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.38% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2019 was completely redesigned, giving you a more upscale and sportier Forte with strong value and standard driver-assistance tech.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $12,874, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $11,580 average.
• The 2020 adds a turbocharged GT option with a more enthusiast-focused character.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, standard safety tech, and everyday value, the 2019 is the smarter buy. If you’re willing to spend more for a sportier setup and a stronger enthusiast angle, the 2020 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.