Used 2020 Kia Forte for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2020 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 7.57% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,455 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Kia Forte earns a 4.6/5 user rating and a 9/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its impressive design, great value, and fun driving experience. The user feedback also points to a powerful engine, smooth handling, and excellent fuel economy.

That lines up with the overview’s focus on a compact sedan that gives you a lot of room for the money while still feeling more engaging than many rivals. The main trade-off is the underwhelming base engine, and the expert review also notes that the Forte GT’s firm, connected ride and brake behavior can feel less relaxed in everyday low-speed driving.

The market shows 30.2% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 4.6/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with drivers highlighting the car’s strong value and confidence-inspiring day-to-day use. The expert review also emphasizes the Forte’s long warranty coverage and cost-effective ownership profile, which supports the case for keeping it for the long haul.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the model’s reputation and more about how well a specific car was maintained and driven.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Kia Forte?

At 59.7% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, alignment, and wear items. Pay close attention to how the car drives, how the transmission behaves, and whether the safety and infotainment features work as expected. If you’re considering a GT, make sure the performance hardware and any package equipment are present and functioning properly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The GT adds a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and bigger machined-finish 18-inch wheels. The GT-Line gives you sporty styling without the GT’s performance character, while the EX is positioned as the value-focused choice with more equipment than the lower trims.
• Powertrain: The GT uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while other Fortes use a 147-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The GT’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is described as well behaved, and a 6-speed manual is also available.
• Safety package: The Forte comes with advanced driver assistance systems, and the GT with the GT2 Package includes all of them. Standard systems include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect, though the automatic emergency braking works only at lower speeds and adaptive cruise control does not bring the car to a full stop.
• Infotainment: Every 2020 Forte has an 8-inch touchscreen, plus Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT also add SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s UVO technology.
• Fuel efficiency: The GT’s turbocharged setup is described as a performance-oriented upgrade, but no MPG or MPGe figure is stated in the available data.

Which 2020 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2020 Kia Forte is offered in 5 trim levels: LXS, EX, GT-Line, GT, GT2 Package.

Here's the short version:

• LXS: This is the entry point if you want the lowest starting price and a straightforward Forte experience. It makes sense if you want the basics and plan to keep costs down.
• EX: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds more equipment while staying focused on everyday usefulness. The expert review specifically points to the EX as the trim to choose if you are not interested in driving fast.
• GT-Line: Choose this if you want the sporty look without stepping up to the GT’s performance hardware. It is the style-first option in the lineup.
• GT: This is the trim to buy if you want the Forte’s most engaging driving character. It adds the turbocharged engine and the full performance setup, making it the enthusiast choice.
• GT2 Package: This is the most fully equipped version mentioned in the data, adding premium equipment on top of the GT. It suits you if you want the strongest mix of performance and features.

The GT with the GT2 Package includes all of the Forte’s advanced driver assistance systems.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Kia Forte?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,455 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.57% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 59.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,474, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $12,474 sits slightly below last year's $13,496.

That price movement suggests the Forte has become more affordable for used buyers, which can make it easier to attract interest if you later decide to sell. A lower entry price can help keep the car competitive in the compact-sedan market, especially if your vehicle is clean and well maintained.

For a future seller, the key is to preserve condition and documentation so your car stands out against the broader inventory. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.6/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Kia Forte safe?

The 2020 Kia Forte earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

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

The Forte comes with numerous advanced driver assistance systems, and the GT with the GT2 Package includes all of them. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. The expert review also notes that automatic emergency braking works only at lower speeds, adaptive cruise control does not bring the car to a full stop, and lane-centering assistance shuts off if you do not keep your hands on the wheel.

Should I buy a 2020 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 59.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.57% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 Forte GT stands out as an affordable turbocharged sport sedan with strong performance value.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $11,355, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $12,474 average.
• The 2019 is a newly redesigned compact sedan with strong practicality and value.

The bottom line: The 2020 is the better pick if you want the stronger overall mix of value, satisfaction, and standout GT character. If your priority is simply paying less up front, the 2019 remains a sensible alternative.

How does the 2020 Kia Forte compare to the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2020 Kia Forte:

• Pros: Stylish design, Excellent value for money, Premium interior materials.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine.

2020 Hyundai Elantra:

• Pros: Spacious, Excellent value for money.
• Cons: Fairly pedestrian performance, Poor fuel economy.

Our experts score the 2020 Kia Forte 9/10 and the 2020 Hyundai Elantra 8.3/10. The Forte comes across as the more engaging and better-finished choice, while the Elantra leans harder into space and value. If you care more about style and interior feel, the Forte has the edge; if you want a roomier-feeling sedan, the Elantra is the more practical pick.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

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