Used 2023 Kia Forte for Sale nearKingston, ON

How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 11.09% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 401 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory for you to compare.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Kia Forte earns a 4.6/5 user rating and a 6.3/10 expert rating. The model scores 7/10 across Performance, Form and function, and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, impressive fuel economy, and comfortable ride. They also describe it as reliable and fun to drive, with safety features that add confidence.

The main trade-offs are a base engine that feels underwhelming and an interior that can seem a bit cheap in places. That said, the Forte’s value-focused, well-rounded character makes sense if you want an affordable compact sedan that still feels complete.

With 32.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still room to find a strong-value example.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a car that feels reliable, dependable, and easy to count on over time. The expert assessment also supports that impression by describing the Forte as a solid, well-rounded choice that gives you more for the money without forcing major compromises.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing a well-kept example with the right equipment and condition.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Kia Forte?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is the most stripped-back version, with 15-inch steel wheels and fewer standard convenience and safety features than higher trims. LED headlights and taillights begin on the EX+ trim, while GT trims add LED fog lights and red accents.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 147 horsepower in the base car, while the GT Limited upgrades to a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and a sport-tuned suspension. The base setup is adequate, but the turbo model is the one to choose if you want more urgency.
• Safety package: Kia’s driver-assistance suite includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a driver attention monitor, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Most of these features start at the EX trim, one level above base, while EX Premium adds advanced forward collision assist warning and adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: Supporting trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, while the GT-Line and GT Limited use a 10.25-inch display with onboard navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Kia Connect begins at the EX Premium trim.
• Fuel efficiency: The base 2.0-litre engine is rated at 8.2 L/100 km city, 6.0 highway, and 7.2 combined. The GT Limited rises to 8.7 L/100 km city, 6.6 highway, and 7.8 combined.

Which 2023 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2023 Kia Forte is offered in 5 trim levels: LX, EX, EX+, GT-Line, GT Limited.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, but it’s the most basic version and leaves out much of the safety and convenience equipment that makes the Forte appealing. It makes sense only if your priority is the lowest possible purchase price.
• EX: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the core driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
• EX+: Choose this if you want the standard LED headlights and taillights that improve the Forte’s look and visibility.
• GT-Line: This trim is the better pick if you want the larger 10.25-inch infotainment display with navigation and a more upscale feel.
• GT Limited: This is the performance-focused choice, with the 1.6-litre turbo engine, 201 hp, sport-tuned suspension, and the most premium audio setup. It suits you best if you want the quickest and most engaging Forte.

The safety package starts at the EX trim, so that’s the minimum you should target if you want the key driver-assistance features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Kia Forte?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully and move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 32.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 401 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.09% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $20,287 CAD, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $20,287 CAD sits slightly below last year's $22,816 CAD.

That softer pricing suggests the Forte is currently more buyer-friendly than seller-friendly. If you own one and plan to sell later, the current market indicates you may need to price competitively to stand out.

The good news is that the Forte’s value reputation and broad appeal should help keep demand steady. A well-equipped, well-kept example is likely to remain attractive to shoppers looking for an affordable compact sedan.

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 2023 Kia Forte safe?

The 2023 Kia Forte was awarded four out of five stars for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection from NHTSA, while the IIHS gave it its highest score of "Good" in all evaluations except the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, which received "Poor".

It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

Kia’s driver-assistance suite includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a driver attention monitor, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Most of these features are not standard on base models and begin at the EX trim, one level above the LX.

The main safety caveat is the weaker IIHS performance in the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, along with the note that some base forward collision avoidance features did not meet NHTSA performance criteria.

Should I buy a 2023 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 32.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.09% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 stands out for value, comfort, and the availability of a manual transmission.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,188 CAD, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $20,287 CAD average.
• It offers updated styling and new infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around buy, the 2023 is the better pick thanks to its softer pricing and strong owner satisfaction. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is the more budget-friendly alternative and still brings useful modern equipment.

How does the 2023 Kia Forte compare to the 2023 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.

2023 Hyundai Elantra:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Easy-to-use technology, Excellent value for money.
• Cons: Potentially polarizing design.

Our experts score the 2023 Kia Forte 6.3/10 and the 2023 Hyundai Elantra 8.7/10. The Forte’s strengths are value, comfort, and the availability of a manual transmission, while the Elantra brings more powertrain choice and easier-to-use technology. The Forte’s weaker crash test scores and underwhelming base engine make it the less compelling pick overall, especially when the Elantra also posts stronger expert scores.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.