Used 2023 Kia Forte for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2023 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 11.29% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 369 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Kia Forte earns a 4.57/5 user rating and a 6.33/10 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. The feedback also points to a car that feels reliable and fun to drive, with safety features that many owners appreciate.

The trade-offs are that the cabin can feel a bit cheap inside, especially in the trunk area, and the base engine is not especially lively. That lines up with the Forte’s role as a value-focused compact sedan: it gives you more for the money than many rivals, while still staying practical for everyday commuting.

With 30.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a strong-value example.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners rate it 4.57/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also uses reliability-minded language, describing the Forte as reliable and a car you can count on. That same theme is reinforced by the expert notes, which describe it as a solid, well-rounded choice that feels as well-built as its rivals.

On the ownership side, the Forte’s value positioning helps, but you should still pay close attention to maintenance history and condition, especially on higher-mileage used examples.

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, while higher trims add more lighting, larger wheels, and more convenience and safety equipment. The biggest gaps are at the base trim, where many driver-assistance features are not standard.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a CVT on the base model, while the GT Limited uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The base setup is adequate, but the turbo model is the one for stronger acceleration.
• Safety package: Kia’s driver-assistance features begin at the EX trim, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a driver attention monitor, a tire pressure monitoring system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The EX Premium adds advanced forward collision assist warning and adaptive cruise control, while Highway Driving Assist appears on the GT-Line and GT Limited.
• Infotainment: Supporting trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, while the GT-Line and GT Limited upgrade to a 10.25-inch display with onboard navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless charging starts at the EX grade.
• 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’s turbo 1.6-litre engine is rated at 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 4 trim levels: LX, EX, GT-Line, GT Limited.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point and the best fit if you want the lowest purchase price, but it is also the most basic version. It makes sense if value matters most and you are comfortable giving up some convenience and safety equipment.
• EX: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the key driver-assistance features that are missing from the base model, along with more everyday convenience. If you want the strongest balance of price and equipment, this is the one to target.
• GT-Line: This trim is for you if you want a more upscale tech presentation, including the larger 10.25-inch display and navigation. It sits above the EX and adds a more feature-rich feel without jumping all the way to the turbo model.
• GT Limited: This is the pick if you want the strongest performance, with the turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. It also brings the premium audio system and the most advanced available equipment, but it is the priciest choice.

For safety equipment, most driver-assistance features are not standard and begin at the EX trim, one level above base.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 30.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 369 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.29% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $20,338 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 $20,688 CAD sits slightly below last year's $23,320 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 recent decline means you may need to price competitively to move it quickly.

The good news is that the Forte’s value reputation and broad appeal can help support demand, especially among shoppers looking for an affordable compact sedan with a strong equipment list. If market conditions stabilise, that combination should help it remain reasonably easy to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.57/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Kia Forte safe?

The 2023 Kia Forte was awarded Good scores in most IIHS evaluations, but it received Poor results in the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests. It also earns four-star ratings from NHTSA for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection.

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

In Canada, most driver-assistance and safety features beyond airbags and electronic stability control are not standard and begin at the EX trim. That package includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a driver attention monitor, a tire pressure monitoring system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The EX Premium adds advanced forward collision assist warning and adaptive cruise control, while Highway Driving Assist is fitted to the GT-Line and GT Limited.

The main caution for used buyers is that the Forte’s crash-test performance is weaker than average, so you should prioritise examples with the fuller safety package if that matters to you.

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:

• 30.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.29% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.57/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines strong value with a well-rounded, comfortable driving experience.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,616 CAD, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $20,688 CAD average.
• It was updated with sharper styling and new infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems.

The bottom line: If you want the better all-around shopping target, the 2023 is the stronger pick because it balances value, equipment, and owner satisfaction. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is the more budget-friendly alternative and still brings a modern feature set.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.