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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $15,969–$19,982 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2017 Kia Forte Base is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.4/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.7/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $15,969–$19,982, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.4/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2017 Kia Forte Base sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Kia Forte Base ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $15,969 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 42%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Forte Base model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $20,821 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $20,215 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $19,608 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $19,002 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $18,395 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $17,789 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $17,182 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $16,576 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $15,969 | |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $15,363 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $14,756 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.