Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Kia Forte S
The 2020 Kia Forte S is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.5/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.8/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.3/10 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. At 7.2/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $20,457–$23,834, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.5/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2020 Kia Forte S will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2020 Kia Forte S ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $20,457 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 26%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Forte S Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Kia Forte S scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Common Questions — 2020 Kia Forte S
Is the 2020 Kia Forte S reliable?
We rate the 2020 Kia Forte S's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
Is the 2020 Kia Forte S worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #494 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 62% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2020 Kia Forte S cost?
The 2020 Kia Forte S starts at $20,457 and ranges up to $23,834 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Forte S years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Forte S years we've rated are 2016 (7.3/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Kia Forte S
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More Kia Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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