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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $22,549–$26,467 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2023 Kia Forte S is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.8/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 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: 7.9/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.0/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. On technology it rates 8.2/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $22,549–$26,467, 32 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.8/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Kia Forte S will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and 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 →
The 2023 Kia Forte S ranks #428 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,549 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 18%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Kia Forte S scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.7 — 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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $23,944 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $23,247 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $22,549 | |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $21,852 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $21,154 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $20,457 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $19,759 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $19,062 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $18,364 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $17,667 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $16,969 | Read review → |
We rate the 2023 Kia Forte S's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #428 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 67% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Kia Forte S starts at $22,549 and ranges up to $26,467 across trims (MSRP when new). At 32 MPG, expect roughly $1,641/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.