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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $25,490–$29,919 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2023 Kia Forte SL is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Safety at 6.7/10 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. Reliability stands out at 8.6/10. The Forte SL nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.5/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. At 7.9/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $25,490–$29,919, 32 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Forte SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.1/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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 SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on safety 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 →
The 2023 Kia Forte SL 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 $25,490 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 8%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Kia Forte SL scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.7 — and starts roughly $2,500 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 | $27,067 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $26,279 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $25,490 | |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $24,702 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $23,913 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $23,125 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $22,336 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $21,548 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $20,759 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $19,971 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.3/10 | $19,182 | Read review → |
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
