Real price data
What should you pay for a 2021 Kia Forte?
Original MSRP
$18,790
When new
Fair market price
$15,223
Mileage-adjusted
Below MSRP
$3,567
A fair used price
Where prices land
25th $13,023 · 75th $16,797 · MSRP $18,790
Spread of current 2021 Kia Forte listings · 25th–75th percentile marked.
Fair price by trim
| Trim | Fair price | MSRP | Est. dealer cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| FE | $13,717 | $18,790 | — |
| LXS | $14,329 | $19,390 | — |
| GT-Line | $16,196 | $20,490 | — |
| GT | $16,974 | $22,790 | — |
| ex | — | $23,090 | — |
- FE
- $13,717
- LXS
- $14,329
- GT-Line
- $16,196
- GT
- $16,974
Out-the-door price by state
Out-the-door for a 2021 Kia Forte runs about $15,534 in MT to $17,258 in NJ — fair price plus state tax, title, registration, and a typical dealer doc fee.
| State | Sales/use tax | Doc + title + reg | Out-the-door |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | $1,104 | $110+ | $16,437 |
| TX | $951 | $332 | $16,506 |
| FL | $913 | $1,074+ | $17,210 |
| NY | $609 | $371 | $16,203 |
| PA | $913 | $587 | $16,723 |
| IL | $951 | $683 | $16,857 |
| OH | $875 | $444 | $16,542 |
| GA | $1,066 | $637 | $16,926 |
| NC | $457 | $793 | $16,473 |
| WA | $989 | $215+ | $16,427 |
| OR | $0 | $525 | $15,748 |
Estimates using each state's base tax rate. Local (city/county) taxes can add 1–3% in many areas, dealer doc fees vary, and some states base registration on vehicle value or weight (shown with a "+"). Trade-in tax credits are not included.
Out-the-door price by state: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon
Fuel economy
27
MPG city
35
MPG highway
30
MPG combined
EPA-estimated fuel economy for a representative 2021 Kia Forte configuration (Regular).
Safety & recalls
2 open NHTSA recalls on record for the 2021 Kia Forte.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Campaign 21V164000 · 11/03/2021
STEERING:COLUMN
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Campaign 22V304000 · 05/05/2022
Source: NHTSA. Contact your dealer to schedule a free recall repair.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fair price for a 2021 Kia Forte?
A fair, mileage-adjusted price is about $15,223, within a typical market range of $13,023 to $16,797.
Is the 2021 Kia Forte cheaper than MSRP?
Yes — its original MSRP was about $18,790, so a fair used price is roughly $3,567 below MSRP.
What is the out-the-door price of a 2021 Kia Forte?
Out-the-door (price plus state tax, title, registration, and a typical doc fee) runs about $15,534 in MT to $17,258 in NJ, depending on your state. Local taxes can add more.
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Prices are computed from live market listings, adjusted for mileage, and aggregated by trim · updated 6/21/2026. Estimates only; your price depends on condition, options, and location.