2023 Kia forte LXS vs. GT line

1. Overview

Step in what Kia calls the GT Line, a more refined version of the 4-door compact, attractive, powerful, and efficient. This vehicle is a bit harder to explain as the base Forte is a great car, however, the GT Line offers some features for performance-minded customers who would like to add some additional sporty features to an already impressive automobile, with 1 or 2 thousand more spent depending on the LXS or Sportage. [1][2][3][4] Learn More about: best Kia cars.

Granted, the base Forte is a bit of an unknown powerful compact car treat right now. Both cars come with a 2L engine, however, the GT Line is a bit more powerful version of the LXS and offers some goodies right out of the gate that make it a bit more of a sporty version of the Kia Forte. Both versions are 4-door compact cars, aimed towards the practical yet fun and sporty customer.

The new 2023 Kia Forte LXS and GT Line are nothing if not intriguing, as they are upgraded versions of the base model Kia Forte, which in itself is an impressive car.

2. Performance

As stated above, the appeal of the LXS engine lies in its reliability and efficiency. This FWD sedan has been designed specifically to provide an affordable means of transport available to both young drivers and families alike and that begins with the performance on the front. With a top speed of 480 km (298 mph) and a 0-100 km (62 mph) acceleration time of 9.8 seconds, the Kia Forte offers a decent standard of travelling speed to cover medium to short distance journeys. Although the acceleration can be considered less than impressive, it provides a level of comfort for drivers who are unlikely ever to drive at maximum speed and would rather the engine tone to be less audible. Step-motor vibration and noise has been reduced through the use of a Low Friction Chain and a shield for oil pump drive, creating a more silent and smoother drive. This car also has a fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg) and Kia is known to degrade the advertised miles per gallon rate; a clear indictment of low running costs for the owner. This is significant as the LXS can provide an efficient, low-cost traveling option.

The 2023 Kia Forte LXS and GT Line, despite sharing a number of commonalities, have a few differences in their respective performance which sets them apart. The LXS has a 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine pushing out 147hp at 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Comparatively, the GT Line has a 1.6-liter Turbo GDI four-cylinder engine able to deliver 201hp at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque. Both engines bring their own appeal; the LXS gives a definite edge in the economic and reliability sectors, a focus partly intended by Kia through utilization of Intelligent Variable Transmission. IVT uses an adaptive style of gear change to maximize both performance and fuel economy levels to reach that of a conventional automatic transmission. The GT Line gains its appeal through a combination of power and versatility with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.

2.1 Engine Specifications

The Kia Forte LXS will have PurePower Technologies to produce between 147-150 hp compared to the 147 hp offered by the "GT Line" badge. The "GT Line" includes unique design elements and badging. The LXS model also offers 132 lbs-ft of torque. 2-Step Variable Valve Lift (VVL) is another new method for the Kia Forte to have better efficiency at a lower RPM range and better performance at a higher RPM range. The LXS will be in the lower RPM range bracket and has VVL2, offering variable valve lift to provide a decent power hike from 2-3,500 RPM. The GT Line will have a linear power climb, gradually reaching its peak at around 6,200 RPM.

The Forte LXS and GT Line offer the same engine but different power outputs. This is achieved through the LXS and GT Line having an Atkinson Cycle and an Otto Cycle, both having different RPM ranges. The LXS with the Atkinson Cycle offers a longer power stroke for better fuel efficiency at the cost of diluted power. The Otto Cycle engine in the GT Line will offer better performance with a shorter power stroke but lower fuel efficiency compared to the LXS. This is when PurePower Technologies comes into play.

The Kia Forte LXS comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder Multi-Port Injection engine. The Kia Forte GT Line comes with a similar 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder engine; however, the LXS will have an Atkinson Cycle for this engine.

The Kia Forte LXS and Kia Forte GT Line are two new additions in their corresponding model line for the 2023 year. Here we will be comparing the similarities and differences of these two models, at least from an engine perspective.

2.2 Acceleration and Top Speed

The LXS will pull from 0-60 in 8.2 seconds and it runs the quarter mile in 17.1 seconds traveling 81.6 mph. The fuel-efficient GT Line will also average 27 mpg in combined city and highway driving. But it'll do so in a slightly sportier manner, reaching 60 mph in 8.0 seconds flat and doing the quarter mile in 16.4 seconds while traveling 85.5 mph. The GT Line is slightly faster despite sharing powertrain specifications with the LXS. This is likely due to the GT Line's additional equipment weight being offset by the more aggressive final drive ratio that has allowed the GT Line to pull longer gear ratios. In addition to acceleration, the GT Line will have a higher top speed than the LXS. Kia Motors America has indicated that the LXS will be limited to 112 mph while the GT Line will reach a top speed of approximately 126 mph.

3. Features and Technology

The Kia Forte LXS and GT Line are the two brand-new 2023 models from Kia, one of the best automakers in the world. Both new cars are packed with high-quality engines and features. In this article, we will see the comparison and differences between these two cars. We will start with the engine, since what's a car without it? The new GT Line has a 1.6L Turbo engine and the LXS has a 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) engine. The GT Line engine is more powerful since it's a turbo, but it has low fuel efficiency and quite high CO2 emissions. If you are the type of person who commutes a lot by car, maybe you should also consider the car's fuel efficiency. As for the interior, both the GT Line and LXS have a 5-seat capacity, but the interior is better in the GT Line than in the LXS. The proof is in the legroom: the GT Line has 42.2 / 35.7 in (1st / 2nd row), meanwhile the LXS only has 42.2 / 34.5 in. Both of these interiors are good enough, but personally, if I were to buy one of them, I would prefer the GT Line interior more and would consider the engine's fuel efficiency myself.

3.1 Interior Features

The Forte LXS trim starts with cloth seats, while the GT Line upgrades to Sofino imitation leather seats with contrast stitching. This is not a big upgrade for the seats, but the LXS comes with an option that GT Line doesn't offer. The Forte LXS offers the Auto Dimming Mirror with Homelink & Compass with EC Mirror, but it is only available if you pay extra. This is included in the GT Line. Both the LXS and GT Line come with steering wheel controls and an adjustable driver's seat, but the GT Line includes a Power Sunroof. The LXS and GT Line also come with luggage hooks and a rear camera display. LED lights in the cargo area and the Smart Trunk make it easier when your hands are full coming to your vehicle or when you are loading items into the trunk. The LXS and GT Line come with an 8" touch screen and a rear camera display. The Forte GT Line comes with a 320-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 8 speakers and an integrated subwoofer. This system is not available on the Forte LXS.

3.2 Infotainment System

The infotainment system is a suitably modernized unit in the car, particularly with clear phone software such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Something customers would expect, given the driver aids available on this model. Foremost, a basic understanding of the audio system is that the Forte LXS comes with a 4-speaker audio, as opposed to the 6-speaker option in the GT Line, which may affect sound quality and will be explained later on. Now for the good stuff. Both trims have an 8-inch color touch screen display with these phone software included. It has a clear, high-resolution display with large icons for easy use and quick response to navigation from page to page. The 8 inches of real estate is an above-average size to have in a segment where most cars are still only equipped with a 7-inch display. In terms of navigation, both models come with standard Bluetooth wireless technology, with a steering wheel-mounted voice activation button and external microphone. This also includes wireless phone connectivity to listen to and stream music. Dual USB input ports are also available; one located in the front seating area and the other located in the center console. This is very useful for keeping smartphones charged out of sight. Both trims have an auxiliary audio/visual input jack located conveniently in the front console. A somewhat dated input method, but it is still a cost-effective way to provide a wired audio connection for someone who doesn't want to use Bluetooth wireless.

3.3 Safety Features

Overall, the LXS model appears to serve as a vehicle with excellent value, with a well-equipped car and multiple optional packages for a reasonable price. The GT model appears to be an ideal mid-sized sedan for someone who desires a sporty look with the turbo option, yet still desires a car that hosts a variety of advanced safety features. The Kia Forte has grown rapidly in the past few years and seems to have hit a nice point between affordable pricing and numerous safety features.

The Kia Forte LXS serves as the base trim and comes with a variety of optional packages. But the standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. With the Forte GT, the premium package is the one you'll choose. It comes with a highway driving assist that adjusts the vehicle's cruising speed to match the vehicle ahead and even stops the vehicle in traffic and starts it again with the flow. This is a step closer to a driverless vehicle, but it is never to be perceived as one. The premium package also has LED headlights, Low Beam Assist, Power Sunroof, Single Zone Climate Control, and Supervision Meter Cluster. All models come standard with a rear camera display and an array of airbags, including dual front, front-seat mounted side, full-length side curtain, and driver's knee airbags. The GT has an optional Launch Edition with a remote start system, a desirable feature to most Wisconsin residents in the winter. Overall, the Forte has scored acceptable crashworthiness ratings from the IIHS.

4. Price and Value

Both models come with the same sunroof, but the GT line comes with a premium sound system with a subwoofer and amplifier. There is also a standard premium package to add to the LXS only ($1,700) that includes LED lights and 17-inch graphite wheels. These optional packages don't come with much value as the price jumps quite a bit, but some may find that the LED lights are safer for driving. There are also many single optional features to pick from, but the only one worth mentioning would be the $800 CVT transmission upgrade for the GT line.

The Forte GT-Line goes for a starting price of $20,490, and the LXS goes for a starting price of $22,290. The main reason for the extra cost with the LXS comes from Kia. The GT line will have a standard 6-speed transmission, and the LXS has the better fuel economy IVT transmission that saves gas in the long run. Both vehicles have an option to upgrade to the sun and sound package ($2,000 value for $1,600 from the base price).

4.1 Base Price

The 2023 Kia Forte LXS has a base price of $17,890. Everything that is included in the Forte LXS is worth the price. The standard features that the Forte comes with are Anti-lock Braking System, electronic stability control, and a vehicle stability management system. The standard features are quite remarkable even for an LXS model that is only worth $17,890. Another thing that is worth mentioning is that the Kia Forte LXS comes with a 147-horsepower engine and a fuel economy of 27-37 mpg. The fuel economy is probably the most convenient asset of the Forte. If you multiply the combined mpg (32) to the estimated 14-gallon fuel tank, you get 448 miles per tank. That is impressive for a car this cheap. The Forte comes with 16" Alloy Wheels as well. This is also a nice addition to the base price. You don't see many compact cars coming with alloy wheels at a price this cheap. The $17,890 base price is more than worth it for the LXS model. The 2023 Kia Forte GT Line has a base price of $20,490. The extra $2,600 is shown in the features the GT Line comes with. This is also a good value if not better compared to the base price of the LXS model. The GT Line comes with a more powerful 201-horsepower engine and a fuel economy of 27-35 mpg. The horsepower isn't a drastic change but it is something worth upgrading if you have the extra money for the GT Line. The combined mpg, however, drops by 2 from the LXS model. This loss isn't too significant, but it is worth mentioning.

4.2 Additional Options

Prospective buyers should pay careful attention to the additional options available to the Forte LXS and GT Line models. An option package is available for the LXS, including the S Premium Package that adds over $2,000 to the price of the vehicle. It includes a power sunroof, LED overhead and engine compartment lighting, push-button start functionality, a sport leather-wrapped gear shift knob, and heated and ventilated front seats. This is a nice feature for those who drive a lot in hot climates, as seat ventilation is something usually found in more expensive vehicles. Unfortunately, the addition of this package also means that the Forte LXS no longer meets expectations for a small vehicle with good value and starts to get into the price range of a more luxury-oriented compact vehicle. Buyers should ask themselves whether these features are something that they would absolutely need on their next vehicle and go take the GT Line for a test drive to figure this out. His and Hers Automotive feels that the heated and ventilated front seats are an excellent feature given the price of the package, as this feature is not a common find in a compact vehicle. A notable option to be considered for the GT Line is the GT2 Package that retails for an additional $3,210, available only if a buyer also chooses the GT1 package, totaling to an addition of over $5,000 to the base price of the GT Line. This package gives the GT Line a real premium feel and adds features commonly not found in small compact vehicles, such as a power sunroof, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory, and 8-way power adjustable passenger seats, LED headlights with High Beam Assist, a 4.2-inch color TFT instrument cluster, and a Harman/Kardon 320-watt premium sound system with 8 speakers and Clari-Fi technology. His and Hers Automotive is very impressed that there is an option to get a vehicle similar to the base Stinger, a vehicle typically priced $10,000 more, and will greatly consider this package if the Kia Forte GT Line is to be used as a shop vehicle.

References:

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[3] B. Frank and S. Mitsumoto, "An extended source attractiveness model: the advertising effectiveness of distinct athlete endorser attractiveness types and its contextual variation," European Sport Management Quarterly, 2023. tandfonline.com

[4] Y. Huang and D. Kim, "How Does Service Quality Improve Consumer Loyalty in Sports Fitness Centers? The Moderating Role of Sport Involvement," Sustainability, 2023. mdpi.com​​​​​​​