Kia Forte GT Line vs. LXS

1. Key Differences

These differing exterior designs are further supported by differing performance capabilities, with GT Line models possessing a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, outputting 201 horsepower at 195 lb. ft torque. Comparatively, LXS models possess a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, outputting 147 horsepower at 132 lb. ft torque.

The Kia Forte GT Line and the Forte LXS differ in terms of exterior and interior specifications, as well as engine and performance output. GT Line models stand apart from other Forte models visually with unique 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels, sport side sills, and a rear spoiler. They also include a lower front fascia with "GT inspired" accents, LED headlights, and a red grille accent. Meanwhile, LXS models include Auto Light Control, a chrome exhaust tip, and LED positioning lights. These differing specifications give clues to the performance capability of each car, as GT Line models provide a sportier exterior design to match their improved performance capability over other models. You can read some important info about used Kia Sportage in our guide "Introduction to Kia Model Specific Reviews and Features"

1.1. Exterior Design

This car is nowhere near the same vehicle as the LXS once all the features are properly compiled. Now that these two vehicles have cemented their difference and individuality, we can move on to a direct comparison of their performance attributes.

The GT Line introduces its own unique front lower bumper, rear diffuser, and 17-inch sport wheels, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Opting in for the GT1 package, for an additional $1600, will add LED headlights, a sunroof, two-toned sport seats, and a ton of driver assist technology. Then there's the GT2 package, for an extra $2900, that adds a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, fast charging USB ports, a 320-watt Harmon Kardon speaker system with an 8-speaker setup, and UVO telematic services with a 2-year free trial.

Kia Forte LXS holds a clear preference in overall customer affinity, mostly due to its price. But the GT Line is specially designed with a more firm and sporty approach, with a beginning cost originally only $1000 more. But now, in the 2021 model year, there is a $2900 price jump.

1.2. Performance

On the open road and at highway speeds, the GT Line once again distinguishes itself. The unique suspension tuning adds to an already peaceful and compliant ride with a bit more composure and enhanced road feel. Where the standard Forte can at times feel light and aerated at the rear, the GT Line is planted and balanced. Maneuvers such as lane changes are handled with confidence and steering response is better. Step up to a set of 225/45/R17 all season Michelin Pilot Sport4 tires for the GT and you'll gain lateral grip better for better cornering and stopping, as well. The GT Line's tires and fueling system also allow for a 3mpg increase in fuel efficiency in both city and highway driving over other Forte models. So in a nutshell, GT Line will provide a quieter and more efficient ride to go along a higher level of steering and chassis dynamics. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

At the suspension and steering level there's quite a big change however—the GT Line has different springs, dampers and specially tuned steering which is unique to other Forte models. The GT's steering gets a quicker ratio and on-center feel which is reasonably better than the standard issue Forte sedan. More importantly, the GT Line steering gives a communication through the wheel that is a marked improvement over the base LXS and FE fort.

Internally, the GT Line and LXS have more in common. Both are driven by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 147 horses at 4000 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm and put power down through a CVT automatic transmission. During everyday driving, you'll probably be quite satisfied with the LXS's acceleration and its overall performance. It feels adequate in most situations, and the revs are very nicely muted. GT Line will feel a bit more sprightly, although it's not necessarily faster. A revised fueling system for the GT Line enables better throttle response and drivability. While the overall behavior of the powerplant and CVT haven't changed, the GT's takeoff and around-town acceleration just feels smoother and better.

1.3. Interior Features

The interior of the car will be comfortable and supportive with a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar. Standard driver safety aids include forward collision-avoidance assist, blind spot detection, and lane keep assist. A UVO telematics system is also included, though it’s still TBA if the GT will come with a free trial of UVO connected services like on higher trims of other Kia models. The telematics system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. An upgraded premium Bose audio system is also something that would set the GT Line apart.

The GT Line will offer buyers red contrast stitching on the seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel with the same red stitching, and a black headliner – to help set the sporty variant apart from lesser Fortes. Kia added a sport-tuned suspension featuring independent MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam. Larger 12-inch front brakes are also part of the deal. Other features we’d love to see on the GT line would be proper automatic climate control, which still isn’t widely offered on small cars, and a larger digital display in that gauge cluster. Pre-wiring for heated seats and a sunroof on the GT Line would also be a smart move to provide more room for margin on dealer packages while offering popular options not available on base models. Even with the GT Line, some may expect those to be standard.

2. Similarities

The Kia Forte LXS and GT Line are very similar in the fact that they both have the same rated MPG. With both getting similar MPG, it more so comes down to driving behavior as to which will get better fuel economy. Please see the article about hypermiling! With safety being one of the most important aspects in a car, they both have a lot to offer and they both have a lot of similarity in their standard safety features. Both vehicles come with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, which is a pretty cool feature for lower trim levels to have standard. The system is designed to help mitigate a potential collision or lessen its impact. FCA uses camera and/or radar sensors to monitor the forward area for up to two cars or pedestrians. If a collision is imminent, visual and audible warnings and/or intervention of the brakes occurs. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist may not detect every object in the vehicle's direction of travel. And if you've got a teen driver, you'll be glad to know Smart Cruise Control comes with a feature called "Lead Car Departure Warning (Forte GT)". It basically alerts the driver when stopped in traffic that the car ahead has started moving. This feature is intended to prevent you from getting rear-ended when you are looking down at your phone. Both vehicles come standard with Lane Departure Warning. LDW is designed to help stop you from drifting out of your lane. It sounds a warning and even steers you back into place. A nice feature for when you may have had a long day and can't keep your eyes open on the way home from work/school. These are just some of the many standard safety features that these vehicles have to offer.

2.1. Safety Features

Electronic stability control (ESC) and vehicle stability management (VSM) are two important safety features that are included on both Kia Forte models. ESC works by applying the brakes on individual wheels and reducing engine power to ensure that the vehicle stays on course. VSM enhances the function of the ESC by offering improved stability when the vehicle is handling under acceleration or braking on slippery road surfaces. This is done by controlling the vehicle's electronic brake and electronic motor torque.

Seat belt use is enforced in both Kia Forte models through a seat belt reminder chime if the user of the driver's seat doesn't buckle up. The chime will sound until the driver's seat belt is secured or the vehicle reaches a speed of 10 mph. 3-point seat belts are also provided for all seating positions within the vehicle for added safety of passengers. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) are also included on the rear outboard seating positions of both Kia Forte models. This is a universal child safety seat system intended to simplify installation of compatible child safety seats.

Airbags are an important safety feature in any car. The Kia Forte LXS and GT are both equipped with dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger. These airbags are able to detect the presence of a front passenger and will deploy with less force in an accident if the seat is unoccupied. The dual front airbags are also designed to deploy at two different levels, depending on the severity of the crash. Front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags are also available to provide added protection for occupants.

2.2. Fuel Efficiency

It is important to consider one important factor in fuel economy, which is the cost of fuel used. Higher-grade gasoline costs more than regular grade. Kia recommends using regular grade gasoline in both vehicles, which will save a lot of money in the long run. Other vehicles, such as the Mazda 3, require higher-grade gasoline, and the fuel consumption is only slightly less than the Forte. So the cost for the Forte is less.

Both Kia Forte GT Line and LXS come under the category of ultra-compact sport vehicles and are a pretty good value for money. Both cars have pretty much the same fuel economy and use regular gasoline. The GT Line fuel consumption (in terms of distance covered per quantity of fuel) is slightly better than LXS, which might be due to an aerodynamic change in the GT Line, resulting in less drag than the LXS. However, this assumption may not be true. The fuel consumption given by Kia for both vehicles is 7.8 L/100km for city driving, 6.2 L/100 km for highways, and 7.0 L/100km for combined fuel consumption. One reason for the difference in fuel consumption on the Fuelly website could also be the driving conditions. When comparing these fuel rates with other cars available in the market, these rates are fairly good considering that sleek-styled vehicles have high fuel consumption due to more air drag.

3. Price Comparison

Coming in at $19,290, the LXS model has an IVT that is good for smooth commuters who want a stylish car, but possibly not suited for driving enthusiasts. There is always demand for automatic transmission, which can be found in the GT line for only $800 more. Now, for $20,090, you've got a Kia Forte that has more horsepower, faster pickup speeds, and is overall more fun to drive. In terms of value with automatic cars, the GT line is a better package for only $800 more at that base price mentioned.

Kia Forte LXS has a base market price of $19,290, while the GT line is higher at $20,490. This is a $1,200 difference for the base model. However, the GT line does come with a more powerful engine and added features that the base model doesn't. These added features and specs will be compared with the LXS model base and optional packages at the given price point. The market average price paid for the LXS is $18,488, and the GT Line is $18,880. Now, the GT line is only a $400 difference compared to the LXS, and at that given point, it's worth paying that extra amount. It's very important to note that some people have paid above the market and MSRP for their Kia Fortes. To understand the best value for the cost of the car and added features, a comparison will be made at both the market price for the LXS and GT Line.

3.1. Base Price

The difference in base price translates to changing costs over time. Financing the vehicle over a 60-month period would result in a monthly payment of $390 for the GT line model, assuming a 3% interest rate and a 10% down payment. This can become a financial burden for some people. The LXS model would have a payment of $314 or $331 for the CVT, saving the owner a substantial amount of money every month. This saving would be beneficial for people who are trying to save money or make a budget to avoid living above their means. The LXS model would also cost less to insure since the vehicle MSRP is a factor that affects insurance rates. All the money saved can be put towards other big-ticket expenses that can accumulate over the years, such as a mortgage, education, or retirement fund.

The base price for the GT line model is $23,305, which includes the cost of the base vehicle plus the destination charge. The base price of the LXS model is significantly lower at $19,750 for the manual transmission or $20,750, which includes the continuously variable transmission (CVT). This means the LXS model is $4,555 to $3,555 cheaper than the GT line model.

3.2. Optional Packages

The Forte GT Line comes standard with a Fuel Saver Package and despite already having a fuel-efficient vehicle, it actually claims to gain 1 to 2 more miles per gallon on the highway, so likely around 29/30 mpg. Next up is the Audio Package, which is also available for the Forte GT. This includes UVO eServices, Telematics, and a rear-camera display, and pushing it higher, there’s also an available Harman/Kardon premium audio with subwoofer and amplifier for the GT. However, whether this comes with the base audio package or is on its own is still unclear. The GT Line will also have a Sunroof package. Though costing less than the Forte EX, it obviously still includes a sunroof. And lastly, the GT Line will have a Launch Edition Package, though what this is exactly is still unknown. An assumption can be made that this package will provide additional aesthetics to the GT Line so that Kia can flood the market with pictures of the sharp-looking GT Line and lure in more consumers.

Kia offers a handful of optional packages for the Forte. A 17" wheel & tire package that combines 17" tires and unique 10-spoke alloy wheels. A power sunroof package that includes tilt/closed sunroof, map lights, and an overhead sunglass holder. A leather package which includes leather seats, a leather shift knob, and a leather steering wheel. Lastly, there is an EcoMinder fuel efficiency package with an ISG system. All these packages are available for the SX model only. The Forte 5-Door will have its own set of optional packages. These range from a Fuel Saver Package to an Audio Package and lastly a Leather Package.

3.3. Warranty

Basic warranty for the LXS extends five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the original date of purchase. The Forte GT Line has the same time/mileage requirements. Both warranties apply to the original owner and immediate family members and are transferable to subsequent owners for the remainder of the time/mileage. All warranties for the Forte GT Line and the LXS are limited warranties and provide coverage for any repair or adjustment needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship. Items not covered include those subject to normal wear such as tires and brake pads, and damage resulting from improper maintenance, accident, or commercial use. All repairs and replacements under warranty will utilize Kia genuine exchange parts which are new or remanufactured items with design and quality that is equal to new. All warranty repairs are to be performed at an authorized Kia dealership.

References:

[1] J. Hendry, P. Burgess, D. Hunt, X. Janson et al., "Seismic characterization of carbonate platforms and reservoirs: an introduction and review," 2021. lyellcollection.org

[2] F. De Pascalis, "INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC DRIVERS OF FORAGING MOVEMENTS IN COLONIAL BIRDS," 2022. unimi.it

[3] R. E. Austin, F. De Pascalis, S. C. Votier, J. Haakonsson et al., "Interspecific and intraspecific foraging differentiation of neighbouring tropical seabirds," Movement Ecology, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1-13, 2021, Springer. springer.com

[4] M. M. CARVALHO, "Fotobiomodulação de lesões gengivais decorrentes de doenças autoimunes: revisão sistemática e meta-análise," 2022. unifal-mg.edu.br

[5] T. C. BRAGA, "Avaliação renal e hepática de poedeiras comerciais em pico de produção alimentadas com dietas contendo subdoses de micotoxinas," 2021. ufrpe.br

[6] P. B. D. A. P. DE PIGMENTOS, "SABRINA ROBERTA SANTANA DA SILVA," pgba.ufrpe.br, . ufrpe.br​​​​​​​