Kia lxs vs. GT line

1. Comparison between Kia lxs and GT line

While the GT-Line has clearer features that make it stand out from the LXS, some people may prefer the LXS for its simplicity and traditional sedan design. The LXS does not have any of the features mentioned above that the GT-Line has and has a simple, less standout design. Some people may prefer this type of look, and with the LXS being $3800 cheaper than the GT-Line, may find it to be more value for money. (Gu et al.2022)(Kong et al.2023) Lear more about Kia lxs and 2025 Kia Sedona in our guide 'Introduction to Kia Model Specific Reviews and Features'

First and foremost, the GT-Line attracts attention with its more modern and sporty design. It has 17-inch alloy wheels as opposed to the LXS which is insubstantially smaller at 16 inches. The GT-Line also has noticeable upgrades in the form of LED headlights and tail-lights and also has a sunroof. Step out into the back and you will notice the dual exhaust and rear diffuser on the GT-Line. These are all features that the LXS does not possess, hence giving the GT-Line a more aggressive stance and updated look compared to the LXS.

The Kia LXS and GT-Line are both compelling models in the updated K3 Cerato range. Both have their own positive and negative features. This review summarises the important differences between the two models.

1.1. Exterior features

The Kia LXS has halogen projector headlights, but the GT line has LED headlights with auto level. The GT line also features active safety features with LED fog lights, projection type rear lights, and front parking sensors, while the Kia LXS has rear parking sensors. In regards to the wheels of the cars, the GT line is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tires. This is compared to the Kia LXS which has 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tires. Both cars have a spare tire and alloy wheel, and also the same power steering rack and pinion. The next point of comparison is the exterior mirrors. The GT line has power mirrors with LED indicators and also electric folding mirrors. This is comparatively much more advanced than the Kia LXS, which has power mirrors without LEDs and no electric folding option. Other extra features on the GT line include a smart key with push-button start and an electric park brake with auto hold, which can also be attractive to some customers. Both vehicles are available in the same range of colors, however, the GT line is available in an extra "Steel Grey" and "Crimson Red" color, which are not offered for the Kia LXS. Overall, investment into the exterior of the GT is much higher, with a broader range of features offered in a number of different categories. This is contrary to the Kia LXS, which has an equivalent or improved model feature in the majority of the categories.

1.2. Interior features

Both the Kia Cerato LXS and GT Line are based on the same model, apart from the improvements made in the GT Line model. The Cerato GT Line comes with leather seats with the option of the two-tone red and black. On the other hand, the LXS has cloth seats. Adjustable headrests are common for front and rear passengers for both models. Kahn and Aero type knob finishing are other add-ons to the GT Line. It has dual climate control air conditioning, whereas the LXS has a single-zone unit. The center information display is 7 inches for the GT Line and a 2-color 3.5-inch TFT LCD for the LXS model. Both models come with power windows with driver one-touch auto function and heated side mirrors. The GT Line consists of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the automatic transmission and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a 2-position memory and heated front seats. The seat dimensions are the same for both cars. Both Cerratos are equipped with a 6-speaker audio system. The GT Line has the option of upgrading to an 8-inch touchscreen embedded satellite navigation unit, and the AUX and USB points and 12V power outlets have been moved from the front center console to the front of the rear console armrest. The LXS has similar entertainment features with a 6-speaker audio system as well. However, the GT Line is the only model to come with a 6-speaker audio system, including front speakers, separate tweeters, and a subwoofer at the rear. Both models come with Bluetooth with controls on the steering wheel. A lot of the features are pretty standard throughout both cars. However, the GT Line has probably done more to enhance the quality and comfort of the car.

1.3. Performance and engine specifications

The GT has a similar 9.2m turning circle and suspension system, albeit a more refined system to align with the sportier nature of the GT line. With the motor-driven power steering system and a longer wheel travel front and rear. Both the GT and the LXS come equipped with an Anti-lock braking system and Electronic brake force distribution. And having a 4-wheel disc braking system with 16-inch ventilated front discs and 15-inch solid rear discs and a stabilizing braking performance. However, it is important to note that the GT has a more refined brake system compared to the LXS with a larger front disc diameter of 16-inch ventilated front discs and 15-inch solid rear discs.

The GT's 1.4L turbo petrol four-cylinder engine has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a front-wheel drive drivetrain with a pulsating steering wheel paddle shift for a fully immersive drive. The engine has a maximum power rating of 103kW @ 6000rpm and a maximum torque rating of 242Nm from 1500-3200rpm. The GT has more power than that of the petrol LXS, although it is not as efficient. This is supported by the combined fuel consumption of 7.7L/100km. However, the GT will run on cheaper regular unleaded.

Kia LXS's engine is a 2.0L petrol four-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission of front-wheel drive. With a maximum power of 112kW @ 6200rpm and maximum torque of 192Nm @ 4000rpm. Its combined fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km. It has a 9.2m turning circle and a McPherson strut front suspension and a coupled torsion beam axle in the rear.

2. Differences in technology and safety

All Cerato GT’s are equipped with a premium JBL sound system to replace the already good quality 6 speakers on the Cerato Sport. The JBL sound system consists of an amplifier and eight speakers, is tuned for the Cerato’s interior, and delivers high-quality sound for an in-car experience. JBL speakers located on the front and rear door trim are coupled with JBL-designed speaker grills for higher durability and realistic sound. The Cerato GT is equipped with front and rear parking sensors identifying the distance between your car and obstacles. As with the Cerato Sport, a reversing camera, the image will display on the LCD touch screen matches onto the system.

Kia Cerato GT The Kia Cerato GT comes with a superior 8-inch LCD touch screen which, in comparison to the Cerato Sport, supports AM/FM radio, USB audio playback, Bluetooth functionality for compatible smartphones, Android smartphone compatibility (Android Auto), plus wireless charging for Android-operated devices. Apple CarPlay is not available on the Kia Cerato GT because the system believes Android Auto and iPhone Siri functionality is an operating system and speech command which is superior.

2.1. Kia Cerato Sport The Kia Cerato Sport’s infotainment system utilizes an 8-inch LCD touch screen which is convenient and easy to use. It supports AM/FM radio, USB audio playback, Bluetooth functionality for compatible smartphones (hands-free phone operation and audio streaming), and six speakers deliver crystal clear sound. It also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both features are great for Android and iPhone users because it allows them to connect their phone with the system and play music, check messages, or use their map app at the touch of their finger. It is also equipped with a reversing camera which will display on the screen once the vehicle is placed in reverse.

2.1. Infotainment system

The GT has a more advanced infotainment system, with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, and even the option of DAB radio. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available on both cars, but crucially, only the GT provides the facility to do this wirelessly. Admittedly, the LXS also has Android Auto and CarPlay, but unless you're running off of your phone with a USB cable, this isn't going to be of much use to you. The LXS has an 8-inch touchscreen system, with no built-in navigation. A much smaller screen with the lack of map display doesn't even make this a competition. On a slightly more positive note, both models come with Bluetooth connectivity and provisions for USB charging and connection. The LXS still has a very competitive infotainment system in practicality, with it being quite user-friendly, but the GT line kicks it out of the park. A much larger screen and usable functions give it the edge, and the GT line doesn't leave much to be desired in this segment. Any car-buyer knows that a GPS system is a useful feature to have in this day and age, and while many are content to use their phone, there is a certain peace of mind at having a built-in navigation map. This will sway the favor of the GT for a lot of customers. Coming up to almost the sole disadvantage of the LXS solely being the lack of a built-in GPS, it doesn't look too good for the mid-spec model. On a side note, a feature often overlooked by many is ambient lighting. This feature available on the GT, and not on the LXS, gives an extra touch of flair when driving in the evenings and nights. Available in a range of colors to suit the driver's mood, this gives the GT yet another leg up in the infotainment section. Yet while the GT wins this round convincingly, both models are equipped with a 6-speaker sound system and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

2.2. Driver-assistance features

As far as its other driver-assistance features go, the LXS has only one option – the $1000 LXS Premium package, which is just barely available under our $20,000 price cap. This package equips the LXS with an array of features including LED headlamps, power sunroof, a 10-way adjustable power driver's seat, auto dimming rear-view mirror, and the Lane Keep Assist feature. As enticing as these features may be, they unfortunately conflict with our goal to keep both the LXS and the GT-Line at a comparable price point, making them impractical for the purpose of this comparison.

Driver-assistance technologies are not foreign to the automotive world, and today, both the LXS and the GT-Line come regularly equipped with the features that make them possible. In total sum, the new Forte boasts 8 driver-assistance features, each designed to keep its drivers and passengers safe from whatever dangers may await them on the road. Unfortunately for those interested in the LXS, only 1 of these 8 features comes standard, which happens to be the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist. This nifty bit of tech uses a camera and a radar to detect a collision with a vehicle, pedestrian or a cyclist. If a collision is sensed, the system will then provide a visual and audible warning as well as applying the brakes to prevent the collision.

3. Pricing and value for money

The base price difference between the turbo and standard models being more or less $8000 is a healthy gap that still encourages "upgrade" or "downgrade" options. This is important to the car's perceived "value" amongst different consumer age and social groups. Typically, a base model car is not going to appeal to everyone and aside from the choice of going "faster or slower", a higher spend vehicle with various optional upgrades should always be in the crosshairs.

The difference in pricing is very marginal and certainly aligns with Kia's market strategy for line-up pricing. The higher end of the standard Cerato range featuring the "safety pack" and a lxs limited edition with SLS comes close to the entry price for the Koup models. This is an important point to consider if the Koup is going to replace the sedan/hatch as the "benchmark" model for the Cerato range. Still, the trim levels and value difference between the different Cerato models and Koup also makes cross shopping within the Kia product line quite unlikely. Configuring pricing for the Koup to not encroach the lowest end of the Optima and current Cerato hatch should keep the premium pricing tag for the turbo models quite consistent. With that, the difference in cross shopping and cannibalisation between its big brother and grandpa should make a smooth transition for future Cerato models.

Driving a car, "value for money" is a very important thing to consider and certainly a major selling point when you compare to cars based on looks and spec. It is generally a common assumption that the GT line is much more expensive, but it is important to note that the base price and the different variants of the Cerato can affect this. The GT line (turbo) is marketed as a "premium" product to the standard range, thus reflecting a higher price tag. Base price for the lxs Cerato starts at $24,490 (auto) and $31,490 (auto). The GT Turbo has a starting price of $32,990 (man) and $35,990 (auto). Built strictly for the "young at hearts", the K3 Koup is attractively priced with lxs 1.6 litre retailing at $26,490, and the mightier "forced induct" Koup Turbo at $30,990.

3.1. Base price

The GT Line, on the other hand, comes with a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo engine with 201 horsepower. This offers much better prospects for performance driving but still achieves decent fuel economy. This is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This automated manual transmission provides faster, more responsive shifting without losing much efficiency and is generally a more exciting and engaging drive. The superior power and quality of the engine and transmission are clear points of value for the GT Line.

The most significant example of differential value comes in the contrast between engines for the two cars. As mentioned previously, the LXS comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, offering relatively low power at 147 horsepower. This is paired with an intelligent variable transmission (IVT). An IVT is a form of automatic transmission that was designed specifically for small, fuel-efficient cars like the LXS and is intended to provide a balance of smooth, linear acceleration with good fuel economy. For town driving, it is likely sufficient, but would be expected to struggle on steep or winding roads and be unsuitable for towing.

Simplicity is a central strategy in the sales of the LXS, whose base price sits at approximately $10,000 lower than the GT Line. Whether we think of the car as inexpensive or undervalued, it’s clear that in the more basic sense of the terms, you get what you pay for. A lower price, however, is not in itself a guarantee of value, so it is important to consider what the LXS and GT Line actually give you in their various packages.

3.2. Optional packages and upgrades

This is where the differences between the two cars start to become clear. The GT Line comes with the option for a 1.2L turbocharged engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The package, which costs around $3500, adds smart cruise control and an electric parking brake with auto hold. This means for a total cost of $31,190, you can have a more powerful, better-equipped Cerato. Not a bad thing for those who want a budget-friendly, performance-oriented car. The non-turbo LX/S can opt for the safety pack, which adds $1500 to the value of the car. It comes with AEB (Auto Emergency Braking), Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and Forward Collision Warning. This pushes the total cost of a base model LX to $25,790, a fair increase in cost for the added safety and technology but still reasonably priced for what it is. Winner: Because of the relatively low cost of the S and the ability to opt for the safety package on a base model, the added value of optional packages for the LX/S puts it slightly ahead of the GT Line. The ability to grab a car with similar features and technology to the GT Line for a fraction of the cost is a very strong point in favor of the LX/S.

4. Conclusion and final thoughts

And let's not forget the enthusiasts. Whether getting the LXS and replacing parts with aftermarket products for more power or creating a beautiful family car suitable for all ages. Or getting the GT and creating a show car project ticking all the boxes for what is missing or needs upgrading in some parts. These two people have different goals but have one thing in common. It's that Kia, the power of choice, was there. A 2.0 engine-based car (LXS) with an alternative cost-effective option in comparison to its baby brother, the GT, providing a more powerful and refined 1.6 engine. Each person has different goals but with the right amount of personalization, the end product will lead to satisfaction with what each car has to offer.

In conclusion, both the LXS and GT have their separate advantages and disadvantages. These advantages and disadvantages make both cars suitable for different people at different stages in life. The LXS provides the basic starter car that is reliable and does not bombard the owner with a lot of extra unnecessary expenses associated with a new car. On the other hand, there is the GT that provides a tad bit more in terms of cost. All the extra expenses for the car correlate with its added advantages and features over the LXS. The GT is a great car for someone that does not want to spend too much money but at the same time get a good car that would be suitable for the family. Overall, both cars would be most suitable for an average person that is obtaining a new car to start a new chapter in life.

References:

Gu, G., Ko, B., Go, S., Lee, S.H., Lee, J. and Shin, M., 2022, June. Towards light-weight and real-time line segment detection. In Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 726-734). aaai.org

Kong, Z., Kaminsky, C.J., Groschner, C.K., Murphy, R.A., Yu, Y., Husremović, S., Xie, L.S., Erodici, M.P., Kim, R.S., Yano, J. and Bediako, D.K., 2023. Near room-temperature intrinsic exchange bias in an Fe intercalated ZrSe2 spin glass. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 145(36), pp.20041-20052. acs.org​​​​​​​