[2023BD]

Took our 23 LXS to Boston this weekend. Easily the most comfortable and relaxing to drive of all the Forte models we own. Even though the LXS and the GT-line have the same exact suspension the ride is simply better in the LXS due to the 16 inch tire setup. The Kuhmo Majestic is a very rough tire on both the GT and the GT-line. The seats in the GT-line and GT are slightly more comfortable for long distance however. The GT rides stiffer for obvious reasons related to better handling.

The transmission in the LXS and the GT-line is perfect at delivering great mpg. The CVT has a seamless power delivery that the dct and 6spd will never match. We averaged 40mpg both ways over a couple hundred miles at 70-80mph. And half our trip home on backroads saw 50mpg. If you don't want to know there is a powertrain and you want the car to be relaxing the LXS and the GT-line are the way to go. I really have no complaints with the CVT in this car since it works so good. Plus I know I have a 6spd Forte GT sitting at home that I can have fun with whenever I want. I would never want a CVT in a Forte GT however, the DCT and 6spd are designed with performance feel and delivery that a CVT can not do.

The bad thing about the LXS is the key. It simply sucks to have a key. You have to take it out of your pocket EVERY time you get in the car. There is no little button on the handle to unlock and no push start. Did I mention I hate having a key. And if you hit the lock button twice the actual horn blows LOUD to let you know you locked it. No little chirp like the GT and GT-line. The wireless Apple carplay in the LXS does slightly offset the horrible key. And it does have lane follow that I used for about 40 miles of the trip.

 

[noturbonoproblem]

See the physical key never bothered me, but I'm used to it with my other cars too so maybe that's why. I think the mileage difference is less to do with the CVT and more to do with the 2.0L powertrain. Even with a 6 speed manual, my 2.0L FE regularly cracks 40 if driven gently, even on sticky summer tires and pretty aggressive winter tires. 48 mpg is common if driven gently at 55 mph. Highway usually gets me 38-40 mpg at 80-85, and up to 42 if I'm gentle on it and keep speeds around 70-75. The lane keep works shockingly well for such a cheap car too

 

[Steve g]

The key thing never bothered me.... guaranteed to work 99.999999999999999% of the time.. can’t leave it on the roof of the car and drive away. Key is fine with me. Generally base model cars drive better, smoother and have less problems all together.

 

[noturbonoproblem]

The key thing never bothered me.... guaranteed to work 99.999999999999999% of the time.. can’t leave it on the roof of the car and drive away. Key is fine with me. Generally base model cars drive better, smoother and have less problems all together.

Only option on mine was carpet floor mats - you'd love it!

 

[ForteGT2]

When comparing the different 2010 models the Forte LX and EX with the 15" wheels rode very comfortable compared to the 17" SX wheels. Even the 16" wheels were harsher then the 15" wheels.

 

[RandyM]

Took our 23 LXS to Boston this weekend. Easily the most comfortable and relaxing to drive of all the Forte models we own. Even though the LXS and the GT-line have the same exact suspension the ride is simply better in the LXS due to the 16 inch tire setup. The Kuhmo Majestic is a very rough tire on both the GT and the GT-line. The seats in the GT-line and GT are slightly more comfortable for long distance however. The GT rides stiffer for obvious reasons related to better handling.

The transmission in the LXS and the GT-line is perfect at delivering great mpg. The CVT has a seamless power delivery that the dct and 6spd will never match. We averaged 40mpg both ways over a couple hundred miles at 70-80mph. And half our trip home on backroads saw 50mpg. If you don't want to know there is a powertrain and you want the car to be relaxing the LXS and the GT-line are the way to go. I really have no complaints with the CVT in this car since it works so good. Plus I know I have a 6spd Forte GT sitting at home that I can have fun with whenever I want. I would never want a CVT in a Forte GT however, the DCT and 6spd are designed with performance feel and delivery that a CVT can not do.

The bad thing about the LXS is the key. It simply sucks to have a key. You have to take it out of your pocket EVERY time you get in the car. There is no little button on the handle to unlock and no push start. Did I mention I hate having a key. And if you hit the lock button twice the actual horn blows LOUD to let you know you locked it. No little chirp like the GT and GT-line. The wireless Apple carplay in the LXS does slightly offset the horrible key. And it does have lane follow that I used for about 40 miles of the trip.

Agree the LXS is a very comfortable car for a compact. I traded a full-size Sonata for the Forte and did not see an appreciable difference in road/ wind noise or seat comfort. The ride may be a little more stuff, but the better handling makes up for it. Got to give credit to the Sonata for having limousine back seat room, but I don't drive from back there.

 

[dual-clutch]

A 2023 model Kia doesn't have push button start? Are they certifiably insane to keep using key ignition in their cars?

 

[noturbonoproblem]

A 2023 model Kia doesn't have push button start? Are they certifiably insane to keep using key ignition in their cars?

Again, the key isn't the problem with thefts. The lack of an immobilizer on -2021 cars is.

 

[Steve g]

Again, the key isn't the problem with thefts. The lack of an immobilizer on -2021 cars is.

People need to keep in mind that professional thefts happen no matter what you have.. they want it they get it. Even with an immobilizer they don’t need the key fob, they just need to know where it’s at.

 

[Hamster-GT]

People need to keep in mind that professional thefts happen no matter what you have.. they want it they get it. Even with an immobilizer they don’t need the key fob, they just need to know where it’s at.

Kia Boys... professional. Lol
If I had a car theft ring and my thieves stole Kias, there would be a reenactment of Casino. "You stole what"?!?

 

[Steve g]

Kia Boys... professional. Lol
If I had a car theft ring and my thieves stole Kias, there would be a reenactment of Casino. "You stole what"?!?

If you had a car theft ring and your thieves stole a bunch of kias then you are an idiot for hiring the same guys that did 20 years hard time for stealing yugos... you honestly thought they were smart enough to learn their lesson??

 

[RandyM]

People need to keep in mind that professional thefts happen no matter what you have.. they want it they get it. Even with an immobilizer they don’t need the key fob, they just need to know where it’s at.

Spoke to a police detective who specializes in car theft. Yes, there are professional theft rings in every city who: 1) steal cars to disassemble for parts to sell to shady mechanics and body shops, 2) theft to order (usually involving exotic or high-end cars, 3) high-end hot cars that are stolen and shipped whole to the Middle East or South America.

The Kia thefts are generally done by street punks who revel in a gangster lifestyle and enjoy hurting other people.

However, something new is happening with Kia thefts. As it can take several months for replacement glass and new steering columns, professional theft rings, often associated with organized crime or gangs like MS-13, are stealing Kias not for joyrides but to sell to crooked mechanics for their parts. These mechanics advertise they can fix your Kia quickly, for a healthy premium.