GT-Line curious why you picked this trim?
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Also curious (and somewhat confused) as to why someone would go GT-Line over a lower trim (aka cheaper) 2.0L or the (roughly the same price) base GT.
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I have a GT-line with the Tech package. I picked it over lower trims primarily for the added safety features (blind sport) and smart cruise/ HDA with the added Technology Package. I also liked the seats and leather wrapped steering wheel.
I picked my gt-line cuz it came with the sunroof. I also didn't like the 18 inch rims on the gt.
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I didn't want a sun roof. I've had numerous ones in other cars and never use them. Base Gt-line with the technology package gave me the features I wanted without the extra costs I wasn't going to use anyway. I've also had heated seats before but rarely used them. If I wanted all those extras. In this configuration it was about 1k more than an LXS with its added safety package.
The GT-line is a great car for the majority. It drives amazing and gets great fuel mileage and looks excellent. For $900 more than a Lxs you get keyless entry push start remote start and all the exterior items that make it look like a GT. If you don’t care about 0-60 it is the best bargain for a very well equipped car. I bought GT for power. Wife bought Lxs for price and mpg. Daughter bought gt-line for value and relaxed driving feel. And other daughter bought GT for looks, sounds and space.
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I did care about 0-60 times somewhat when I needed a car after mine was totaled. My criteria however were modest. It just needed to be able to do it in at least 8.5 seconds or less. That's generally the point where a cars acceleration feels adequate enough and not unsafe.
I understand why people would get the GT-line... many probably are not comfortable with the quirkiness of the dct.. for me the cvt was the deal breaker. But if I was to get a 2.0 forte it would be the most stripped down model they make (6 speed manual required), keep that sucker light as a feather. It’s a bummer it’s cvt only.
I love driving my GT but if I am driving a couple hours I would drive the lxs or gt-line since the ride and powertrain are more comfortable for trips. The GT has an intoxicating kind of fun that allows you to live with it’s shortcomings. The Gt-line makes you happy 95% of the time but leaves you wishing you had that extra 100 ft/lbs of torque at times
That’s exactly why I went with a manual FE and I’m glad I did before they killed it. It’s a fantastic car, and the 2.0L manual combo is such a joy
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I bought a GT-Line with the Prem pack and the Sport pack because I wanted a GT with the GT2 pack and no dealer in 500 miles had it or had it at less than a ridiculous $5K markup when I needed it in early November. The self-driving features are important for me, so it was either the GT+GT2 pack or the GT-Line+Prem+Sport or some other brand, period.
So when the GT-Line in the color I wanted with the packs I wanted and no markup was offered, I took it immediately.
There are a few items the maxed-out GT-Line doesn't include but I'm fine with it on account of the more comfortable ride and fuel savings, except one thing: I do not like the yellow non-LED headlamps.
I found out that in Mexico —where the GT-Line comes with fully LED headlights, as it does pretty much in every country except the U.S.— a pair of used fully LED headlights is just $500. I'm unlikely to bother to make arrangements to purchase but if by chance the opportunity ever arises, I'll buy 'em on the spot.
So when the GT-Line in the color I wanted with the packs I wanted and no markup was offered, I took it immediately.
There are a few items the maxed-out GT-Line doesn't include but I'm fine with it on account of the more comfortable ride and fuel savings, except one thing: I do not like the yellow non-LED headlamps.
I found out that in Mexico —where the GT-Line comes with fully LED headlights, as it does pretty much in every country except the U.S.— a pair of used fully LED headlights is just $500. I'm unlikely to bother to make arrangements to purchase but if by chance the opportunity ever arises, I'll buy 'em on the spot.
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The GT-line with the $300 Technology package is also level 2 autonomous. I have the smart cruise and the HDA along with the electronic parking brake with auto hold. I didn't need the sunroof, HK stereo, full faux heated / ventilated seats, etc. While these things are nice I would just get a GT with the DCT if I was optioning that much. I do understand however about the supply and inventory. The GT is still scarce around my area and the dealers wouldn't deal at MSRP for them but would on the Gt-line. I wasn't willing to pay a 2K markup. For the headlights I put these in
LA Plus Series 9005 HB3 LED bulbs 60W 6000LM 6000K Amplified Flux Beam｜2 Bulbs. They are totally plug and play, have better light output and appearance.
LA Plus Series 9005 HB3 LED bulbs 60W 6000LM 6000K Amplified Flux Beam｜2 Bulbs. They are totally plug and play, have better light output and appearance.
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Right you are that the $300 Tech pack also maxes out the driver assistance tech on these cars, excepting Park Distance Warning-Rear, which can only be had with the GT-GT2 pack. I did want some of the other comfort features, though, so I ended up driving several hours to the one dealership willing to make a deal on the GT-Line.
(A dealer? Dealing? Crazy world)
Thanks for the tip re: the bulbs.
(A dealer? Dealing? Crazy world)
Thanks for the tip re: the bulbs.
Bought two sets off Amazon for $47 yesterday. I put them in my LXS and the GT-line. They are just right for color to match the led lighting on the front of the GT-line and they look great on the LXS. Nice and bright too. Good find, thanks. Amazon.com: LASFIT 9005 HB3 LED Bulbs 60W 6000LM Super Bright, 2023 Upgrade 9005 LED Conversion Kits, 6000K Cool White 360 Adjustable Beam, 30000+ Hour Lifespan, IP67, Plug and Play (2 Bulbs) : Automotive
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If I was shopping for a 2023 forte I would probably get the GT line but only with the sport premium package to get heated and ventilated seats. It’s unfortunately the only trim that comes fully loaded now other than the GT. I wish they still made the EX Trim in the US, because that’s what I would pick over the GT line lol. I’m not a huge fan of the GT and GT line styling personally. Only thing I wish Kia would do is add the LED headlights from the GT to some lower trim levels! I think most people choose the GT Line because of the GT styling, features, gas mileage, and simplicity. A family member recently got a 2023 Kia Rio with the IVT, honestly it is a fantastic transmission. I am very very impressed by it. Don’t know how the IVT will age long term, but I had zero complaints. Cars and especially Kia have come so far, any Forte trim level isn’t a bad choice!
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I wasn't crazy about the GT-line styling either but wanted all the safety tech. I got mine in Aurora Black which helps calm down some of the craziness. Mirrors and spoiler just blend and flow into the design with black but I wouldn't be against doing a red accent delete. Not sure how to go about that? I'm sure grill could be dipped. I guess vinyl wrap the red piping?
If I was making a purchase decision now instead of two years ago, I would get a GT. Even with the IVT being a good trans, I worry about long term reliability, and want a manual in such a light, fun-to-drive car. Since the don't make an FE manual anymore, GT manual it would be.
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