[DeathStryker]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums, and while I don't own a Forte yet, I think I will own one in the next few weeks. I'm just waiting to get a settlement check from my insurance company from my last car which was stolen and totaled this month (RIP '05 Elantra)

Anyway, I test drove both the Koup EX and SX models today and was quite pleased with both. I like the extra power of the SX, but I'm not sure if it's necessarily worth the extra cash. I mean, they are both awesome cars, anybody have any advice or suggestions? Can I really go wrong with either one of them?

Thanks,

JC

 

[Aidensgrand]

i will say that even tho i dont regret my choice of getting the ex instead of the sx, i do miss and want features the sx has. i want the working fogs and the wheels! the wheels are so sexy. as far as everything else, im glad i got the ex. i avg about 29-32mpg and i fill up once a week. plus, i can always easily get the fogs to work and there are aftermarket wheels available(all though, i wish i had the sx wheels ^_^). and you cant go wrong if its what you want

 

[kris86]

Man i also getting a koup but i want the SX, atleast i want the koup with all the features, sunroof, bluetooth, wheels, fogs, etc... thats my opinion!

 

[DeathStryker]

Yeah, the fogs and the wheels are sweet, I was thinking about adding the fogs later on the EX if I end up getting that one. I don't mind the wheels on the EX too much, I will say that they look a lot nicer in person than in photos. In pictures they almost look plastic. Either one I go with will have more hp than my Elantra so that's cool too, not that I plan on getting too crazy . . . well, ya never know I guess, lol

 

[ryude]

I'm quite happy with my EX, gas mileage is great I'm averaging about 32-34 mpg and it keeps getting better. Honestly the only thing I wish my EX had is the SX seats, those are much nicer.

 

[D1FR3NT]

it basically comes down to whether you want the added hp, speaker lights, fog lights, and little details like red stiching in the seats.... I dont think there is much difference between the 2 other than that

 

[xXRockAweaRXx]

2010 Kia Forte Koup SX Test Drive on Edmunds.com (Test drive on the "SX" Koup)

2010 Kia Forte Review and Specs (Review comparing SX and EX)

Essentially the SX performs better and has more features.

"However, the SX model's sport-tuned suspension makes for a night-and-day difference."

"On the plus side, the the five-speed automatic is a capable unit, particularly when mated to the SX's 2.4-liter engine."

Having an SX Koup myself, it's definitely a fun car to drive and seeing how other members on this site would like to have some of the SX features I would strongly recommend looking into the SX model instead of the EX.

 

[KoupEE]

I would have bought the SX solely for the extra power if it were not for the sunroof.
I like the interior to be as dark as possible and the sunroof itself was taking almost 4cm away from the interior headroom. I am 6'1" and need that extra 4cm. Plus, foglights are like tits on a fish...Useless. Happy with the EX.

 

[ForteGT2]

OP you didn't mention trannys...if you want an automatic, and if the stories are true, all 2011 Forte models are getting the 6 sp auto. Might want to consider that too.

 

[topspin]

I also test drove both. I honesty can't just justify the extra cost of the SX. The power difference is really negligible. Plus I'd rather save gas with the EX and I also really do not want the sunroof (I'm 6'0 tall and need the extra head room). The seats is really the only thing you get that's nicer on the SX. The other stuff like fogs and wheels can all be added later.

I also really do not want the stiffer SX suspension. The roads in Montreal are just so awful.

It all comes down to what you want. If you want the extra stuff in the SX, then great. But for others like myself who actually would pay more not to have a sunroof and stiffer suspension, then the best choice is to stick with the EX.

I've decided to wait for the 2011's, mostly for the 6 speed manual on the EX. I think it will be a smart and sensible choice.

 

[ForteGT2]

I also test drove both. I honesty can't just justify the extra cost of the SX. The power difference is really negligible. Plus I'd rather save gas with the EX and I also really do not want the sunroof (I'm 6'0 tall and need the extra head room). The seats is really the only thing you get that's nicer on the SX. The other stuff like fogs and wheels can all be added later.

I also really do not want the stiffer SX suspension. The roads in Montreal are just so awful.

It all comes down to what you want. If you want the extra stuff in the SX, then great. But for others like myself who actually would pay more not to have a sunroof and stiffer suspension, then the best choice is to stick with the EX.

I've decided to wait for the 2011's, mostly for the 6 speed manual on the EX. I think it will be a smart and sensible choice.

If all you did was drive them yourself it appears the power is the same...however, if you run them side by side the SX will "walk away" from the EX. I'm not talking "leave it in the dust" just that the SX will leave the EX.

 

[olla]

I have a silver EX koup and let me tell you that I am in love

For me spending $1,500 extra on features that I might never get to use was worthless, for example, the fogs; Not always you end up using it. The 17 inch wheels; they look kind of tacky imo (unless you are a teenager) plus they give you a harsher ride because of less thread and the suspension. The dash how many times do you look at your dash to see the extra features (I might once or twice but just to check my speed and thats it). The mood light (attractive in you are in your teens). Also the body kit have glossy lips, I didn't like that and I think without it looks more sporty. And finally the MPG you might not notice it now since its only $3.00 extra at the pump (US) but I am happy that I am averaging 370-400 miles per tank with ECO

Its your choice and money...The black wheels in the EX look nothing like in pictures by the way.

And if you wait for the 6 speed transmission remember that it might be an extra cost plus the mpg will not be affected as much.

 

[canadiver]

Plus, foglights are like tits on a fish...Useless. Happy with the EX.

bet you the male fish don't quite feel that way

 

[bswansiger]

I get 29-32 mpg on the sx with a heavy foot . No highway driving but winter is another thing. I'm not sure how the handling is in the snow tho.

i will say that even tho i dont regret my choice of getting the ex instead of the sx, i do miss and want features the sx has. i want the working fogs and the wheels! the wheels are so sexy. as far as everything else, im glad i got the ex. i avg about 29-32mpg and i fill up once a week. plus, i can always easily get the fogs to work and there are aftermarket wheels available(all though, i wish i had the sx wheels ^_^). and you cant go wrong if its what you want

 

[BigE]

I want to preface these comments with a reminder that in Canada, the EX and SX Sedans are packaged differently than in the US.

I test drove an EX Sedan A/T w/sunroof and I bought and SX Sedan A/T in the end. (All SX's come with sunroofs and leather, they are not optional)

In Canada, for the $2200 Canadian difference between the 2 you get the following upgrades:

1) 2.0L to 2.4L
2) 4 spd A/T to 5 spd A/T
3) 16" to 17" Alloys
4) 280mm to 300mm Front Disc Brakes
5) Sport Tuned Suspension
6) Fog lights
7) Leather Interior
8) Automatic Climate Control
9) Supervisor Instrument Panel (Trip Computer)
10) Sport Pedals
11) Stainless Exhaust Tip and special rear valance to accomodate tip.
12) SX has added exterior Chrome Accents - Grill Surround, Door Handles and Trunk Garnish
13) SX Interior Accents include Gunmetal and Chrome vs all black on the EX.

For me the difference was a no brainer, fuel economy was not the deciding factor as almost all of my fuel expense is covered by my work. (as are my monthly payments). For most other makers, you'd spend almost $2200 or more just for the leather interior!

For me, the value of that I got for $2200 was way worth it.

 

[KoupEE]

bet you the male fish don't quite feel that way<<<<<<


HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAH!

 

[DeathStryker]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I'm gonna wait and see what kind of insurance settlement I get and go from there. If it's enough of a down payment to get my monthly payments where I want them, then I'll probably go with the SX. I'm also not ruling out the possibility of going with the sedan . . . although I'm definitely leaning towards the Koup lol. Should find out sometime this week and maybe purchase this weekend if the timing is right.

 

[MFury]

I want to preface these comments with a reminder that in Canada, the EX and SX models are packaged differently than in the US.

I test drove an EX Sedan A/T w/sunroof and I bought and SX A/T Sedan in the end. (All SX's come with sunroofs)

In Canada, for the $2200 Canadian difference between the 2 you get the following upgrades:

1) 2.0L to 2.4L
2) 4 spd A/T to 5 spd A/T
3) 16" to 17" Alloys
4) 280mm to 300mm Front Disc Brakes
5) Sport Tuned Suspension
6) Fog lights
7) Leather Interior
8) Automatic Climate Control
9) Supervisor Instrument Panel (Trip Computer)
10) Sport Pedals
11) Stainless Exhaust Tip and special rear valance.

For me the difference was a no brainer, fuel economy was not the deciding factor as almost all of my fuel expense is covered by my work. (as are my monthly payments). For most other makers, you'd spend almost $2200 or more just for the leather interior!

For me, the value of that I got for $2200 was way worth it.

That number 11 sounds funny since my EX came with the stainless exhaust tip. What is the "special" rear valance?

 

[MFury]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I'm gonna wait and see what kind of insurance settlement I get and go from there. If it's enough of a down payment to get my monthly payments where I want them, then I'll probably go with the SX. I'm also not ruling out the possibility of going with the sedan . . . although I'm definitely leaning towards the Koup lol. Should find out sometime this week and maybe purchase this weekend if the timing is right.

In case it matters, the sedans seem to have more body kits available.

 

[ryude]

That number 11 sounds funny since my EX came with the stainless exhaust tip. What is the "special" rear valance?

He means the fake rear diffuser, not sure he knows that all Koups come with it. My EX also has stainless steel exhaust tips.