Kia Forte Forum banner

Trying to decide between the GT and the GT-Line

1723 Views 26 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  Larry48
I've been doing my research over the past few weeks on the new Kia Forte's and have come down to a decision on if I want the GT or the GT-Line. I have been looking at the specs between the two trims and the additions for the GT with the G2 package are very nice, but I keep coming back to the transmission question. I'm trying to figure out my best long term option between the IVT and DCT. From what I have read, and the people I have reached out to, DCT seems to be more durable long term? I would love to hear some more thoughts even non-transmission related questions. Thanks!
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
I had an EX with the IVT and the DCT in my GT is such a treat to drive compared to the IVT fake shifting with nice positive engaging shifts. I can’t speak for durability, I think they both can have potential issues depending on your driving habits.
DCT (Dry clutch) is very temperamental. I basically had to change my entire driving style to accommodate the transmission on this car. It's pretty much my only regret not going with the gt-line
Gt-line is a refined soulless powertrain. It does what it was designed to do very well and you barely realize the powertrain is even there. For the majority of new car buyers it is perfect. The GT makes you aware of its powertrain and if you appreciate performance the dct rewards once the tires are rolling. I don't love the on off engagement of the dct clutch from a start but I do understand why it behaves that way. The dct was designed to deliver great shifting under full throttle and it does just that. Even normal driving is perfect with the dct, the only shortcoming of the dct is stop and go, crawling forward etc. As long as that does not bother you the extra hp and torque of the GT is a no brainer. My family has found fuel mileage to be almost identical. The GT-line might have a slight edge but the GT powertrain makes you forget about the 1 or 2 mpg difference quickly.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
If you like driving or ever plan on modifying it, get the GT 100%. It has a totally different rear suspension, and it’s so much better to drive. DCT, while not perfect, has shown to be pretty reliable, while the IVT is still kinda iffy. The GT-Like is just a styling package on a base Forte, while the GT is a genuine sporty sedan. You can also get a manual on the GT if you are into that sort of thing
GT or GT line? Tough question. Whichever one you get there'll be times you'll wish you got the other one...lol.

I consider the GT a little less refined...tranny can be rough, engine vibration takes getting used to. The GT is a novelty to drive - a little more "air" because of the added power and sound.

GT-Line a little more refined. "Meat-and-potatoes" car. Little better MPG.

I have GT, daughter has GT-Line. both are satisfied with our cars. Make sure to get smart cruise and lane assist.
As the others have said, it really depends on your end game.

If you want nice looks, good value, adequate performance, you‘ll do well with a GT Line. If you want nice looks, good value, a few extra bells and whistles, very good performance with room to improve, you can’t go wrong with the GT.

Also, the GT has a manual option if you are so inclined.

I bought my GT 5 months ago and absolutely love it. Zero regrets.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
If your morning commute consists of a warm cup of tea and AM radio I suggest a GT-line.
if it consists of a RedBull and music not allowed on the radio then you will want a GT.
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 5
I decided for the GT (manual transmission) over the GT-Line for the extra horsepower and fun factor. Two months with the car, and I am absolutely pleased with it.
  • Like
Reactions: 3
As someone who bought an FE (same drivetrain as the GT-Line) over a GT, and test drove both back-to-back, if you have any desire to go fast or have fun, get the GT. In my case, the main reasons I didn't get a GT don't apply to the GT-Line (namely, the lack of rev hang on the now-dead 2.0L/manual trans combo and far cheaper price of entry). I highly suggest driving both back to back and seeing how you like them both comparatively. We can only give you so much guidance, but cars are a very personal thing so the only way for you to know for sure is to try them both out in person.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
I decided for the GT (manual transmission) over the GT-Line for the extra horsepower and fun factor. Two months with the car, and I am absolutely pleased with it.
Same here. I am an older person, but I still like the manual better. The GT manual to me seems more like a true GT. The manual in Sport mode is a blast. Even though my left knee is sore, I still like the manual. When I was in high school I had a hand me down from Mom & Dad, 62 Valiant with 3 on the tree. I later converted it to 4 on the floor. Then the first car that I bought after high school was a year old 69 Z/28. Manual was the only trans available. Years late a used 79 Trans Am came in on trade and I bought it. Manual was all you could get with the WS6 & Pontiac motor. Then the divorce took away the fun cars. Around 2000 I bought a 1988 Fiero for me to play with as I had a company car. Well the job went bye bye and so did the company car, so the Fiero was pressed into daily driver service for 12 years and 120,000 miles added to the mileage already on it. It was a manual. On long trips I could get 39-1/2 MPG. I enjoyed the 5 speed. So my next manual was a 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT Line. That was fun, but the lease was up so I discovered the Kia Forte GT has the same power train and suspension. So I leased a 2023 GT with a manual of course. The car is fun and clutches now days are very easy to push in and to engage. Not like they were back when I had my 69 Z/28. I have had the Forte GT about 2 months now and have 1700 fun miles on it. GET the GT with a manual and you will not regret it.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Same here. I am an older person, but I still like the manual better. The GT manual to me seems more like a true GT. The manual in Sport mode is a blast. Even though my left knee is sore, I still like the manual. When I was in high school I had a hand me down from Mom & Dad, 62 Valiant with 3 on the tree. I later converted it to 4 on the floor. Then the first car that I bought after high school was a year old 69 Z/28. Manual was the only trans available. Years late a used 79 Trans Am came in on trade and I bought it. Manual was all you could get with the WS6 & Pontiac motor. Then the divorce took away the fun cars. Around 2000 I bought a 1988 Fiero for me to play with as I had a company car. Well the job went bye bye and so did the company car, so the Fiero was pressed into daily driver service for 12 years and 120,000 miles added to the mileage already on it. It was a manual. On long trips I could get 39-1/2 MPG. I enjoyed the 5 speed. So my next manual was a 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT Line. That was fun, but the lease was up so I discovered the Kia Forte GT has the same power train and suspension. So I leased a 2023 GT with a manual of course. The car is fun and clutches now days are very easy to push in and to engage. Not like they were back when I had my 69 Z/28. I have had the Forte GT about 2 months now and have 1700 fun miles on it. GET the GT with a manual and you will not regret it.
"The GT manual to me seems more like a true GT. The manual in Sport mode is a blast." You hit the nail on the head! My mom taught me to drive in an 1988 Izuzu Trooper manual trans when I was 17, and now that I'm in my mid 40's I still enjoy driving a stick shift like I'm still 17. Lol... The Forte GT is fun to drive, and very agile on the road.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
The IVT does a pretty good job of simulating shifts. It is very close to a traditional automatic transmission, but a bit smoother. I actually like the IVT more than Mazda's 6 speed automatic. I test drove a 2022 Subaru Outback wilderness and the CVT feel isn't anywhere as good as the IVT. The DCT is ok. It's jerky in the first 3 gears, and it's fine afterwards, like a manual.

If you're looking for a smooth ride and adequate power, GT Line.
If you're looking for more performance and don't mind the slightly rougher operating transmission, GT.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Also the GT-Line is port injected and seems to need less maintenance than the direct injected GT. That's a biggie to me.

I really love the GT. I'm going to do/spend whatever to keep it highly maintained and running great. If that means oil changes every 4k miles and installing things like a catch can....so be it. It's a great ride and worth it.
Those considering the GT vs the GT-Line ought to consider:

Base GT-Line $22,785 vs base GT $25,285?
Maxed out A/T GT with the GT-2 Package $27,185?
Maxed out GT-Line with the GT-Line Premium Package and the GT-Line Sport Premium Package $25,485?

While these are nominally the same car, the 19% price range from $22,785 to $27,185 does reflect a vehicle with different features.
Those considering the GT vs the GT-Line ought to consider:

Base GT $22,785 vs base GT-Line $25,285?
Maxed out A/T GT with the GT-2 Package $27,185?
Maxed out GT-Line with the GT-Line Premium Package and the GT-Line Sport Premium Package $25,485?

While these are nominally the same car, the 19% price range from $22,785 to $27,185 does reflect a vehicle with different features.
Or how about the 2023 GT Manual which has a LOT of equipment for $26,280 including 295.00 for extra cost paint.
Depends on what you going for. I was able to get an Aurora black ($295 extra) GT-line with the Technology package for $23,390. I felt it offered the best balance of features to price. At this level only safety feature missing is the rear sonar beeps when reversing. I needed a commuter car for work and fuel economy was more important than speed. I will say the acceleration is totally adequate. I don't feel the need to get out and push going up hills. I had a rental 2021 VW Passat with 2.0 liter, turbo and 6 speed auto. The GT-Line is noticeably quicker than it was.
Well I was coming from a 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line so the Kia Forte GT has the same power train, suspension etc. I do miss the hatch back.
Before the rental my totaled 2009 Murano had 3.5 liter V6. All you needed to do for power was put your foot down for 265HP. The 19.5 mpg mixed driving kinda sucked however.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Before the rental my totaled 2009 Murano had 3.5 liter V6. All you needed to do for power was put your foot down for 265HP. The 19.5 mpg mixed driving kinda sucked however.
LOL!
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
Top