Kia Forte trim comparison
2024 Kia Forte LX vs GT
The Forte LX starts at $19,990 while the GT is $24,690. That $4,700 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.0L I4 to 1.6L I4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 1.6L I4 Turbo every week, the GT makes sense. If not, the LX is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The GT adds about $83/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $4,980 more overall with interest. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The LX and GT are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $4,700 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $783 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | LX | GT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $19,990 | $24,690 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 1.6L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 27 |
| Highway MPG | 39 | 35 |
| Combined MPG | 32 | 30 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.0 gal | 14.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,350/yr | $1,450/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,908 lbs | 3,079 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 106.3" |
| Length | 182.7" | 182.7" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 56.5" | 56.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Kia Forte LX vs GT Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Kia Forte lineup, the Kia brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Forte GT cost than the LX?
The GT starts at $24,690 compared to $19,990 for the LX. That is a $4,700 difference, or approximately $83/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Kia Forte LX and GT have the same engine?
No. The LX uses a 2.0L I4 (147 hp, 132 lb-ft), while the GT has the 1.6L I4 Turbo (201 hp, 195 lb-ft). That is 54 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Do the 2024 Forte LX and GT have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with FWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 Forte LX or GT safer?
Both share the same Kia Forte platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Kia Forte come with?
All 2024 Kia Forte trims, including both the LX and GT, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Kia Forte GT worth $4,700 more than the LX?
The $4,700 buys the 1.6L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the LX does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Kia Forte trim gets better fuel economy, the LX or the GT?
The LX is the more efficient of the two at 32 combined MPG, versus 30 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $4,700 Gap
The GT earns its premium. For $4,700 more, you get the 1.6L I4 Turbo engine (+54 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Forte lineup.
How the LX and GT Feel Different
Moving from the LX to the GT means a different engine entirely. That means 54 more horsepower and 63 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 2 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Forte LX gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $88 per year or $440 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
The Forte GT costs $4,700 more than the LX (about $83/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $783 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Kia Forte LX
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the LX best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Forte GT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the GT when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.