2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its wide array of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a distinctive look that resonated with its "brotherhood of muscle" ethos. The exterior offered a range of customization options, from wheel sizes to paint colors with evocative names like Hellraisin and Frostbite. However, the interior, while improved over the years, still lagged in terms of comfort and modern conveniences, with a noticeable presence of hard plastics and a somewhat dated gauge cluster.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte presented a more contemporary and practical design. Available in four trims, the Forte catered to a variety of preferences, with the GT trim offering a sportier aesthetic. The 2022 model introduced refreshed exterior elements, including a new grille and updated lighting. Inside, the Forte GT boasted a sporty interior with simulated leather and polished metal accents. The cabin was equipped with modern features like a 4.2-inch driver information display and an electronic parking brake, making it a comfortable and stylish choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Dodge Charger was renowned for its performance prowess, offering a range of engines to suit different driving needs. The base models, SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing up to 300 horsepower, while the R/T variant boasted a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp. The Scat Pack models upped the ante with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 delivering 485 hp. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, housed a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8, churning out an impressive 797 hp. Despite its power, the Charger offered a connected driving experience, though its fuel efficiency was predictably low, especially in the high-performance variants.

The 2022 Kia Forte, while not a performance sedan, provided a spirited driving experience, particularly in the GT trim. The GT featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Forte GT's sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels contributed to its engaging ride, though it fell short of being a true performance vehicle. The Forte's fuel economy was respectable, though real-world figures slightly underperformed EPA estimates. Despite some shortcomings in braking performance and cabin noise, the Forte GT excelled as a zippy and practical daily driver.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a spacious four-door sedan, balanced performance with practicality. Its interior, though dated, offered a functional layout with a variety of speedometer options depending on the model. The steering wheel was well-designed, and the rear seat provided ample space, with a 60/40 split-folding feature to enhance cargo capacity. The Charger's trunk space was average for its class, making it a viable option for families seeking a powerful yet practical vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Forte excelled in interior comfort and space, especially with the GT2 package. This package added features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Forte's rear seat offered generous room for a compact car, and the trunk, at 15.3 cubic feet, was the largest in its segment. The Forte's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a focus on passenger comfort and practicality, making it an excellent choice for long road trips and daily commutes.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch screen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system detracted from its tech appeal. The Charger offered a range of available features, but its technology felt somewhat behind the times.

The 2022 Kia Forte, on the other hand, offered a more comprehensive tech suite. The GT-Line and GT trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with advanced connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were limited to lower trims. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a variety of connected services. The voice recognition system had mixed results, but the Forte's tech offerings were generally robust, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist and electronic stability control. Optional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, though availability varied by model. The Charger's safety ratings were solid, but its headlights received poor marks from the IIHS.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forte's Highway Driving Assist system was particularly well-executed, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness, though some NHTSA ratings highlighted areas for improvement.