2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the eighth-generation Sonata introduced in 2020, maintained its bold and aggressive styling, distinguishing itself in the hybrid midsize sedan market. While the Honda Accord Hybrid offered a more upscale feel and superior acceleration, and the Camry Hybrid had similar performance with a smaller trunk and lower-resolution infotainment, the Sonata Hybrid stood out with its unique design. The test model's matte gray paint, integrated deck-lid spoiler, and aerodynamic taillight strakes added to its striking appearance. Inside, the cabin was conventional yet refined, featuring soft-touch surfaces and a modern haptic bezel surrounding the vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The seats provided comfort and support for long journeys, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT, with the GT trim providing the most engaging driving experience. The Forte GT, evaluated for this review, featured Steel Gray paint, the GT2 Package, and a price of $26,900, including destination charges. The 2022 model introduced a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with fresh wheel designs for the LXS and GT-Line. The GT trim boasted brighter LED headlights, red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels. The interior retained its sporty look with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents. The Forte GT's cabin, though simple, was dressed up with seat perforations, patterns, and stitching, offering a Germanic appearance.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack, delivering a combined 192 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim featured a solar panel roof, adding about two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration, with a Drive Mode toggle for Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes. The car often started in battery-only mode, with seamless engine engagement. The steering was light yet precise, and the brakes provided solid stopping power with a refined pedal feel.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT trim included a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. The Forte GT delivered effortless acceleration and a good blend of ride and handling characteristics. However, the brakes struggled during demanding mountain descents, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. The Forte GT's fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, averaging 25.8 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, comparable to the conventionally-powered Sonata and larger than the Camry Hybrid. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space. The sloping roofline resulted in a low rear door opening, but once inside, rear headroom was adequate. Front passengers had access to cargo pockets and a center console, with a wireless charging pad in the test model.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, equipped with the GT2 package, featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Forte's trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in its segment. Rear seat room was impressive for a compact car, with a large and angled bottom seat cushion for support. The Forte GT also had a dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the Limited trim offering a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the screen. The layout was intuitive, with crisp graphics on the larger screen. The Limited trim included a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, though the HUD's adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

For 2022, the Kia Forte offered new Technology option packages, with the GT-Line and GT trims featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The system included SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The Forte GT had standard wireless smartphone charging and an available Harman Kardon sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss. The Forte's Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, alerting drivers when traffic ahead was moving.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Forte featured standard Kia Drive Wise technology, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The Forte's Highway Driving Assist system was well-executed, providing semi-autonomous driving on highways. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were lower due to frontal and side impact concerns.