2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Kia Forte

2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$40,000

MSRP

$19,090

Average price

$33,487

Average price

$19,282

Listings

843

Listings

722
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Noisy
  • Unimpressive NHTSA crash-test rating

2021 Lexus ES Reviews Summary

When you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable car that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all hearken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality.

2022 Kia Forte Reviews Summary

With inflation and gas prices delivering a one-two punch to American budgets, could compact cars like the 2022 Kia Forte make a comeback? The segment is full of good choices, and you can easily get one with all of the modern infotainment technology and safety features for under $30,000. Plus, today’s compact cars are the size of midsize sedans from a decade or two ago.

Good thing Kia has updated the 2022 Forte with sharper styling and new infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems. Just in case consumers decide their next ride needs to be thriftier and more affordable.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 302 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

39
2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$40,000
$19,090
Average price
$33,487
$19,282
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.7
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Noisy
  • Unimpressive NHTSA crash-test rating
Summary
When you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable car that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all hearken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality.

With inflation and gas prices delivering a one-two punch to American budgets, could compact cars like the 2022 Kia Forte make a comeback? The segment is full of good choices, and you can easily get one with all of the modern infotainment technology and safety features for under $30,000. Plus, today’s compact cars are the size of midsize sedans from a decade or two ago.

Good thing Kia has updated the 2022 Forte with sharper styling and new infotainment, driver assist, and collision avoidance systems. Just in case consumers decide their next ride needs to be thriftier and more affordable.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 302 hp V6
2.0L 147 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
302 hp @ 6600 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
22
29
MPG Highway
32
39
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.