2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2021 Lexus ES lineup expanded to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). Available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, the ES 250 and ES 350 offered a range of options. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid variant provided significant fuel economy improvements for a premium of $1,910. Lexus also introduced a limited-production Black Line Special Edition for the ES 350, featuring unique styling elements and a matching set of Zero Halliburton luggage.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The Forte FE was the fuel-economy leader, while the LXS provided essential features. The GT-Line added sporty aesthetics without performance enhancements, and the GT trim delivered the most engaging driving experience. The Forte GT, evaluated for this review, came with Steel Gray paint, the GT2 Package, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,900. The 2022 model year brought new grille, headlights, and bumpers, along with fresh wheel designs and updated lighting for the GT-Line and GT trims.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Drivers could select from Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available on models with adaptive damping suspension. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, and the EPA rated the ES 350 at 25 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the ES 350 F Sport demonstrated unexpected competence and genuine driving enjoyment, though it was not an outright sports sedan.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters. The GT trim featured a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires. The Forte GT delivered effortless acceleration and a good blend of ride and handling characteristics, though it fell short in braking performance and cabin noise levels. The EPA rated the Forte GT at 26 mpg in combined driving with the manual transmission and 30 mpg with the DCT, but real-world testing showed lower fuel economy.

The 2021 Lexus ES boasted a daring yet functional interior layout. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, along with NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample foot and legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk offered 13.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, equipped with the GT2 option package, included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded LED interior lighting. The Forte GT proved comfortable for long road trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. Rear seat room was generous for a compact car, and the trunk provided 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in its segment. The rear seats also folded down to expand capacity.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required drivers to look at the screen while navigating, which could be distracting. However, the climate and primary stereo controls were separate and easily accessible. The ES offered a standard 8-inch display, with an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display that included dynamic navigation and connected services. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and HD Radio. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 Kia Forte introduced new Technology option packages for the LXS, GT-Line, and GT trims, adding infotainment and safety systems. The FE and LXS trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and GT trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with additional features but required a cable for smartphone connectivity. The Forte GT included wireless smartphone charging and an available eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss.

The 2021 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0), which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Forte featured standard Kia Drive Wise technology, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Additional safety features included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though testing of the revised LED headlights was incomplete. The NHTSA awarded the Forte a four-star overall rating.