2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Kia Forte

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$54,250

MSRP

$19,090

Average price

$44,912

Average price

$19,271

Listings

627

Listings

713
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Noisy
  • Unimpressive NHTSA crash-test rating

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reviews Summary

When money is but a mild concern, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz is a reasonable purchase. The E-Class is the company's most practical and versatile car, as high-quality and necessary in a nice garage as a Kitchen-Aid mixer is in a baker's kitchen. It offers four body styles, four engines, and dozens of color schemes. Fast or efficient? Loud or library quiet? Modest or rich as hell? The E-Class is all of those things, depending on which of the 13 models you order and how deep into the options list you dive. For 2021, the E-Class receives a mid-cycle update for the infotainment system, engines, and exterior styling. We tested the AMG E53 that features a mild-hybrid inline-six powertrain.

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
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

39
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Forte
$19,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$54,250
$19,090
Average price
$44,912
$19,271
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.7
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Noisy
  • Unimpressive NHTSA crash-test rating
Summary
When money is but a mild concern, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz is a reasonable purchase. The E-Class is the company's most practical and versatile car, as high-quality and necessary in a nice garage as a Kitchen-Aid mixer is in a baker's kitchen. It offers four body styles, four engines, and dozens of color schemes. Fast or efficient? Loud or library quiet? Modest or rich as hell? The E-Class is all of those things, depending on which of the 13 models you order and how deep into the options list you dive. For 2021, the E-Class receives a mid-cycle update for the infotainment system, engines, and exterior styling. We tested the AMG E53 that features a mild-hybrid inline-six powertrain.

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
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
2.0L 147 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
22
29
MPG Highway
31
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.

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