2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a similar exterior styling to its predecessor, but with a drag coefficient of 0.22, it was more aerodynamically efficient than a Toyota Prius. The new model was 1.3 inches longer, with a 2-inch longer wheelbase, and slightly taller and wider. The car's size was imposing, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels were offered, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels on the test car, part of the AMG Line package, filled the wheel wells nicely.

Inside, the S-Class was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, which protruded from the dashboard. Mercedes decluttered the interior, eliminating the rotary controller and round air vents, opting for rectangular ones. The ambient lighting system was enhanced with 250 LED elements and 64 color options. Interior materials included Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays. However, the piano-black trim on the dashboard and steering wheel was prone to smudging and reflected sunlight.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The Forte FE was the fuel-economy leader, rated at 41 mpg on the highway. The LXS provided essential features, while the GT-Line added a sporty look without performance enhancements. The GT trim, evaluated for this review, featured a Steel Gray paint, GT2 Package, and a price of $26,900. The GT trim included a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension, and 18-inch wheels.

The Forte GT's interior was sporty, with a 4.2-inch driver information display, revised center console, and improved infotainment systems. The GT-Line and GT trims featured a different simulated leather. The GT's interior had analog gauges, round air vents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The seats had a Germanic appearance with polished metal accents. However, the paddle shifters and steering feel were not as precise as expected, and the brakes struggled during demanding driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both versions used a nine-speed automatic transmission and featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short bursts. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds, with top speeds electronically limited to 130 mph.

The S-Class featured standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system. It was the first S-Class with rear-wheel steering, reducing the turning circle by seven feet. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ driving modes. However, there was noticeable wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT 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 had a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires. The Forte GT offered Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting throttle response, transmission behavior, and steering feel.

The Forte GT provided effortless acceleration and a good blend of ride and handling characteristics. However, the paddle shifters were not particularly rewarding, and the steering lacked precision. The brakes struggled during demanding driving, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. The Forte GT's fuel economy was below EPA estimates, averaging 25.8 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor. It had more front headroom than competitors but the least front legroom. Shoulder room was segment-leading, contributing to a spacious feel. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, but it was still less than other luxury sedans. The power-adjustable front seats had 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage. The center console featured a large storage bin, wireless phone charger, and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers had a large console/armrest with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, with the GT2 option package, included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, upgraded LED interior lighting, and full SynTex simulated leather seats. The Forte GT was comfortable for long trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. Rear seat room was good for a compact car, with a large bottom seat cushion and proper support. The trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in the segment, with rear seats that folded down to expand capacity.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six USB ports. A 30-speaker Burmester audio system and rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet were available. The updated MBUX infotainment system had 50% more computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The system was easy to use, with hard buttons for important functions and a voice-control system that worked from all seats. The augmented-reality head-up display projected navigation directions, but the digital instrument cluster's touchpads were small and hard to use.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new Technology option packages for the LXS, GT-Line, and GT models. The FE and LXS trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line and GT trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with more features but required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT trim included wireless smartphone charging and an available eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The infotainment system was easy to use, but the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss. The Forte's Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a useful feature for alerting drivers when traffic ahead was moving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured a rear-passenger airbag and standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed better than most competitors, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2022 Kia Forte included standard 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 active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and Safe Exit Warning. Optional safety features included cyclist detection, navigation-linked adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The IIHS gave the Forte high marks for crashworthiness and driving assist systems, while the NHTSA rated it four stars overall, with concerns about rear passenger injury in a side impact.