2022 Kia Forte vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry took a significant step away from its past iterations, which often carried a rather plain and unexciting exterior. The designers incorporated multiple styling elements intending to bring a fresh and invigorating look to this midsize sedan. Noteworthy features included the flared wheel arches and thin headlights and taillights that visually broadened the vehicle. However, when shoppers opted for SE, XSE, or TRD trims, the addition of fake vents resulted in visual clutter that some might find excessive. Conversely, the LE and XLE trims featured a somewhat cleaner, albeit still sizable, grille.

Underpinning the Camry was the TNGA-K platform, shared with other Toyota models such as the Avalon sedan and the RAV4 SUV. The front fascia saw some updates in 2021, though the changes were relatively modest. The TRD performance model stood out with a larger rear spoiler and unique styling tweaks. Meanwhile, the Nightshade Edition, based on the SE trim, sported blacked-out exterior trim and wheels. Wheel options ranged from standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the base LE trim to 18-inch and 19-inch options on higher trims.

Inside, the chaos of the exterior design was mirrored. Our SE Nightshade Edition tester's dashboard appeared as if assembled from mismatched parts, featuring various trim elements such as contrast stitching and piano black plastic. Although models like the XLE and XSE received leather upholstery, the materials overall felt somewhat low-end.

The 2022 Kia Forte, on the other hand, presented a straightforward choice among four trims: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The GT trim, packing the most features, notably carried a price tag of around $26,900. The rest of the trims ranged from $19,090 to $21,290. Updates for 2022 included new grille designs, refreshed headlights and bumpers, and new fog lights and taillights for the GT-Line and GT trims. The GT also boasted 18-inch wheels with machined finishes.

Interior updates in the 2022 Forte were minimal but included a new 4.2-inch driver information display and a revised center console, now housing an electronic parking brake and Auto Hold feature. The GT-Line and GT trims received upgraded simulated leather, while sportier details like a flat-bottomed steering wheel and perforated seats with Germanic-inspired patterns lent an engaging feel. Metal interior accents added a touch of refinement, though the cabin remained simple.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a versatile range of powertrains. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine provided a respectable 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with front-wheel drive (FWD), and 202 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque with all-wheel drive (AWD). The XSE trim had a slight power bump thanks to a dual-exhaust system, reaching 206 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque with FWD, and 205 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque with AWD. A naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, unique among competitors opting for turbo-fours, delivered a robust 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a total output of 208 horsepower.

Our Camry SE Nightshade Edition, with the base four-cylinder engine and AWD, proved nimble and enjoyable to drive. The Dynamic Force engine showed an eager-to-rev nature, reminiscent of sportier vehicles. Though not as sharp as rivals like the Honda Accord or Mazda 6, the Camry struck an effective balance between handling and ride quality, making it a surprisingly engaging family sedan.

Similarly, the 2022 Kia Forte's drivetrains carried over largely unchanged from the previous year. Most trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The fuel economy test showed a practical 35 mpg combined for the FE trim and 33 mpg for the LXS and GT-Line trims.

The Forte GT stood out with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This trim offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, the Forte GT provided an engaging ride, though it fell short in some areas. While it handled well on curvy roads, the brakes struggled during intense driving, and the suspension allowed for some harsher impacts. Additionally, the engine noise at higher speeds detracted from its potential as a quiet cruiser.

For the 2021 Toyota Camry, interior space was generous in the rear seats, offering ample headroom and legroom. However, the front seating space was somewhat compromised but rectified by adjustable and comfortable seats with excellent outward visibility. Cargo capacity stood at 15.1 cubic feet—decent for the segment, though notably less than the Honda Accord's 16.7 cubic feet. Interior storage compartments were limited and small, reflecting the typical constraints of a sedan. On the upside, the presence of large, rubberized knobs and shortcut buttons for various functions improved overall usability, despite some controls being a stretch from the driver’s seat.

The 2022 Kia Forte excelled in interior comfort, especially with the GT2 package, adding amenities like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents provided significant comfort on long drives. Rear seat room was impressive, and the trunk space was the largest in its class at 15.3 cubic feet, accommodating luggage efficiently. The pull-down rear seatbacks further expanded the storage capability, enhancing versatility.

In the 2021 Toyota Camry, the standard infotainment setup included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Higher trims benefited from a larger 9-inch touchscreen, WiFi capabilities, built-in navigation, and a JBL audio system. A head-up display was also available on XSE and XLE trims. Despite the functional and easy navigation through the touchscreen menus, the graphics were somewhat pedestrian.

The 2022 Kia Forte upped its technological offerings via new Technology Packages for select trims. Entry-level models featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, whereas the higher GT-Line and GT trims boasted a robust 10.25-inch screen, albeit requiring a wired connection for smartphone integration. The larger display added SiriusXM, a voice recognition system, and Kia Connect services with features like remote engine start. The Forte GT included wireless charging and an optional Harman Kardon audio system. The interface proved intuitive despite the somewhat unconventional graphics, while the voice recognition system displayed inconsistency, particularly when handling complex requests.

The 2021 Toyota Camry shined brightly in safety evaluations. It attained the Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The vehicle came standard with the TSS 2.5+ suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Upgraded adaptive cruise control, enhanced collision warning capabilities, and the introduction of a Rear Seat Reminder further bolstered its safety credentials. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available features on higher trims.

Safety in the 2022 Kia Forte was also commendable, with the inclusion of Kia Drive Wise technology as standard across trims. This encompassed forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims included active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Advanced features included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities. While the IIHS rated its crashworthiness highly, the NHTSA's ratings were mixed, with a notable concern for rear passenger injury in side impacts.