2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a staple in the hot hatch category, carried forward the legacy of its predecessors with subtle yet impactful enhancements. It shared its foundation with the regular Golf but distinguished itself with performance-oriented features. The GTI's exterior was marked by red accents, including badges and a horizontal strip across the grille, complemented by 18-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lamps. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty ambiance with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired steering wheel, and heated front sport seats, all contributing to a high-quality feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte presented a more varied lineup with four trim levels, each catering to different needs. The Forte GT, evaluated for this comparison, stood out with its Steel Gray paint and GT2 Package, offering a sporty look with red-accent detailing and larger 18-inch wheels. The interior retained a sporty vibe with a flat-bottom steering wheel and polished metal accents. Despite its sporty appearance, the Forte GT was not as performance-focused as the GTI, but it offered a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was renowned for its performance, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a slick-shifting gearbox and front-wheel drive, with a focus on handling through its four-wheel independent suspension and adaptive damping. The GTI's variable-ratio steering and Golf R front brakes enhanced its driving dynamics, though the ride could be rough on ordinary roads. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the GTI achieving up to 32 mpg on the highway with the dual-clutch transmission.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, while not as performance-oriented as the GTI, offered a spirited drive with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It provided a choice between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Forte GT featured a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels, contributing to a fun driving experience. However, its brakes struggled during demanding conditions, and the engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 25.8 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its compact hatchback design offering practicality and versatility. It measured 168.0 inches in length and provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GTI's dimensions and tight turning circle made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while clever storage solutions enhanced its usability.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, equipped with the GT2 Package, offered a comfortable and spacious interior for a compact car. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Rear seat room was generous, and the trunk provided 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in its segment. The Forte's practical design made it suitable for both daily commutes and longer road trips.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI included a mix of traditional and modern technology. It retained analog gauges but offered a configurable driver information screen. The MIB touchscreen infotainment system varied by trim, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. Volkswagen Car-Net provided additional connectivity options, while standard LED lighting and keyless access added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new technology packages, with the GT-Line and GT trims featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims, the larger screen required a wired connection. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition was inconsistent. Safety features like Leading Vehicle Departure Alert added to its tech appeal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in small overlap front passenger-side tests. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Forte expanded its safety offerings with Kia Drive Wise technology, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forte received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.