2022 Kia Forte vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

For the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, the exterior design saw minimal changes as it retained the same styling from the 2020 refresh. Volkswagen modified several panels while maintaining the original body shell, striking a balance between traditional and modern aesthetics. The sedan featured LED headlights and taillights as standard, with 17-inch alloy wheels on basic models, 18-inch wheels on the SE trim, and 19-inch wheels along with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) on the R-Line trim. However, compared to its competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry, the Passat's design was more restrained. Its aerodynamic efficiency, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, was one of its key features, aiding fuel economy albeit not dramatically.

Inside, the Passat maintained simplicity with a clean, practical dashboard layout. Analog controls dominated, ensuring ease of use. Forward visibility was excellent due to the low-height dashboard and beltline. While the materials were mostly plastic, the fit and finish were commendable. The flat-bottomed steering wheel was a peculiar choice for such an un-sporty car, but some might overlook this given the Passat's value-oriented market positioning.

The 2022 Kia Forte brought a fresh look with updated grilles, headlights, and bumpers. Specifically, the GT model came with sportier elements like red-accent detailing, an 18-inch machined finish wheelset, and a gloss black lip spoiler. These components gave the Forte GT a striking appearance, especially compared to its sibling trims, although cleaning the intricate wheels of brake dust could be cumbersome.

Internally, the Forte saw slight updates with a 4.2-inch driver display, an improved center console, and upgraded infotainment systems. The GT trim’s sporty interior included a thick-rimmed steering wheel with thumb rests, perforated seats, and polished metal accents, ensuring a more energetic and engaging driving environment.

Under the hood, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a singular powertrain choice: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. This power was slightly underwhelming compared to competitors but delivered excellent low-end torque. The six-speed automatic transmission managed the engine’s output, and the lack of a manual option might have disappointed driving enthusiasts. Driving dynamics were uninspired, neither standing out for sportiness nor comfort. Switching to Sport mode or manual gear selection via paddle shifters (available on R-Line) could improve acceleration response, but overall, the Passat felt average in its segment.

Conversely, the 2022 Kia Forte introduced more variation in its powertrains. The standard engine—a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque—was paired with a CVT, offering commendable fuel efficiency (up to 35 mpg combined for the FE trim). The GT trim, however, ramped up the excitement with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, generating 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Drivers could select between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The GT’s sport-tuned suspension and independent rear design enhanced its driving enjoyment, delivering solid handling and acceleration. Yet, brake performance during intense driving sessions, like mountain descents, revealed weaknesses, and highway driving produced notable engine noise.

In terms of interior space, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered notable backseat dimensions with 39.1 inches of rear legroom, though it fell short of competitors like the Honda Accord. Front legroom felt confined, and the driving position could be uncomfortable for some drivers. The front seats lacked adequate thigh support, and rear seats felt flat and hard. Cargo space measured at 15.9 cubic feet, slightly surpassing the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy but falling behind the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited but typical for sedans, with poorly designed door bottle holders and small smartphone cubbies.

The 2022 Kia Forte’s interior benefitted significantly from the GT2 option package, which added amenities like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded leather seats. The height-adjustable front passenger seat ensured comfort for both occupants. Rear seating was spacious for a compact car, with a supportive bottom seat cushion. The Forte’s trunk capacity was impressive at 15.3 cubic feet, leading the segment and offering practical storage solutions for longer trips. Rear seats could be folded down to enhance cargo flexibility.

On the tech front, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims included HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. However, USB ports were limited to older USB-A formats. Basic functions could be managed via physical knobs, appealing to those who prefer simplicity over sophisticated tech. The absence of the Digital Cockpit and newer MIB3 infotainment system, available in other VW models, might deter tech-savvy buyers.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered enhanced tech options with the introduction of new technology packages. Lower trims supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via an 8-inch screen, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with more functionalities but required a cable connection for smartphone integration. The GT trim came with standard wireless phone charging and an available Harman Kardon audio system. Infotainment was user-friendly though the purple-themed graphics were unique. The Forte featured Kia Connect services with convenience features like remote engine start and climate control. Voice recognition was hit-or-miss, and certain navigational queries were problematic.

In safety, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top IIHS ratings in crash tests but scored "marginal" on standard headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not provide crash-test ratings for this model year. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System were noteworthy inclusions.

Kia equipped the 2022 Forte with plentiful driver-assist features. Standard across all trims were forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and centering assist, and a driver monitoring system. GT-line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and Safe Exit Warning. Depending on the trim, additional features included cyclist detection, navigation-linked adaptive cruise control, zone control for speed adjustments, and Highway Driving Assist for semi-autonomous highway driving. The IIHS gave the Forte high crashworthiness marks, though evaluations of the new LED headlights were pending. The NHTSA rated it with four stars overall, highlighting some concerns with rear-passenger safety in side impacts.