2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a notably wider track width and a length that extended nine inches longer. The design featured thin headlights, a distinctive five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the TLX offered a snug yet impressively detailed cabin, with high-quality materials and a Scandinavian-inspired design in upper trims. The Type S models boasted faux-suede inserts and bold color options, showcasing Acura's daring design choices.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels, with the GT trim providing the most engaging driving experience. The Forte GT featured a Steel Gray paint and a GT2 Package, priced at $26,900. The exterior updates for 2022 included a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with the GT trim receiving sportier details like red accents and larger 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Forte GT maintained a sporty look with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents. The interior was simple yet functional, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The Forte's cabin was spacious for a compact car, offering a large trunk and accommodating rear seats.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option to upgrade to the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for enhanced stability and handling. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, and showcased its capabilities on the track with a double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. The TLX Type S provided a balanced and predictable driving experience, with strong Brembo brakes and a subdued exhaust note. Fuel economy for the Type S was rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Forte GT featured Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, along with a sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. While the Forte GT provided a lively driving experience, it was not as performance-oriented as some competitors. The brakes struggled during demanding driving, and the engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The Forte GT's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 25.8 mpg during testing.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, the cabin was tight for four passengers, with limited legroom in the back seat. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The infotainment system used a touchpad interface, which required some acclimation, and the trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of space. Despite its large exterior, the TLX's interior space was somewhat limited due to its design and suspension setup.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, equipped with the GT2 option package, offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior. Features included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Forte GT's rear seat room was impressive for a compact car, with a large trunk providing 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior was practical and accommodating, with thoughtful features like a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. The head-up display was available only with the Advance Package, along with other features like 360-degree cameras and heated rear seats. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, offering good sound quality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

For the 2022 Kia Forte, new Technology option packages added infotainment and safety systems. The Forte GT-Line and GT offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with features like SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu structures and physical knobs for easy operation. However, the voice recognition system had mixed performance, and the Forte's Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a comprehensive suite of safety features across all trim levels, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forte's Highway Driving Assist system was well-executed, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The NHTSA gave the Forte a four-star overall crash protection rating, with some concerns about rear passenger safety.