2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 was the top-tier model. The M340i test vehicle featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, bringing the total price to $67,390. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, with optional 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color provided a trendy contrast against the dark cabin. Overall, the 3 Series offered quality materials and a design focused on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Kia Forte, a compact sedan last redesigned in 2019, retained some older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille and converging angled cutouts were notable features, with GT trims adding bold red accents. The interior maintained an older layout with a touchscreen atop the center dash and traditional climate knobs below. Despite this, the Forte's interior materials were nicer than contemporary rivals, with less hard plastic and more soft-touch surfaces. The GT models featured synthetic leather upholstery, and the rear seats had more hard plastic surfaces for durability. The Forte's design aged well, remaining competitive against newer sedans in its class.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i achieved 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg. The car accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with precise handling and a taut ride thanks to the M Sport suspension and optional Adaptive M Suspension. The M340i's driving dynamics were impressive, making it a thrilling car to drive, and it remained the standard against which other sports sedans were measured.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine choices: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The base engine, paired with a CVT, accelerated to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, while the GT trim with the turbocharged engine achieved it in 6.5 seconds. The GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension. The CVT made the base engine feel slower, but the dual-clutch automatic transmission in the GT kept power on tap, though it could be jumpy at lower speeds. The manual transmission offered maximum engagement but was less fuel-efficient. The GT's handling was sporty, with precise steering, and the ride quality was comfortable despite the sport-tuned suspension.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support and a perfect driving position. The rear seats provided enough legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the center rear seat was likely to go unused. The car had a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available in the Premium package. Interior storage space was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk offered roomy cargo space with a 40/20/40-split folding design. However, ventilated front seats were not available, and a sports wagon version was not offered in the U.S.

The 2023 Kia Forte's front seats provided ample space for taller passengers and were comfortable despite basic adjustments. The dashboard layout placed controls within easy reach, and the cabin had various storage options, including a rubberized phone tray, cup holders, door pockets, and a center armrest bin. The rear seats had enough room for average-sized adults, with higher trims offering separate air conditioning vents and a USB charge port. The trunk held up to 15.3 cubic feet of cargo, slightly more than competitors, with remote seatback releases for added convenience. However, the cargo floor's flimsy fabric covering seemed out of place.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and navigation. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system were standard, though the 16-speaker Harman Kardon system was no longer available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Kia Forte featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.25-inch display on the GT-Line and above. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The GT-Line added a navigation system and upgraded the audio system to six speakers, with an optional eight-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system had sharp graphics, quick responses, and intuitive menu organization. However, wireless phone integration did not work in the test vehicle, though it was likely an anomaly.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The LXS trim offered optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, while the GT-Line made adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection available. The GT trims included these features as standard, along with rear parking sensors. The IIHS awarded the Forte its highest score of "Good" in most evaluations, except for the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, which received "Poor" ratings.