2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2022 BMW i4 retained the styling of the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring an oversized grille that divided opinions. Despite being labeled a "Gran Coupe," it was essentially a four-door sedan with a rear hatch. The i4 boasted improved aerodynamics over its gasoline counterpart, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50. BMW achieved this through design tweaks like a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The interior balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls, though leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered four trims: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The GT trim, evaluated here, featured a sporty look with red accents and 18-inch wheels. The Forte received updates like a new grille and LED headlights for the GT. Inside, the Forte GT had a sporty design with analog gauges and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The interior was comfortable, with a large trunk and folding rear seats, making it practical for daily use.

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 delivered 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, reached 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4 offered impressive handling, thanks to a low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The Dynamic Handling Package enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride and precise steering. The i4's regenerative braking system was innovative but had mixed reviews for its adaptive recuperation feature.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, produced 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT trim featured a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels, providing a fun driving experience. However, the brakes struggled during demanding conditions, and the engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The Forte GT's fuel economy fell short of expectations, but it excelled as a daily driver with its comfortable ride and practicality.

The BMW i4's seating position was low, but visibility remained good. The fastback roof limited headroom, and the interior felt open despite limited side glass. The front seats lacked bolstering, and cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet. The i4 did not include a front trunk, unlike some competitors.

The Kia Forte GT, especially with the GT2 package, offered features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and ventilated front seats. The interior was comfortable for long trips, with ample rear seat room and a large trunk offering 15.3 cubic feet of space. The rear seats folded down to expand cargo capacity, making it practical for various needs.

The BMW i4 featured the iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of connectivity options. The user experience was intuitive, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition system.

The Kia Forte offered new technology packages, with the GT-Line and GT trims featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims, the larger screen required a cable connection. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition had limitations. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a standout feature, enhancing safety in traffic.

The BMW i4 came with standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time.

The Kia Forte included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings highlighted some concerns.