2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Dodge Charger

When considering the 2022 Kia Forte, the variety of trim levels—FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT—provided consumers with options to fit different needs and budgets. The Forte GT, examined in our review, was adorned in Steel Gray paint and included the GT2 Package, reaching a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,900. For those looking for more affordable options, the base trims like FE and LXS began at $19,090, escalating to $21,290 for the mid-range GT-Line trim.

The 2022 Forte boasted a refreshed aesthetic featuring a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. This modernized look was complemented by updated wheel designs on the LXS and GT-Line trims. Additional aesthetic enhancements on the GT included new fog lights, taillights, and striking LED headlights, while the lower trims stuck with halogen bulbs. The GT-Line and GT trims distinguished themselves with sporty details, though the GT went a step further with red accents, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels, albeit with a complex design that often proved a hassle to clean.

The interior of the Forte largely mirrored the previous year’s model. It featured a 4.2-inch driver information display and a revised center console including an electronic parking brake and Auto Hold feature. Enhanced infotainment systems and improved simulated leather were noteworthy upgrades in the GT-Line and GT trims. The GT’s cabin exuded sportiness with analog gauges, round air vents, and a robust flat-bottom steering wheel. Germanic-inspired seat designs and polished metal accents also contributed to its stylish, yet straightforward, interior.

Conversely, the 2022 Dodge Charger was built on a platform dating back to 2005, with significant updates over the years. By 2022, the Charger displayed a more modern and menacing exterior, thanks to a major overhaul in 2011 and a substantial facelift in 2015.

The inside of the Charger, however, appeared dated compared to cutting-edge competitors. Thick bezels and chunky buttons gave the cabin a somewhat truck-like feel, deviating from the minimalist, bezel-free designs that were becoming the norm. Despite its dated look, the Charger’s interior still offered user-friendly controls and functional features.

The 2022 Dodge Charger was available in multiple trims: SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak. Each trim increased in power and performance, with the base SXT model featuring a V6 engine and essential comforts like power-adjustable front seats and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Overall, both vehicles had distinct looks and feels, with the Forte focusing on modern styling and the Charger emphasizing a blend of modern updates and traditional muscle car appeal.

The 2022 Kia Forte carried over most of its mechanical components from previous models. The standard engine for trims like the FE, LXS, and GT-Line was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup prioritized fuel economy, achieving 35 mpg combined for the FE trim and 33 mpg for the LXS and GT-Line.

The Forte GT transformed the driving experience with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Drivers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters. Multiple driving modes, a sport-tuned suspension, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires enhanced the GT’s performance.

In spirited driving, the Forte GT offered swift acceleration and a balanced ride, though it fell short in outright performance compared to vehicles like the Hyundai Elantra N. Notably, the brakes struggled during demanding descents, and the car’s loud engine noise marred the otherwise enjoyable daily driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger covered a broader spectrum of performance options. The base SXT and GT models utilized a 3.6-liter V6, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with slight increases in the SXT AWD and GT trims.

The Charger’s V8 lineup started with the R/T, featuring a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 generating 370 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. The R/T Scat Pack elevated performance with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

The SRT Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak trims pushed performance boundaries with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8. The Hellcat generated 717 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, with the Redeye and Jailbreak upping power to 797 and 807 horsepower, respectively. The Hellcat’s astounding acceleration and top speed of 196 mph were coupled with a Widebody setup featuring 11-inch-wide tires, enhancing traction and cornering abilities.

All Charger engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive, with AWD available on the V6 trims. The Hellcat variants offered blistering acceleration, and customizable drive modes via the Performance Pages menu added to the engaging driving experience.

The interior features of the 2022 Kia Forte GT, especially with the GT2 option package, offered a variety of conveniences, such as a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and upgraded LED interior lighting. The power sunroof and full SynTex simulated leather seats added a luxurious touch. The height-adjustable front passenger seat, standard across all trims, ensured comfort for the front passenger.

During a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the Forte GT proved comfortable over long distances, with its dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning vents keeping the cabin cool. Rear seat space was commendable for a compact car, with a supportive seat cushion and ample legroom. The Forte also boasted a sizable trunk with 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in its class, making it practical for carrying full-sized suitcases and other luggage.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered spacious front and rear seats with plenty of legroom. However, its tall transmission tunnel resulted in a high center console, creating an intimate feel from the front seats. Headroom was somewhat limited, particularly in the rear seats, making ingress and egress a bit tricky.

The Charger’s interior storage options paled compared to newer models, with smaller center console bins and less accommodating door storage. Nonetheless, the Charger provided a generous 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, although the small trunk lid and high rear bumper could make loading cumbersome. Despite these drawbacks, higher trims with powerful engines and sports-car performance capabilities, combined with a practical four-door layout, made the Charger a versatile choice.

Lower trims like FE and LXS came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and GT with the 10.25-inch touchscreen required a wired connection. The larger screen included additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The GT trim also boasted wireless smartphone charging and an available Harman Kardon premium sound system.

The Forte’s infotainment system received praise for its intuitive menu structure and user-friendly controls, despite the unconventional purple-themed graphics and font. Voice recognition capabilities varied in success, and some tasks required switching to wired Apple CarPlay for better performance.

Moving to the Dodge Charger, it featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The optional 8.4-inch screen, standard on higher trims, retained the intuitive layout with large icons for various functions. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but lacked the futuristic features seen in some rivals. Despite this, the Charger’s blend of advanced technology and traditional controls provided a user-friendly experience, setting a benchmark for straightforward infotainment systems.

The 2022 Kia Forte expanded its safety offerings with more Kia Drive Wise technology. Standard features across all trims included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system.

Higher trims (GT-Line and GT) added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, speed reduction for curves, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). Kia’s HDA received high marks for its seamless operation, even under rapidly changing traffic conditions.

In crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Forte high for crashworthiness and driving assist systems, though testing on the revised LED headlights was incomplete. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Forte a four-star overall rating, with an issue noted for rear passenger injury potential in side impacts.

In comparison, the Dodge Charger lagged behind. Standard safety features were limited to a backup camera and rear parking sensors, with the backup camera showing a grainy image. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, among others.