2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of trim levels, each catering to different preferences and budgets. The Forte GT, evaluated for this review, stood out with its sporty design, featuring red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. The interior maintained a sporty aesthetic with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents. Despite its sporty appearance, the Forte GT was not a full-fledged performance sedan, but it provided a comfortable and stylish ride for daily commuting.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, tested in Southern California, turned heads with its unique light gray metallic color and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The CT5-V was positioned as a sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan, offering a balance between luxury and performance. The interior featured a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details, but it provided a comfortable and upscale environment. The CT5-V's design and presence on the road made it a standout choice for those seeking a luxury sedan with a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a spirited driving experience, especially with the sport-tuned suspension and larger alloy wheels. However, the Forte GT's brakes struggled during demanding driving conditions, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. Despite these drawbacks, the Forte GT provided a fun and engaging ride for everyday use, though it fell short of being a true performance sedan.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed the CT5-V to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, although the car's sound was more impressive than its actual speed. The CT5-V featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. While the CT5-V excelled in balance, body control, and grip, its steering lacked the desired feel and feedback, and the car's overall refinement could be improved.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT offered a comfortable and spacious interior, especially with the GT2 option package, which added features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seat provided ample room for passengers, and the trunk boasted 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, making it one of the largest in its segment. The Forte GT's interior was well-suited for long road trips and daily commuting, offering practicality and comfort.

In comparison, the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V provided a more luxurious interior with standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather. While the front seats offered good comfort and support, the rear seats were less accessible due to the door frame design. The CT5-V's trunk, at 11.9 cubic feet, was smaller and narrower, limiting its practicality for road trips. However, the CT5-V offered additional storage options, such as hidden compartments and a deep well for carrying items like bottles of wine.

The 2022 Kia Forte featured new Technology option packages, enhancing its infotainment and safety systems. The Forte GT-Line and GT offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with features like SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available on the FE and LXS trims. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, though its voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in technology, with the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose 15-speaker audio system, and natural voice recognition. The CT5-V's controls were intuitive, with stereo volume and radio tuning accessible without distraction. While the test car lacked an embedded navigation system, Apple CarPlay integration was seamless. Cadillac's approach to technology was praised for its simplicity and ease of use.

The 2022 Kia Forte came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness, though the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger safety.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured the Cadillac Smart System, which included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like automated lane changes and a driver monitoring camera. While Super Cruise was impressive, it required driver attention and had some limitations in certain situations.