2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Kia Forte and the 2023 Dodge Charger were two standout models in their respective segments. The Kia Forte, particularly when you opted for the GT model, showcased a blend of sporty aesthetics and practical design. Kia offered the Forte in four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. Each tier had its unique appeal, but the Forte GT was undeniably the sportiest.

The GT model we evaluated came clad in a stunning Steel Gray paint, adorned with the GT2 Package, and priced at an MSRP of $26,900 (including a $1,055 destination charge). The Forte GT boasted a refreshed exterior for 2022, featuring a new grille, upgraded LED headlights, and sportier bumpers. Those who chose the GT got stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, red accents, a gloss black lip spoiler, and a dual-tip exhaust, all combining to give the car a performance-oriented look.

Inside, the Forte GT shared much of its design with previous models but added several modern touches. The 4.2-inch driver display, revised center console, electronic parking brake, and enhanced infotainment system brought convenience and tech-savvy features to the forefront. Seating was adorned with improved SynTex simulated leather, and the cabin exuded a sporty yet refined vibe with its flat-bottom steering wheel, intricate stitching, and polished metal accents.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger adhered to its classic muscle car roots, with design cues dating back to 2015. The Charger’s aggressive exterior was highlighted by a widebody kit on our tested R/T Scatpack Swinger edition, complete with 305-mm-wide tires on 20-inch bronze wheels, and a menacing hood scoop. Deep-dish wheels, a matte black decklid spoiler, and vintage “Swinger” decals added flair to its already commanding presence. Its traditional full-width LED taillights aimed to evoke a racetrack feel.

The interior of the Charger, however, felt dated. Sporting an 8.4-inch touchscreen, analog gauges, and plasticky knobs, it contrasted sharply with the modern tech found in the Kia. Despite Nappa leather and Alcantara seats in our model, the cabin did not exude a premium feel. Green stitching and “Swinger” badges offered some visual interest but didn't fully offset the car's dated interior design.

Under the hood, the 2022 Kia Forte GT distinguished itself with two engine options across its range. Most trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT transmission. Fuel economy stood out at 35 mpg combined for the FE trim and 33 mpg for the LXS and GT-Line.

The Forte GT, though, packed a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This was available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT transmission. Driving modes included Smart, Normal, and Sport, each altering throttle, transmission, and steering responses. The GT also came equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, an independent rear design, a sporty exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, and optional Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires. While the GT’s enhancements delivered more thrilling driving dynamics, its brakes faltered under strenuous conditions, and engine noise at high speeds was a persistent issue.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger started with a V6 engine that most buyers overlooked. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produced 292 or 300 horsepower, depending on trim, and 264 pound-feet of torque. Despite its lackluster performance, it was the only engine offered with AWD. Fortunately, the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and quick shifts, delivering up to 30 mpg on the highway with the V6.

Dodge’s V8 engines defined the Charger’s performance pedigree. The R/T model included a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, and could deactivate half its cylinders to achieve 25 mpg on the highway. The Scatpack’s 6.4-liter V8 offered 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, delivering an enthralling roar and impressive acceleration. However, it was the Hellcat variants that stood as the pinnacle, especially the Redeye Jailbreak, with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing up to 807 horsepower. Despite its monstrous power, the Charger’s handling remained sharp, aided by advanced suspension setups and Brembo brakes, although its fuel efficiency dropped significantly under hard driving.

The interior comfort and utility of the 2022 Kia Forte GT were notable. The GT2 package added a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded LED interior lighting. On a round trip from LA to Las Vegas, the Forte GT showed that it could comfortably accommodate passengers for long distances. The height-adjustable front passenger seat was a thoughtful inclusion, and the ventilated fronts were a respite during hot travels.

Rear seat space was generous for a compact car, with a large and supportive bottom cushion. The Forte’s trunk was exceptionally spacious at 15.3 cubic feet, the largest in its class, offering enough room for full-size suitcases and the convenience of folding rear seats for additional cargo capacity.

Conversely, the 2023 Dodge Charger, while larger, had a surprisingly cramped interior. Despite ample headroom, the footwells were tight, and the transmission tunnel limited legroom for rear passengers. The trunk, however, was spacious at 16.5 cubic feet, slightly larger than the Forte’s. The Charger’s familiar control layout preserved physical buttons for crucial functions, providing a user-friendly experience, unlike the increasingly common touchscreen-heavy interfaces in modern vehicles.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Kia Forte offered a suite of new options. The LXS, GT-Line, and GT trims benefited from infotainment and safety technology packages. The entry-level FE and LXS trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the GT-Line and GT upgraded to a 10.25-inch display requiring a wired connection for smartphone integration but included advanced features like SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The GT’s eight-speaker Harman Kardon system enhanced the audio experience, and the infotainment system’s user interface, despite its bold color scheme, proved intuitive.

Kia’s voice assistant showed mixed performance, effectively locating some destinations but struggling with others, leading us to rely on wired Apple CarPlay for a smoother user experience. An outstanding feature was the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, notifying drivers when traffic ahead started moving, an excellent addition for distracting moments.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system found in other Stellantis vehicles. Instead, it featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed extensive customization of performance settings, such as throttle response and transmission behavior. Performance Pages measured real-time power and torque outputs, while advanced features on Hellcat models, like a supercharger-specific air conditioner, were accessible via the touchscreen. Despite its older interface, the Charger provided comprehensive tech for performance enthusiasts.

Safety technology in the 2022 Kia Forte was a strong point. Standard features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims also offered cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, speed zone control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA), enhancing semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The Forte’s crash-test ratings were commendable, with high marks from IIHS. However, NHTSA rated the car four stars overall due to concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts and front passenger safety in frontal crashes.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its age, fared reasonably well in safety tests, receiving four stars overall from NHTSA. Specific areas, like frontal crash ratings for driver and passenger, received four out of five stars, and rear passenger protection in side impacts scored five stars. Optional safety features included forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Hellcat models lacked these advanced aids, catering more to performance than safety.