2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The Forte FE was known for its impressive fuel economy, achieving 41 mpg on the highway. The LXS trim provided essential features without unnecessary extras, while the GT-Line added a sporty appearance without enhancing driving dynamics. The GT trim was the most fun to drive, featuring a turbocharged engine and sportier design elements. The Forte GT we reviewed came with Steel Gray paint, the GT2 Package, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,900, including a destination charge of $1,055. This model was well-equipped, aside from a few accessories.

For 2022, all Forte models received updates such as a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. The LXS and GT-Line trims got fresh wheel designs, while the GT-Line and GT received new fog lights and taillights. The GT trim featured brighter LED headlights, and the GT-Line and GT had a sportier look with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels. The interior remained similar to the previous year, with a standard 4.2-inch driver information display, a revised center console, and improved infotainment systems. The GT’s interior had a sporty look with traditional analog gauges, round outer air vents, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of options to suit various preferences. The base Elantra SE was budget-friendly, while the SEL and Limited trims provided more upscale features. Elantra Hybrids achieved between 50 mpg and 54 mpg in combined driving, depending on the trim. The sporty Elantra N Line and the performance-tuned Elantra N, with 276 horsepower, catered to driving enthusiasts. Prices ranged from $21,545 to $33,245, including a $1,095 destination charge. Our Elantra Limited test vehicle had an MSRP of $27,395 with destination.

For 2023, the Elantra saw minimal changes. The SEL Convenience package added 17-inch wheels from the Limited trim, and both this package and the N Line model received a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The N Line was no longer available with a six-speed manual transmission. The Elantra’s exterior styling was somewhat controversial, but the interior was well-received. The Limited model featured light gray leather seats and interior panels, contrasting with the black cabin. The Melange fabric added an upscale touch, and the cabin had classy nighttime illumination and ambient lighting. The only downside was the hard plastic coating on the upper door panels.

The 2022 Kia Forte carried over most of its mechanical components from the previous year. The non-GT trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The fuel economy for this engine was 35 mpg in combined driving for the FE trim and 33 mpg for the LXS and GT-Line. The Forte GT offered a more exciting driving experience with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine was available with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters.

The Forte GT featured Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, a sport-tuned suspension with an independent rear design, a sport-tuned exhaust, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires. The GT’s modifications provided effortless acceleration and enjoyable driving dynamics. However, the brakes were not up to the task of demanding mountain descents, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. The Forte GT averaged 25.8 mpg on the testing loop and 32.8 mpg during a week-long loan, falling short of the EPA’s fuel economy ratings.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), front-wheel drive, and a torsion-beam rear axle suspension. Despite its modest specs, the Elantra Limited’s driving dynamics were impressive. It wasn’t fast, but it was peppy, and the CVT was the best in its class. The Elantra Limited averaged 33 mpg during the evaluation drive, close to the EPA rating of 34 mpg.

For a more advanced suspension, buyers could opt for the N Line, Elantra Hybrids, or Elantra N. The Elantra Limited offered a communicative yet compliant ride, a well-calibrated brake pedal, and suitable steering effort levels. On the highway, it was remarkably quiet. The Elantra Limited displayed remarkable composure on mountain roads, with a flat cornering attitude and stable handling. The steering wasn’t particularly quick or sharp, and the brakes heated up and shuddered slightly but didn’t fade. Overall, the Elantra Limited’s driving dynamics exceeded expectations.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT with the GT2 option package included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, upgraded LED interior lighting, and full SynTex simulated leather seats. The Forte GT proved comfortable for long road trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air conditioning vents kept passengers cool. Rear seat room was good for a compact car, with a large and supportive bottom seat cushion. The Forte’s trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in its segment, with the ability to fold down the rear seats to expand capacity.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra combined style with practicality. The test vehicle had proximity-sensing keyless entry, a leather-wrapped, six-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, but rear-seat occupants might find the backrest too reclined and the lack of rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports disappointing. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free trunk release feature and a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

For 2022, Kia introduced new Technology option packages for the LXS, GT-Line, and GT models, adding infotainment and safety systems. The GT-Line Premium Package further expanded tech options. The FE and LXS trims had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The GT-Line and GT trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with more features but required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Forte GT had standard wireless smartphone charging and an available eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. These screens were standard in the Limited trim and available in the SEL Convenience package and N Line trim. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, connected services, dynamic voice recognition, a navigation system, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition feature worked well for most commands but failed to control the climate system accurately. The Elantra Limited had a Bose premium audio system, but the sound quality was not as good as in some rivals. The test vehicle also had Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The 2022 Kia Forte came with standard Kia Drive Wise technology, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with rear automatic braking, and a Safe Exit Warning system. Depending on the trim level, additional safety features included cyclist detection, navigation-linked adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The Forte received high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) but a four-star overall crash protection rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a generous package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, a safe exit warning system, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra’s driving assist systems worked smoothly and subtly. The 2022 Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and the 2023 model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.