2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The Forte GT, evaluated for this review, came with Steel Gray paint, the GT2 Package, carpeted floor mats, and an MSRP of $26,900, including a destination charge of $1,055. This model featured a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with fresh wheel designs for the LXS and GT-Line. The GT-Line and GT received new fog lights and taillights, with the GT boasting brighter LED headlights. The GT also had red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels with a machined finish, giving it the best looks in the family.

The 2023 Kia Forte retained some of Kia's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille and converging angled cutouts were notable features. The GT trims added bold red accents, which might not appeal to everyone. The interior maintained Kia's older layout with a touchscreen atop the center dash and traditional climate knobs below. The materials were nicer than contemporary rivals, with less hard plastic and more soft-touch surfaces. The GT models featured synthetic leather seat upholstery, which was more substantial than the thin vinyl-like coverings in competitors like the Toyota Corolla.

The 2022 Kia Forte carried over most of its mechanical components from the previous year. All trims except the GT had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The GT trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT also had a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires. However, the GT's brakes were not up to the task of demanding mountain descents, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine choices: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque for the GT trim. The base engine was adequate for most drivers, while the GT provided more excitement and performance. The GT's dual-clutch automatic transmission was jumpy at lower speeds, and the manual transmission, though engaging, was less fuel-efficient. The GT's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the ride quality was not as stiff as the competing Mazda 3. The cabin was relatively quiet, with some road noise.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, especially with the GT2 option package, offered numerous features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and full SynTex simulated leather seats. The Forte GT was comfortable for long road trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The rear seat room was good for a compact car, and the trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in the segment.

The 2023 Kia Forte's front seats provided ample space and comfort, with controls within easy reach. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, and higher trims offered a wireless charger and separate air conditioning vents for the rear seats. The trunk also had 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with remote seatback releases for added convenience. However, the cargo floor's flimsy fabric covering seemed out of place.

For 2022, Kia introduced new Technology option packages for the LXS, GT-Line, and GT models, adding infotainment and safety systems. The FE and LXS trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and GT had a 10.25-inch display requiring a cable for these features. The GT also had wireless smartphone charging and an available eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. The infotainment system was easy to use, though the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the GT-Line and above received a 10.25-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but a wireless charging pad was only available on higher trims. The infotainment system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, with logical menu organization. However, the wireless phone integration did not work in the test vehicle, though it was likely an anomaly.

The 2022 Kia Forte included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Safe Exit Warning system. Optional safety upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The NHTSA gave the 2022 Forte a four-star overall crash protection rating, while the IIHS gave it high marks for crashworthiness and driving assist systems.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian/cyclist detection. The IIHS awarded the Forte its highest score of "Good" in most evaluations, except for the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, which received the lowest score of "Poor."