2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

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, the Forte 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, an updated 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 Mazda MAZDA3 featured rakish headlights framing a large, menacing grille and was available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring, futuristic design. The clean, futuristic aesthetic extended into the cabin, with a simple yet stylish layout. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The climate controls were easy to use, and the steering wheel had an elegant design, albeit cluttered with controls.

Trim levels for the Mazda3 included the 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The base 2.5 S trim came with 16-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, keyless entry, two USB ports, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, a moonroof, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The top 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus trim included reverse automatic emergency braking, surround-view parking monitoring, and other advanced driver assistance features.

The 2022 Kia Forte carried over most of its mechanical components from the previous year. All trims except the GT featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) powering the front wheels. The fuel economy for this engine was 35 mpg combined for the FE trim and 33 mpg for the LXS and GT-Line.

The Forte GT offered a more exciting driving experience with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine was available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters. The GT trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires. Despite its fun driving dynamics, the Forte GT had some drawbacks, such as less precise steering and noisy engine performance at highway speeds. Additionally, the brakes struggled during demanding driving conditions, and the fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. A manual transmission was also offered but only on front-wheel drive (FWD) Premium models. Our test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The automatic transmission and AWD were standard with this engine.

The turbocharged engine provided an engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The Mazda3 excelled in second gear, especially in Sport mode, where the transmission held gears longer to maximize the turbocharger's performance. The brake feel was reminiscent of a hardcore sports car, and the handling struck a perfect balance between precision and refinement. The Mazda3's suspension absorbed bumps with ease, making it a comfortable yet agile performer.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, especially with the GT2 option package, offered numerous worthwhile features, including 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 rear seat room was impressive for a compact car, and the trunk provided 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in its segment.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback version provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was still less than many small SUVs. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for occasional use only. The front seating area had a decently sized center console compartment and helpful ergonomics, but the lid design was frustrating.

For 2022, the Kia Forte offered new Technology option packages for the LXS, GT-Line, and GT models, adding infotainment and safety systems. The GT-Line and GT trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect connected services. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available on the FE and LXS trims with the 8-inch touchscreen. The Forte GT also 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 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. This non-touchscreen system was a weak point, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model featured upgrades such as navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Kia Forte came with standard Kia Drive Wise technology, including forward-collision warning, 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, and a Safe Exit Warning system. Higher trims offered additional safety features such as cyclist detection, 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 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction and safety issue.