2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Nissan Altima

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, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,900, including a destination charge of $1,055. The GT trim featured a sporty look with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels. All 2022 Forte models received updates such as a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with the GT boasting brighter LED headlights. The interior remained similar to the previous year, with a standard 4.2-inch driver information display, an electronic parking brake, 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 Nissan Altima featured updated front styling with a revised grille design, new wheel designs, and two new paint colors. The Altima SL trim, tested for this review, came with AWD and a set of floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $34,755 with the destination charge. The Altima SL had a stylish appearance, though the wheels appeared vulnerable to curb rash. The interior was appealing but included plenty of hard plastic. The SL trim offered Gray leather for a high-contrast two-tone appearance and new double-stitched seams. However, the new simulated wood dashboard trim was unconvincing. The Altima’s interior was comfortable, but the hard plastic and some design flaws detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte carried over most of its mechanical components from the previous year. The GT trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The GT trim also included a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires. The Forte GT delivered a good blend of ride and handling characteristics, though it was not an outright performance sedan. The brakes were a concern during demanding driving, 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.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, except for the SR VC-Turbo, had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine produced 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque in FWD models and 182 hp and 178 lb-ft with AWD. The Altima SR VC-Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder variable compression engine with 236 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, and 248 hp and 273 lb-ft on premium fuel. The Altima SL AWD test vehicle had adequate performance but disappointing fuel economy, averaging 27.4 mpg. The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, and the Altima displayed commendable grip and a flat cornering attitude. However, the brakes heated up easily, and the steering felt lifeless.

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 rear air conditioning vents. Rear seat room was good, and the trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in the segment. The rear seats also folded down to expand capacity.

The 2023 Nissan Altima’s interior was simple to understand and comfortable to drive. The controls were logically laid out, and the Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable. The Altima SL test vehicle included dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. However, the front passenger’s seat offered only four-way power adjustment, and the low seating position made it harder to get in and out. Rear seat comfort was good, with plenty of legroom, foot room, and headroom. The Altima’s trunk measured 15.4 cubic feet, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new Technology option packages for the LXS, GT-Line, and GT models. The FE and LXS trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The GT-Line and GT trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with more features but required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Forte GT included 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 Nissan Altima’s base S trim had a radio with a 5-inch display and Bluetooth. The SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, available with SV and SR trims and standard with SL and SR VC-Turbo trims, offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The 12.3-inch system represented a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and more appealing graphics. The voice recognition technology performed well, though it could not adjust the climate system.

The 2022 Kia Forte included standard Kia Drive Wise technology across all trim levels, such as 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. Optional safety features included cyclist detection, navigation-linked adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The Forte received high marks from the IIHS but a four-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system. The Altima SV added rear automatic braking, while the SR included automatic high-beam headlights. ProPilot Assist, optional with SV trim and standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo, added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year.