2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 stood out on the road with its impressive, low-slung, and sleek design. Offered in various trims such as LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, the K5 showcased a turbocharged engine across all models, with optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) for LXS and GT-Line. Prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, exclusive of the destination charge from Kia’s West Point, Georgia, assembly plant.

The test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive (FWD), extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and floor mats, reached a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,945, including destination. This pricing seemed attractive considering that many Americans spent more on new vehicles.

With its luxury sports sedan aesthetic, the K5’s design language carried on from its predecessor, the Optima. The test car featured Glacial White Pearl paint paired with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior, along with matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents. While hard plastic surfaces were found in the lower half of the cabin, the overall feel was notably upscale.

The K5’s quality was evident in its solid controls and construction. The automatic transmission shifter lacked the looseness found in many others, and door handles and steering wheel stalks felt robust. The attention to detail in switchgear operations further contributed to a distinguished driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Forte, while retaining some older design elements from its 2019 redesign, incorporated new touches such as the double-tab grille and converging angled cutouts. The GT trims added bold red accents for more flair. Although the side and rear design were more typical, the Forte maintained a graceful shape.

Inside, the Forte held onto an older layout, featuring a touchscreen atop the center dash and traditional climate knobs. This setup, easier to get accustomed to, offered a simpler alternative to high-tech interiors with digital instrument panels. The GT models impressed with convincing synthetic leather upholstery, better than the thin vinyl in rivals like the Toyota Corolla.

Despite retaining some older features, the Forte’s interior materials were superior compared to contemporaries. Soft-touch surfaces replaced hard plastics, particularly noteworthy in the GT trims. While the rear seats had more hard plastics, they were designed to endure child passengers. Even after several years, the Forte remained competitive against newer sedans.

Performance-wise, the 2022 Kia K5 GT excelled with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This setup provided an exhilarating drive, though it came at a higher cost and less efficiency without AWD.

For better efficiency and savings, the standard K5 featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque via a conventional eight-speed automatic. Its torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm and 180 hp at 5,500 rpm ensured a linear power delivery with minimal low-end lag.

The K5’s Drive Mode Select, included in our K5 EX, offered Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings, and Active Sound Control added a simulated engine note for character. The 1.6-liter turbo performed well in various conditions, returning 29.1 mpg during tests, close to the EPA’s 31 mpg combined rating.

However, road noise and ride quality suffered due to the 18-inch wheels and 235/45 tires. The K5’s suspension struggled with minor road imperfections, though wind noise was minimal due to its aerodynamic design. Visibility was good except for the rear, mitigated by the EX Premium package’s surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine choices: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the GT trim’s 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

The base engine accelerated to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, whereas the GT managed it in 6.5 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension in the GT added to the driving excitement. The CVT felt slower, but the dual-clutch automatic in the GT kept power readily available, albeit being unrefined at low speeds. The manual transmission, while slightly less efficient and slower, offered maximum engagement with light clutch effort and precise shifting.

Handling in the Forte GT was surprisingly sporty, with little tire squeal and precise steering, though feedback was lacking. Despite the sport-tuned suspension, the ride was comfortably firm. Overall, the Forte’s cabin was quiet, save for some road noise.

Comfort in the 2022 Kia K5 was commendable. All trims boasted dual-zone automatic climate control, and our EX had 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added to the ambiance, and the power sunroof shade functioned efficiently.

Entering and exiting the low-slung K5 proved more challenging compared to higher-riding SUVs. Both front seats were comfortable, with convincing SynTex synthetic leather. Rear passengers enjoyed ample room, though hard plastic front seatback panels posed an inconvenience if front occupants reclined excessively.

Controls were logically arranged, combining style with utility. The traditional analog gauges appealed amidst the rising digital instrumentation trend. Storage was generous, featuring a roomy center armrest bin, a dedicated smartphone charging slot, and clever door panel armrest trays.

The K5’s trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, expandable by folding the 60/40-split rear seats. However, the lack of an inside trunk lid handle was a minor inconvenience. The Smart Trunk feature, which automatically opened the lid if the key fob was detected behind the car, added convenience.

Comparatively, the 2023 Kia Forte’s front seats were spacious and comfortable despite basic adjustments. The dashboard layout positioned controls within easy reach, facilitating familiarity and ease of use. A rubberized phone tray and available wireless charger were practical touches underlining the Forte’s user-friendly design.

Rear seats provided adequate room for an average-sized adult, with ample headroom, legroom, and foot space. Higher trims boasted air conditioning vents and a USB charge port. The trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than the K5 but comparable in its segment, with remote seatback releases for added convenience.

Kia offered two infotainment systems for the 2022 K5. Standard in LX and LXS trims was an 8-inch touchscreen with large volume and tuning knobs, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GT-Line and higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration but adding satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a navigation system, and Sounds of Nature ambient tracks.

A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, with a Premium package adding a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design. The K5’s infotainment graphics were polarizing, and voice recognition was subpar, making smartphone integration essential.

The 2023 Kia Forte matched this with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display for GT-Line and above. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but wireless charging was exclusive to higher trims. The GT-Line also added navigation and a six-speaker audio system, with an optional premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The Forte’s infotainment system featured clear graphics, quick responses, and intuitive menus, though wireless phone integration occasionally failed during tests. Overall, the Forte’s tech features met class expectations.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with numerous driver-assistance features. Bundled within Kia Drive Wise, our test car included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist.

Additional features comprised automatic high-beam headlights, driver monitoring, rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist with lane-centering, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The K5 earned the highest safety ratings, including IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from NHTSA.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from NHTSA, with base forward collision mitigation features not meeting some criteria. IIHS ratings were “Good” in most evaluations, though it received “Poor” scores in updated tests.

Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a safe exit system were optional on LXS, with advanced features available on higher trims. The GT trims included rear parking sensors and additional driver-assistance technologies.