2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra continued to build on the successful redesign it underwent in 2020. Its exterior drew strong parallels to the Altima, lending it a sleek, low-slung, and coupe-like appeal that was a marked evolution from the rather boxy and cartoonish look of its 2019-and-earlier counterparts. Nissan's modern design language was evident through its current model that blended style and sophistication seamlessly. Despite our test model coming in a modest gray paint scheme, the Sentra boasted a variety of vibrant colors such as bold blue, burnt orange, and Scarlet Ember, with gray being one of four hues available with a contrasting black roof.

Inside, the Sentra impressed with a modern yet simple layout that struck a balance between form and function. It featured user-friendly controls and a trio of dash vents that added an upscale flair. The centerpiece of the front cabin was a touchscreen that rose elegantly from the dash.

The model was available in three trims: S, SV, and SR. The base S trim included several standard features like 16-inch steel wheels, active grille shutters, halogen headlights, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among others. The SV trim upgraded to 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, an 8-inch touchscreen, and intelligent cruise control. The SR trim further upped the ante with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and sportier design elements. Additionally, the SR trim could be equipped with a Midnight Edition package that added dark accents and unique badging for an edgier look.

The optional ambient cabin lighting and external under-car lighting, a nod to the early 2000s aesthetics, were tastefully executed in the Sentra, adding to its overall modern and sophisticated ambiance.

The 2023 Kia Forte, retaining much of its design from the 2019 redesign, straddled the line between Kia’s older and newer design cues. The iconic double-tab grille, a long-standing feature of Kia models, was complemented by more recent styling elements like the converging angled cutouts beneath the grille. The GT trims introduced bold red accents, adding a sporty edge that might not be to everyone’s taste. Overall, the Forte’s design was more graceful from the side and rear, maintaining a conventional yet appealing look within its class.

Internally, the Forte preserved Kia's older layout, with a touchscreen mounted atop the center dash and traditional climate controls below. Though many newer models have opted for a more integrated high-tech look, the Forte's layout was still contemporary and contributed to an easier acclimation to the infotainment system and physical controls.

The interior materials in the Forte set a notable standard when this generation was introduced, with fewer hard plastics and more soft-touch surfaces that elevated the cabin's quality. The GT models featured convincing synthetic leather upholstery, significantly superior to the vinyl-like coverings found in some competitors. Although the rear seats leaned more on durable hard plastics, they were well-suited for usage by children without compromising on sturdiness.

Despite its older design elements, the Forte's interior had aged well and remained competitive through the years.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). Although the engine performance was not exceptional, the CVT efficiently managed power distribution. Engaging the CVT's Sport button didn't notably enhance performance, yet the overall setup provided consistent low-end acceleration and adequate highway performance.

The Sentra’s steering was well-weighted, and it exhibited sharp cornering given its non-performance-oriented design. Its suspension effectively absorbed most road imperfections, though it struggled with harsher conditions or deep potholes. Overall, the Sentra proved to be an excellent option for commuting, city driving, and occasional road trips.

Buyers of the 2023 Kia Forte had the choice between two engines. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generated 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a CVT and FWD. The GT trim offered a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.

The base engine's acceleration was in line with its class, achieving 60 mph in about 8.7 seconds. The GT’s turbocharged variant was significantly quicker, reaching 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. While the base engine met the needs of most drivers, the GT was ideal for those seeking enhanced performance and excitement. The GT also benefited from a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling.

However, the base CVT could create a sensation of sluggishness. The GT’s dual-clutch automatic provided better power availability but felt somewhat unrefined at lower speeds. The manual transmission offered maximum driver engagement with easy and accurate gear changes.

Handling in the Forte GT was unexpectedly sporty, allowing for confident turns with minimal drama. Despite the enhanced sports suspension, the ride quality remained comfortably smooth. The steering, though light, was precise and predictable, lacking immediate feedback but still reliable.

The Sentra's 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space was commendable for its class, although it was surpassed by the Forte's 15.3 cubic feet. The Sentra's trunk could be expanded via a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although the resulting ledge hindered the ease of loading larger items. Additionally, its trunk lacked power opening but could be opened remotely via the key fob or a button on the dash. The trunk lid's spring-loaded mechanism provided a near power-opening experience.

Inside, the Sentra's two rows of seats provided ample space, with comfortable front seats offering plenty of headroom and legroom. Rear seats also accommodated passengers well, though with slightly less headroom compared to the front. Front storage included large in-door trays and bottle holders, while the center console featured ample cupholders and trays for gear.

The Forte's front seats offered generous space for taller passengers and, despite basic adjustments, were comfortable even on longer trips. The dashboard layout placed controls within easy reach, facilitating operation without distraction. A practical rubberized phone tray under the climate controls prevented devices from sliding around, and higher trims offered a wireless charger, complementing wireless Bluetooth phone integration.

Rear seats were spacious enough for average-sized adults, boasting sufficient headroom and legroom. Higher trims added rear air vents and a USB port, enhancing rear passenger comfort and convenience.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Forte's trunk led its class with 15.3 cubic feet of space, outpacing the Sentra. The trunk floor, however, featured a flimsy covering, which was a slight letdown in an otherwise sturdy interior. Remote seatback releases made expanding cargo space a breeze for loading bulkier items.

Standard in the Sentra was a 7-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims replaced this with an 8-inch touchscreen while maintaining the same smartphone integrations.

Navigating the touchscreen's menu was intuitive, aided by the inclusion of physical buttons and dials for volume and tuning. The main criticisms were the slightly outdated graphics and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were becoming more prevalent in the market.

The Forte featured a well-rounded infotainment system with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch screen on GT-Line and higher. All models boasted wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the GT-Line adding navigation and upgrading to a six-speaker audio system. A premium Harman Kardon eight-speaker setup was optionally available.

The system impressed with its sharp graphics and quick responsiveness. The organized layout and bottom-mounted shortcut buttons made navigation straightforward. Although the wireless phone integration failed in our test vehicle, similar setups in other Forte models worked seamlessly, suggesting an isolated issue.

The Sentra came with a robust suite of standard safety features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Optional features on our test model included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. While the adaptive cruise control responded smoothly to speed adjustments, its braking was abrupt at shorter following distances.

The Sentra earned a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA and received the highest "Good" rating from IIHS across all crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for driver-assistance features effectiveness. The headlights' lower ratings did not prevent the Sentra from securing a "Top Safety Pick" award.

In NHTSA crash tests, the 2023 Forte earned four out of five stars for overall protection. However, some base forward collision features fell short of the Administration's criteria. IIHS awarded the Forte high marks in most evaluations, except for updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, which received "Poor" ratings.

Standard safety features across all Forte models included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The LXS trim had an optional blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic warning, and a safe passenger exit system. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection, with all features standard on the GT trims.