2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 Subaru WRX, with its subtle front-end design, was not a car that aimed to impress with dramatic styling. It was two inches wider than its predecessor, featuring a signature hood scoop and a small hexagonal grille flanked by sharp LED headlights. The side profile was less cluttered, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes, reminiscent of the car's rally heritage. The rear was marked by flared fenders, a large plastic bumper, and taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The overall look was smoother and more streamlined, though the cladding could be distracting on bright-colored models like the Solar Orange. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements with better fit and finish, featuring a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim, setting it apart from other Subaru models.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Forte retained some of Kia's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille was a long-standing feature, with GT trims adding bold red accents for extra flair. The side and rear design was typical for its class but more graceful than some competitors. Inside, the Forte held onto an older layout with a touchscreen atop the dash and traditional climate controls below. Despite this, it maintained a modern appearance, with easy-to-use physical controls. The interior materials were notably nicer than those of its contemporaries, with soft-touch surfaces and sturdy construction. The GT models featured convincing synthetic leather upholstery, and the rear seats were designed to endure wear and tear. Overall, the Forte aged well and remained competitive against newer sedans.

The 2022 Subaru WRX was equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This was a slight improvement over the previous model's 2.0-liter engine. Despite the minimal power increase, the WRX's all-wheel-drive system and choice between a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission offered versatility. The manual transmission was favored by 85% of buyers, praised for its precision and ease of use. The WRX's suspension, built on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride quality, even on rough roads. The GT trim, available only with the CVT, featured Recaro seats and electronically controlled dampers, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine choices: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower. The base engine, paired with a CVT, provided adequate performance, while the GT trim's turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension delivered a more exciting drive. The GT's dual-clutch automatic transmission was preferred for its power delivery, though it could be jumpy at lower speeds. The manual transmission offered maximum engagement but was less fuel-efficient. The Forte GT's handling was sporty, with precise steering and a comfortable ride, though it lacked the entertainment factor of some competitors.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery. The standard AWD system was a standout feature, making the WRX a compelling choice for those seeking a performance-focused sedan in the $30,000 range.

The 2023 Kia Forte provided ample front seat space, with a well-organized dashboard and easy-to-reach controls. The rear seats offered sufficient room for average-sized adults, with higher trims featuring additional amenities like air conditioning vents and a USB charge port. The trunk boasted 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing some competitors. The cargo floor, though flimsy, allowed for loading bulkier items, with remote seatback releases for added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen on premium trims, with physical controls for essential functions. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, their integration was less than seamless. The base trim had a unique dual 7-inch display setup. An optional 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, with GT-Line and above receiving a 10.25-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and quick responses. An optional eight-speaker Harman Kardon system was available for enhanced audio quality.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual models lacked EyeSight due to potential stalling issues. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The WRX's platform absorbed more crash energy, and it came with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with some base collision features not meeting performance criteria. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings, except for "Poor" in updated tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning and lane-keep assist, with higher trims offering additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.