2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its new eighth-generation design, retained a familiar look that might have been hard to distinguish from its predecessor for those not deeply familiar with the brand. It was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while promising nimble handling. The styling adhered to the classic GTI form, featuring a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line across the front. Optional features like a light bar added drama, especially at night. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI came with red brake calipers, with wheel sizes varying by trim. Color options ranged from staple shades to more vibrant choices like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather options available, and retained the iconic golf-ball shifter knob in manual models.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels, with the GT trim providing the most engaging driving experience. The Forte GT, priced at $26,900 with the GT2 Package, featured Steel Gray paint and carpeted floor mats. For those on a tighter budget, the FE, LXS, and GT-Line trims were available at lower base prices. The 2022 model introduced a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with fresh wheel designs for the LXS and GT-Line. The GT trim boasted brighter LED headlights, red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels. The interior remained similar to the previous year, with a 4.2-inch driver information display, a revised center console, and improved infotainment systems. The Forte GT's interior had a sporty look with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents, though it wasn't as performance-focused as some competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the 1983 model, boasted a significant power increase to 241 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management. It delivered 273 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,750 rpm, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, both sending power to the front wheels. Fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual, slightly better with the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, with lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed customization, and the electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential improved cornering. The Autobahn trim featured adaptive dampers for even better performance.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT trim featured Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, a sport-tuned suspension, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The Forte GT provided a spirited driving experience with good acceleration and handling, though it wasn't as performance-oriented as some rivals. The brakes, however, struggled during demanding driving, and the engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, averaging 25.8 mpg during testing. Despite its flaws, the Forte GT was a capable daily driver, offering comfort and affordability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, especially with the GT2 option package, offered a comfortable and feature-rich interior. The package included a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded LED interior lighting. The Forte GT's rear seat room was impressive for a compact car, with a large and supportive bottom seat cushion. The trunk, at 15.3 cubic feet, was the largest in its segment, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system in the SE and Autobahn trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, including remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new Technology option packages for various trims, enhancing infotainment and safety features. The FE and LXS trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and GT trims featured a 10.25-inch display with additional functions. The Forte GT included wireless smartphone charging and an available Harman Kardon sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent. The Forte's Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time.

The 2022 Kia Forte featured Kia Drive Wise technology, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. GT-Line and GT trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS rated the Forte's crashworthiness and driving assist systems highly, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, noting some concerns in side impact tests.