2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its wide array of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained a distinctive presence with its widebody options and bold styling cues like the functional performance hood and Hellcat badging. The exterior offered a plethora of customization options, from wheel designs to paint colours with evocative names. However, the interior, while improved over the years, still lagged in terms of luxury and modern conveniences, with a prevalence of hard plastics and basic technology features. The Charger’s utilitarian interior was more akin to a rugged Jeep than a plush sedan, with cloth seats standard on most trims and limited premium options available.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte presented a more contemporary and refined aesthetic, especially in the GT Limited trim. The Forte received updates to its grille, headlights, and bumpers, enhancing its sporty appeal. The GT Limited stood out with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Forte offered a more modern cabin with a 4.2-inch driver information display, improved infotainment systems, and simulated leather seats. The interior design featured sporty elements like a flat-bottom steering wheel and polished metal accents, providing a more upscale feel compared to the Charger. Despite its compact size, the Forte managed to deliver a comfortable and supportive seating arrangement for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Dodge Charger was renowned for its performance prowess, offering a range of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, were equipped with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the R/T variant featured a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye offered a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, delivering an astounding 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its immense power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to provide a controlled driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient option, with a combined consumption of 15.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Kia Forte, while not a performance sedan, offered a spirited driving experience, particularly in the GT Limited trim. Most Forte models were powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT. The GT Limited, however, featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Limited also benefited from a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels, enhancing its handling capabilities. Despite its sporty attributes, the Forte GT Limited struggled with brake performance during demanding driving and exhibited higher-than-expected fuel consumption, averaging 9.1 L/100 km in testing.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door sedan, offered a spacious interior suitable for family use, with a roomy back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat to expand trunk space. The instrument cluster, though dated, was functional and varied by model. The steering wheel provided easy access to in-car functions, and paddle shifters were available on most trims. However, the Charger’s interior was marred by hard plastics and lacked the premium feel expected in higher-priced models.

The 2022 Kia Forte excelled in interior comfort and practicality, especially in the GT Limited trim. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The Forte’s rear seat offered ample headroom and legroom, with a large trunk providing 433 litres of cargo space. The interior design was modern and functional, with thoughtful touches like a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the Charger’s technology felt dated, with some functions buried in menus and a lack of a head-up display.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered more advanced technology, particularly in higher trims. The GT-Line and GT Limited featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Kia Connect services, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The Forte’s infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and voice recognition capabilities, though the latter was hit-and-miss. The GT Limited also included an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist and electronic stability control. Optional safety packages included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness, though some testing was incomplete.