2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2021 Honda Civic continued to build on its legacy of segment-defining models, with its 10th-generation design still turning heads years after its debut. The Civic sedan, available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, offered a sleek and modern look, especially in the Touring trim with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels. While the design was polarizing, it was undeniably familiar on the roads. Inside, the Civic's cabin was a mix of quality materials and adventurous design, though the technology, like the 7-inch infotainment screen, showed its age. Despite this, the Civic remained a trendsetter in the compact car segment, offering a spacious interior akin to a midsize car from a decade ago.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte presented a fresh face with updated grilles, headlights, and bumpers across its six trim levels. The GT Limited trim, in particular, stood out with its sporty red-accent detailing, gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Forte GT Limited offered a sporty yet comfortable cabin with features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seat space was generous for a compact car, and the trunk boasted an impressive 433 litres of cargo space. The Forte's interior was practical and well-equipped, making it a strong contender in the compact segment.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower. The latter, standard on the Touring trim, provided a spirited driving experience with 162 lb-ft of torque available from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering made it a joy to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a point of contention, as it could be droning and unrefined. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a test loop, outperforming its official ratings.

The 2022 Kia Forte, particularly in the GT Limited trim, offered a more exhilarating drive with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Forte GT Limited provided a dynamic driving experience with Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes. The sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels enhanced its handling, though the brakes struggled during demanding driving. The Forte's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 9.1 L/100 km on a test loop, but it remained a fun and practical daily driver.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, while low to the ground, offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating for adults in the rear. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's centre console was highly practical, offering ample storage space, and the trunk provided 416 litres of cargo space in the Touring trim. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback for rear passengers.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited excelled in interior comfort and practicality. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, and a height-adjustable front passenger seat. The dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning vents ensured comfort for all passengers. The Forte's rear seat space was generous, and the trunk offered a class-leading 433 litres of cargo space, with the ability to fold down the rear seats for additional capacity.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and a 7-inch touchscreen available only on the Touring trim. The Touring trim also included a 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, making smartphone integration a preferred choice for navigation and media.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered more advanced technology, with a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting available on higher trims. The GT-Line and GT Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims, the larger screen required a wired connection. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system had mixed results.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the LaneWatch system, which used a camera for blind-spot monitoring, was limited to the right side and had its drawbacks. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a comprehensive suite of safety features on all but the base LX trim, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist, which provided a semi-autonomous driving experience. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were slightly lower, with a four-star overall rating.