2022 Kia Forte vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. These trims featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a twin-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, which enhanced its appeal. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, the design had some drawbacks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition amplified these stranger aspects. For those seeking a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid provided a more affordable path to better fuel efficiency, with prices ranging from $19,350 to $27,450 Canadian, excluding fees and destination charges.

The Corolla SE and XSE were the sporty versions, featuring a more powerful engine, different transmissions, and larger wheels and tires. The XSE's interior was a significant improvement over previous models, with soft leatherette for the dashboard, padded upper door panels, and robust switchgear, lending an impression of substance. The design was clean and minimalist, though practical storage was somewhat lacking. The 2022 Kia Forte offered six trim levels, with the Forte EX+ providing a balanced package of features. The GT-Line added a sporty look, while the GT Limited was the most fun to drive. The GT Limited came with Steel Grey paint and a price of $32,084, including destination charges. The Forte's design updates included a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with sportier looks for the GT-Line and GT Limited. The GT Limited featured red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels, though the intricate wheel design was challenging to clean. The interior retained its sporty look with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, offered a decent driving experience, though the six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching was available for the SE trim. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering, vented front brakes, and a multi-link rear suspension. The Corolla XSE demonstrated predictable handling characteristics, making it a competent compact car. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test averaging 7.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Kia Forte, except for the GT Limited trim, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The GT Limited offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Limited's sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels provided a more engaging driving experience, though the brakes were not up to the task of demanding descents. The Forte GT Limited's fuel economy was rated at 7.8 L/100 km, but our testing showed an average of 9.1 L/100 km. Despite its flaws, the Forte GT Limited was a zippy commuter and comfortable road tripper.