2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a width more than 7.5 centimetres greater, and a track width that was nearly 7.5 centimetres wider at the rear and almost 5 centimetres at the front. The TLX's design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Despite its bold exterior, the TLX's interior was compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit. The upper trims offered a Scandinavian vibe with LED strips and matte wood, while the Type S included faux-suede inserts and red stitching for a sporty touch.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered six trim levels, with the GT Limited being the most feature-rich. The Forte GT Limited came with Steel Grey paint and a price tag of $32,084, including destination charges. The Forte's design updates included a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with the GT-Line and GT Limited receiving sportier looks and larger 18-inch wheels. The interior remained similar to the previous year, with a 4.2-inch driver information display and improved infotainment systems. The GT Limited's interior featured a sporty look with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents. While the Forte GT Limited offered a fun driving experience, it wasn't as performance-oriented as some competitors, and its brakes and engine noise were noted as drawbacks.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling track experience. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. However, the Type S's exhaust note was considered too subdued, and its summer tires emitted extra noise on the highway. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was rated at 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway.

The 2022 Kia Forte's mechanical components largely carried over from the previous year. Most trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The GT Limited trim offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Limited's sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels provided a more engaging driving experience, but it wasn't as performance-focused as some rivals. The brakes were a concern during demanding driving, and the engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The GT Limited's fuel economy was rated at 7.8 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed higher consumption.

Inside, the 2022 Acura TLX felt tight despite its large exterior. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable features. The true touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 382 litres. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited provided a comfortable interior with features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seat offered good headroom and legroom, and the trunk was spacious at 433 litres. The Forte's interior was well-suited for both children and adults, with thoughtful design elements like a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, but the small typefaces were challenging to read. The head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim, while features like heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera were offered on higher trims. The ELS Studio premium audio system was included on select trims, and standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features.

For 2022, the Kia Forte offered new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims, while higher trims required a cable connection. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu structures and a power/volume knob. However, the voice recognition system had mixed performance, and the graphics required some acclimation.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims included additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, but the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.