2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a simple, clean, and conservative exterior design, which served as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The classic five-arm rotor-design wheels added a touch of automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained a similar aesthetic restraint, with a predominantly black interior accented by aluminum trim and metallic details. The high-quality materials, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel, and ambient interior lighting contributed to a sophisticated cabin environment. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed out of place, appearing more as an afterthought than an integrated design element.

The 2022 Kia Forte, particularly in the GT Limited trim, offered a sportier look with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels. These features gave it a distinct appearance within the Forte family, although the intricate wheel design posed a challenge for cleaning. The interior retained a sporty vibe with traditional analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents. The Forte's cabin was simple yet functional, with a standard 4.2-inch driver information display and improved infotainment systems. The use of simulated leather in the GT-Line and GT Limited trims added a touch of refinement to the interior.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system. It achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving and accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, tested here, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a lowered sport suspension as part of the S-line package. It reached 100 km/h in about 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km. The A4's driving experience was characterized by refined engine performance, responsive steering, and excellent braking capabilities, making it a joy to drive.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine generating 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It offered Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, along with a sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The Forte GT Limited provided effortless acceleration and a good blend of ride and handling characteristics. However, the brakes struggled during demanding mountain descents, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. The Forte's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing, despite official ratings of 7.8 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2022 Audi A4's low seating position made entry and exit somewhat challenging, but once inside, the front seats offered exceptional comfort with soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion. The rear seats, while supportive, had limited legroom and were best suited for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the centre console bin housing the wireless charging pad and Audi Phone Box signal booster. The A4's 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited provided a comfortable driving experience, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. Rear seat headroom and legroom were impressive for a compact car, and the trunk offered 433 litres of cargo space, the largest in its segment. The rear seats folded down to expand capacity, and a grab handle on the trunk lid facilitated easy closure.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system supported common smartphone functions and offered features like Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car included a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The MMI was intuitive to use, with separate climate controls and a user-friendly interface.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting capability. The EX Premium trim and lower featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and GT Limited had a 10.25-inch display with additional features. The Forte's infotainment system was easy to use, with intuitive menu structures and a power/volume knob. However, the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, and the purple-themed graphics required some acclimation.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Audi Pre Sense with front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The test vehicle also had lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Forte included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring on most trims. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness and driving assist systems, but the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger injury in a side impact.