2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with base prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a distinct powertrain, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter incorporating plug-in hybrid technology for an estimated 32 kilometres of electric driving range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, enhancing power and performance. The M3 and M3 Competition represented the high-performance end of the lineup. The M340i xDrive, tested in Barbera Red paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, included options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to just under $80,000. The M340i's exterior featured M Performance design elements, including exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided a sophisticated look, with the Cognac colour adding a trendy contrast to the dark cabin. Overall, the 3 Series combined quality materials with a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered six trim levels: LX, EX, EX+, EX Premium, GT-Line, and GT Limited. The Forte EX+ provided essential features, while the GT-Line added a sporty appearance without enhancing driving dynamics. The GT Limited was the most fun-oriented model. Evaluated in Steel Grey paint, the Forte GT Limited came with a price of $32,084, including a $1,700 destination charge. For those on a tighter budget, the LX, EX, or GT-Line trims ranged from $18,295 to $26,795, plus the destination charge. The 2022 Forte featured updated grille, headlights, and bumpers, with new wheel designs for the GT-Line and GT Limited, which also received new fog lights and taillights. The GT Limited stood out with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels with a machined finish. Inside, the Forte retained its previous design, with a 4.2-inch driver information display, revised centre console, and improved infotainment systems. The GT Limited's interior featured sporty elements like analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and Germanic-inspired seat details, complemented by polished metal accents.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The engine delivered 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the power was directed to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential, with xDrive AWD standard in Canada. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring an optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. The M340i excelled in handling, offering precise steering and a dynamic driving experience. Despite the absence of a manual gearbox, the automatic transmission performed flawlessly. The M340i was praised for its ability to carve canyons with precision and grace, maintaining the 3 Series' reputation as a benchmark for sports sedans.

The 2022 Kia Forte's mechanical components largely carried over from the previous year. Most trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission standard on the LX trim and a CVT available. The GT Limited trim offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Limited included Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, a sport-tuned suspension, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The GT Limited provided enjoyable acceleration and handling, though it wasn't a true performance sedan. The brakes were a concern during demanding driving, and the engine noise at highway speeds was notable. The GT Limited's fuel economy fell short of official ratings, averaging 9.1 L/100 km on the testing loop. Despite its flaws, the Forte GT Limited was a capable daily driver, offering comfort and affordability.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i, despite its sporty nature, maintained passenger comfort and practicality. It featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making it suitable for four tall individuals. The back seat offered good thigh support, though the centre position was less practical. The M340i included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Interior storage was decent, and the 481-litre trunk provided ample cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited came with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and full SynTex simulated leather seats. It proved comfortable for long road trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat for added comfort. The GT Limited featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air conditioning vents. Rear seat headroom and legroom were impressive for a compact car, with a supportive bottom seat cushion. The Forte's trunk offered 433 litres of cargo space, the largest in its segment, with fold-down rear seats for expanded capacity.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the digital gauges lacked the charm of traditional analog ones, the infotainment system was intuitive, with multiple control options. The 3 Series included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro provided remote services and an Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice recognition. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Kia Forte introduced new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting. Lower trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims required a cable for these features with a 10.25-inch display. The GT Limited included SiriusXM, voice recognition, Kia Connect services, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition had limitations. The Forte's digital assistant struggled with specific requests, but the wired Apple CarPlay provided a reliable alternative.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Emergency Stop Assistant could detect an unresponsive driver and initiate an SOS call. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with most trims including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though headlight testing was incomplete. The NHTSA gave the Forte a four-star overall rating, with concerns about rear passenger injury in side impacts.