2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, drawing inspiration from the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was less flashy, appealing to those who preferred a more tailored look. The interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a unique metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, contributing to a sense of sophistication and maturity.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Forte retained some of Kia's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille and LED lighting gave it a modern touch, while the GT trims added sporty accents. The Forte's design was graceful, with a typical compact sedan shape. Inside, it maintained a traditional layout with a touchscreen atop the dash and physical climate controls. The interior materials were of higher quality than many rivals, with soft-touch surfaces and sturdy construction, making it a competitive choice in its class.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The base engine, a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder, produced 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance. The more desirable option was the turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, offering a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. Both engines were paired with CVTs, featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, making it fun to drive without sacrificing ride quality.

The 2023 Kia Forte also offered two engine choices. The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The GT Limited trim featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed DCT. The base engine provided adequate acceleration, while the GT Limited offered more excitement and a sport-tuned suspension. The Forte's handling was sporty, with precise steering, though lacking in feedback. Despite the sportier setup, the ride remained comfortable, with some road noise present.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured leather upholstery and power-adjustable driver's seat, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided ample legroom, but the backrest angle might not suit everyone. The Civic's trunk offered 408 litres of space in the Touring trim, with a split-folding backseat for added utility. However, the lack of rear air vents was a notable oversight.

The 2023 Kia Forte's front seats provided ample space and comfort, with heated seats and keyless entry standard. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, with controls within easy reach. Rear seats offered sufficient space for average-sized adults, with higher trims featuring air vents and USB ports. The Forte's trunk boasted 433 litres of cargo space, slightly more than the Civic, with remote seatback releases for added convenience. However, the cargo floor's flimsy fabric covering seemed out of place.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display with customizable options. The Vehicle Activity display was a standout feature, providing visual cues for headlight and signal status. The infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a premium Bose audio system. The system performed well, with intuitive controls and voice recognition.

The 2023 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with higher trims receiving a 10.25-inch display with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and quick responses. The GT Limited trim featured a premium Harman Kardon audio system, enhancing the audio experience. However, wireless phone integration issues were noted in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted an upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sensors improved the system's performance. The Civic also featured a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle's architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, with new airbag designs and a rear-seat reminder system.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with some base collision avoidance features not meeting performance criteria. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings, except for the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests. In Canada, most safety features were available from the EX trim, including forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced collision assist and adaptive cruise control.