2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of six trim levels, with the GT Limited standing out for its sporty appeal and comprehensive features. This model was equipped with a Steel Grey paint job, carpeted floor mats, and an MSRP of $32,084, including a $1,700 destination charge. The Forte GT Limited boasted a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, along with exclusive red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels, giving it a distinct and appealing look. Inside, the Forte GT Limited featured a sporty interior with a 4.2-inch driver information display, an electronic parking brake, and improved infotainment systems. The use of simulated leather and polished metal accents added a touch of sophistication to the cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years. The 2015 facelift gave it a modern and menacing appearance, while the interior, though dated, offered ease of use with its thick bezels and chunky controls. The Charger came in various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models with supercharged V8 engines. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine, featuring a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, SRT-tuned suspension, and upgraded Brembo brakes. Despite its age, the Charger remained a formidable presence on the road, combining muscle-car performance with modern features.

The 2022 Kia Forte's performance varied across its trims, with most models featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The GT Limited trim, however, offered a more exhilarating experience with its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing drivers with Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes. The GT Limited's sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch alloy wheels contributed to its agile handling, although its brakes struggled during demanding descents. Despite its fun-to-drive nature, the Forte GT Limited was not a true performance sedan, and its fuel economy fell short of expectations.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, offered a range of powerful engine options. The SXT and GT models featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing up to 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Hellcat and Redeye models took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivering 717 and 797 horsepower, respectively. The Jailbreak model pushed the limits further with 807 horsepower. The Hellcat's Widebody setup, with its 11-inch-wide Pirelli P-Zero tires, allowed for impressive cornering and acceleration, making it a thrilling ride. The Charger offered a range of drive modes, including Auto, Sport, Track, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor their experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited provided a comfortable and spacious interior, featuring a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seat offered ample headroom and legroom, with a large bottom seat cushion for support. The Forte's trunk, with 433 litres of cargo space, was the largest in its segment, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The rear seats could be folded down to expand capacity, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large sedan status, felt intimate from the driver's seat due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered plenty of legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's trunk provided 467 litres of space, although its small lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger offered sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it a versatile option for those seeking both power and practicality.

The 2022 Kia Forte introduced new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting capability. The EX Premium trim and lower offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with an 8-inch touchscreen. The GT-Line and GT Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Kia Connect services. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu structures and physical knobs for easy operation. However, the voice recognition system had mixed results, leading to reliance on wired Apple CarPlay for navigation and music streaming.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The optional 8.4-inch screen, standard on higher trims, offered larger icons for easier use. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced in terms of technology, the Charger's blend of conventional controls and infotainment features provided a straightforward and effective user experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with most trims including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Driving Assist, creating a semi-autonomous driving experience. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness and driving assist systems, although NHTSA ratings highlighted some concerns with rear passenger safety.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, in contrast, showed its age in terms of safety features. Standard equipment included only a backup camera and rear parking sensors, with additional safety features available as options. The Charger received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but scored a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test.