2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

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 Steel Grey paint, carpeted floor mats, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,084, including a destination charge. The Forte GT Limited boasted a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, along with exclusive details like red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels, which enhanced its sporty look. Inside, the Forte GT Limited featured a 4.2-inch driver information display, an electronic parking brake, and improved infotainment systems. The interior had a sporty design with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents, providing a Germanic appearance.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining market share for hatchbacks, with production in Indiana. It was available in LX, Sport, and Sport Touring trims, with MSRPs ranging from $28,000 to $35,000, plus a destination charge. The Civic hatchback shared its front design with the Civic sedan but had a unique rear design. The Sport Touring trim added digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, enhancing its modern appearance. The interior featured metal honeycomb dashboard detailing and high-quality controls, although the CVT shifter operation was slightly janky. The Civic hatchback was designed to be practical and enjoyable to drive, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2022 Kia Forte retained most of its mechanical components from the previous year, with the GT Limited trim offering a more engaging driving experience. The GT Limited was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It featured Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, 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, its brakes were not up to the task of demanding mountain descents, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. The fuel economy was also below expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower. The turbocharged engine provided accessible torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, making it enjoyable to drive. The Civic hatchback featured a front-wheel-drive system, with a choice between a CVT and a six-speed manual transmission. The CVT worked well with the turbocharged engine, while the manual transmission offered a satisfying driving experience. The Civic hatchback had a firm suspension, good steering feel, and effective brakes, although the all-season tires and suspension tuning limited its performance on winding roads. The fuel efficiency was commendable, with real-world testing nearly matching official estimates.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited came with standard features such as a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The interior was comfortable for long trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seat offered good headroom and legroom, and the trunk had a capacity of 433 litres, making it the largest in its segment. The rear seats could be folded down to expand cargo space.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback prioritized functionality, with a trunk capacity of 693 litres and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat had a 60/40-split folding design, although the load floor was not flat. The seating positions were comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster, and there were no rear air conditioning vents. The driver’s seat had eight-way power adjustment, and the Sport Touring trim featured heated outboard rear seats. The interior materials varied by trim, with black leather upholstery in the Sport Touring version.

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 had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and GT Limited had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with more features but required a cable for smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss. The GT Limited also had an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen in LX and Sport trims and a 9-inch touchscreen in the Sport Touring trim. The Sport Touring offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound system controls improved usability, and the voice recognition system worked well. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a more comprehensive display in the Sport Touring trim.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with higher trims including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Highway Driving Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, but the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash protection rating due to concerns about rear passenger injury in a side impact.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Traffic Jam Assist system was available with the CVT, and the Sport Touring trim had additional features like Low-Speed Braking Control. The Civic hatchback earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, indicating excellent safety performance.