2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of six trim levels, with the GT Limited being the most feature-rich and visually appealing. This model came with a Steel Grey paint job, carpeted floor mats, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,084, including a $1,700 destination charge. The Forte GT Limited stood out with its sporty design, featuring red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels with a machined finish. The interior maintained a sporty aesthetic with traditional analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents, while the infotainment system saw improvements with a 4.2-inch driver information display and a revised centre console.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class showcased a cohesive design that borrowed elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a stylish sedan recognizable from any angle. The C-Class featured cab-rearward proportions, emphasizing its rear-wheel-drive platform, and came standard with LED headlights and taillights. The interior aimed to replicate the luxury of the S-Class, with a freestanding touchscreen, prominent air vents, and ambient lighting. Despite its luxury billing, the C-Class came standard with MBTex synthetic leather upholstery, with Nappa leather seats available as an option.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited was equipped with 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 offered Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, along with a sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. While the Forte GT Limited provided a lively driving experience, it fell short of being a true performance sedan, with some issues like brake performance and engine noise at highway speeds. The fuel economy also did not meet expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The C300 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. While the powertrain exhibited some turbo lag and rough shifts, the ride quality was up to luxury standards. The C-Class demonstrated good body control and precise steering on twisty roads, though it required a more deliberate approach to cornering.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited offered a comfortable interior with features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seat provided ample headroom and legroom, and the trunk boasted 433 litres of cargo space, the largest in its segment. The Forte’s interior was practical for both children and adults, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, longer and wider than its predecessor, provided increased interior space, with improved headroom and legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable, with good bolstering for spirited driving, and the trunk offered 455 litres of space. The C-Class also featured a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for accommodating longer items.

The 2022 Kia Forte introduced new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting capability. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the GT-Line and GT Limited featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. While the system was generally easy to use, voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss, leading to reliance on wired Apple CarPlay for navigation and music streaming.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted an infotainment setup inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included keyless entry and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MBUX system offered a "Zero Layer" setup for easy access to functions, and the voice recognition system was highly effective. The optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on a front-camera feed.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with most trims including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist, which performed well in testing. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness, though the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger injury in side impacts.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a range of standard safety features like automatic emergency brake assist and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included lane-keep assist and a 360-degree camera system. The C-Class also offered Car-to-X communication for sharing information between vehicles, enhancing safety in various driving conditions.