2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of six trim levels, with the GT Limited standing out for its sporty appearance 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 red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. 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 2023 Acura Integra was designed with a cohesive aesthetic that aligned with Acura's larger models. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a five-door liftback design and embossed "Integra" nameplates. The Integra's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look. Available in three trims—base, A-Spec, and Elite A-Spec—the Integra featured 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and performance all-season tires. The interior shared similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained a distinct Acura identity with honeycomb grilles and high-quality HVAC controls. The Elite A-Spec trim included a 9-inch colour touchscreen, a thin steering wheel, and microsuede upholstery inserts, though it lacked ventilated seats.

The 2022 Kia Forte's mechanical components largely carried over from the previous year, with most trims featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The GT Limited trim, however, offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Limited also featured a sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, providing a more engaging driving experience. Despite its fun-to-drive nature, the Forte GT Limited's brakes struggled on demanding descents, and its engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Fuel economy fell short of official ratings, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, enhancing the driving experience. The Integra's rev-matching technology made downshifting smooth and effortless, while its variable-ratio electric power-steering system provided a natural feel on highways and sharp handling in corners. The Integra's suspension was firm yet comfortable, and its brakes performed well. Although it lacked all-wheel drive, the Integra's handling capabilities impressed, and its three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed for a customizable driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. Its interior was comfortable for long trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. Rear seat headroom and legroom were generous for a compact car, and the trunk offered 433 litres of cargo space, the largest in its segment. The rear seats could be folded down to expand capacity, making the Forte practical for everyday use.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design provided 688 litres of cargo space, though its high lift-over height could be challenging for loading heavy items. The interior was well-organized, with a logical dashboard layout, cupholders, and storage compartments. Rear seat legroom was adequate, but headroom was limited due to the sloped roofline. Despite this, the Integra's seat cushions were comfortable, and the overall space was suitable for daily use.

For 2022, the Kia Forte offered 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 with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the GT-Line and GT Limited featured a 10.25-inch display with additional functions. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent. The GT Limited included an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and a head-up display. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Integra's technology offerings were comprehensive, especially in the Elite A-Spec trim, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness, though the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger injury in side impacts.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control standard across all trims. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.