2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Chrysler 300

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 came with a Steel Grey paint job and a price tag of $32,084, including a destination charge. The Forte GT Limited was equipped with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels, giving it a distinct and appealing look. The interior maintained a sporty vibe with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and Germanic-style seat detailing. Despite its sporty appearance, the Forte GT Limited was not a high-performance vehicle but provided a comfortable and stylish ride.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300 retained its classic, Bentley-inspired design, which had aged well over the years. The 300C, the top trim level, was limited to 2,000 units and featured a powerful V8 engine. The exterior boasted a blacked-out appearance with 20-inch wheels and gloss black accents. However, the interior did not match the luxury promised by its exterior, with carbon-fibre trim and premium leather upholstery. The 300C was priced between $48,945 and $72,995, offering a blend of performance and style, albeit with some compromises in interior quality.

The 2022 Kia Forte's performance varied across its trims. Most models featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT. The GT Limited trim, however, offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This trim also included a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels, enhancing its driving dynamics. Despite its sporty setup, the Forte GT Limited's brakes struggled during demanding driving, and its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km in testing.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the spirit of the 300 SRT with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enabled a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 4.5 seconds. The 300C featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires, offering a thrilling driving experience. However, the car's performance came at the cost of cabin noise and fuel economy, with an average consumption of 13.4 L/100 km. The 300C's driving dynamics were reminiscent of older AMG-tuned Mercedes models, providing a unique but somewhat dated experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited excelled in interior comfort and practicality. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a spacious trunk with 433 litres of cargo space. The rear seats offered good headroom and legroom, making it suitable for both children and adults. The Forte's interior was well-equipped for long journeys, with a dual-zone climate control system and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, while technically a full-size car, offered limited rear-seat comfort due to hard plastic front seatbacks and a slouched seating position. The front seats were more accommodating, with premium leather and ventilation. Storage space was limited, lacking modern conveniences like wireless charging. The trunk provided 461 litres of cargo space, accessible via a remote keyless entry fob. Despite its size, the 300's interior felt dated and less practical compared to its competitors.

The 2022 Kia Forte featured an intuitive infotainment system, with higher trims offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The Forte's technology was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system had its limitations. The GT Limited trim also boasted a Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 used an older Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via USB, along with SiriusXM and Guardian services. The system was functional but showed its age, with dated graphics and a small screen. The 300C included an SRT Dashboard for performance tracking and a Harman Kardon audio system. However, the lack of a surround-view camera and high-resolution reversing camera was a drawback.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with most trims including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist, which performed well in testing. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though its NHTSA rating was four stars overall due to concerns about rear passenger safety.

The 2023 Chrysler 300's safety features were mostly optional, with the SafetyTec Plus Group offering forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 300's safety tech was less advanced, and its crash-test ratings were outdated. The NHTSA rated it adequately, but the IIHS found its performance lacking in certain tests, highlighting the car's age.