2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 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, evaluated in Steel Grey, included a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,084, featuring a destination charge. The Forte GT Limited boasted a refreshed exterior with new grille, headlights, and bumpers, alongside exclusive red-accent detailing and 18-inch wheels. Inside, it maintained a sporty aesthetic with analog gauges and a flat-bottom steering wheel, complemented by simulated leather and polished metal accents.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger retained much of its design from previous years, with a distinctive and modern look. The Charger Scat Pack Swinger, equipped with a widebody kit, featured flared fenders and 20-inch wheels. Its exterior was marked by a large hood scoop and classic Dodge taillights. The interior, however, felt dated with its small touchscreen and plasticky controls, despite the inclusion of Nappa leather and Alcantara seats. The Swinger added unique touches like green stitching and a Swinger badge, but overall, the cabin was basic.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and offered Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes. The sport-tuned suspension and independent rear design enhanced its driving dynamics, though the brakes struggled on demanding descents. Despite its lively performance, the Forte GT Limited was not a full-fledged performance sedan, and its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 300 horsepower. However, the real excitement lay in the V8 options. The Charger R/T featured a 5.7-litre V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat models pushed boundaries with up to 807 hp. The Charger excelled in handling, with precise steering and exceptional braking, especially in the Scat Pack Widebody trims. However, the Hellcat's power could be overwhelming, and its fuel economy was notably poor.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited provided a comfortable interior with features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. It offered ample rear seat space and a large 433-litre trunk. The dual-zone climate control and rear air vents added to passenger comfort, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt cramped inside. The footwells were tight, and rear legroom was limited. However, it offered a spacious 470-litre trunk. The Charger's controls were straightforward, with large buttons and switches for climate and audio systems, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte featured new technology, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine start on higher trims. The GT Limited came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, offering SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. However, the voice recognition system was inconsistent, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system but included an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of performance settings, and features like launch control and line lock were available for performance enthusiasts. The technology was accessible and straightforward, though not cutting-edge.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS but a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA due to concerns about rear passenger safety.

The 2023 Dodge Charger received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with strong side impact ratings. However, it lacked standard advanced safety features, offering options like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The IIHS ratings were based on an older Chrysler 300 model, raising questions about their relevance.