2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Forte

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, which enhanced its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the Forte GT Limited featured a 4.2-inch driver information display, an electronic parking brake, and improved infotainment systems, with a sporty interior design that included simulated leather and polished metal accents.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was noted for its sleek, near-luxury sedan appearance, drawing comparisons to the Audi A7. The redesigned model was 7 centimetres longer, with a more upright front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and a planted stance accentuated by a long, flowing roofline. The Accord Hybrid Touring trim offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black Honda Performance Development (HPD) alloys. The interior featured a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and advanced tech features like Amazon Alexa and wireless device charging, all contributing to its upscale feel.

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 four-cylinder 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 sporty attributes, the Forte GT Limited's brakes were not up to the task of demanding driving, and its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Accord Hybrid's powertrain provided smooth and efficient performance, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, and the regenerative braking system offered six levels of regen for fine-tuning. The Accord Hybrid's agile handling and ease of parking made it a relaxing and familiar drive, despite its increased length.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited came with a host of standard features, including 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. Rear seat headroom and legroom were impressive for a compact car, and the trunk offered 433 litres of cargo space, the largest in its segment.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to Honda’s Civic and CR-V models, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The front seats provided excellent support, while rear legroom and shoulder room were generous, though headroom was slightly compromised by the roofline. The trunk offered 473 litres of capacity, with a low load floor for easy access.

For 2022, the Kia Forte introduced 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 features like SiriusXM and Kia Connect. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless device charging pad. The Touring trim included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical volume and climate control buttons, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

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, though the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger injury in side impacts.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Touring trim added front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.