2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) 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 traditional analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents, although it retained a simple cabin design.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, specifically the S 580e plug-in hybrid, exuded luxury and sophistication. The exterior featured clean lines and optional high-gloss black trim, along with 20-inch AMG wheels. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of 15 leather upholstery colours and five trim materials, with our tester showcasing Sienna Brown and Black leather. The interior was highlighted by a panoramic sunroof and exceptionally soft headrests, providing a plush and comfortable experience. The S-Class was designed to impress with its attention to detail and luxurious features.

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. This engine was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes. The GT Limited featured a sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, providing a more engaging driving experience. However, the brakes struggled during demanding descents, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. Despite these drawbacks, the Forte GT Limited was a fun and zippy commuter, though not a true performance sedan.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, producing 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This plug-in hybrid offered an all-electric range of 90 kilometres and a combined fuel efficiency rating of 4.4 Le/100 km. The S 580e accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds, matching the performance of the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The S-Class excelled in comfort, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering, providing a smooth and luxurious ride.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The interior was comfortable for long journeys, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. 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 Forte provided practicality and comfort for both drivers and passengers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, along with a heated steering wheel and armrests. The interior featured power sunshades and ambient lighting with 64 colours. The S-Class offered the Energizing Comfort wellness program, combining lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. While the trunk space was limited to 350 litres, the S-Class excelled in luxury and comfort, providing a premium experience for occupants.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting capability. The GT-Line and GT Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss. Wireless smartphone charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system were standard on the GT Limited.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, augmented reality navigation, and a variety of games. The natural-language AI assistant was responsive, and the Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality. The S-Class offered a comprehensive and advanced technology package, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring on most trims. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. 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 safety in side impacts.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centring to provide a semi-autonomous experience. Additional features included Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist. The S-Class had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.