2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Nissan Altima

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, giving it a distinct and appealing look. 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, all wrapped in a Germanic-inspired design with polished metal accents.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima showcased updated front styling with a revised grille and new wheel designs, enhancing its visual presence, especially in higher trims with 19-inch wheels. The Altima continued to offer four trims in Canada, with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) setting it apart in the mid-size sedan market. The interior, while appealing, was marred by hard plastic surfaces, though the new simulated wood dashboard trim and double-stitched seams added a touch of sophistication. The Altima's interior was comfortable, with Nissan's Zero Gravity seats providing exceptional support, though the sticky leather upholstery and limited front passenger seat adjustments were drawbacks.

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 base LX trim came with a six-speed manual transmission, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard on other trims. The Forte GT Limited, however, offered a more exhilarating driving experience with its 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 (DCT) with paddle shifters. The GT Limited also featured a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned exhaust, providing a blend of ride and handling characteristics. However, the brakes were not up to the task of demanding driving, and the engine noise at highway speeds was notable.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The standard AWD system could deliver up to half of the engine's output to the rear wheels. While the power was adequate, the Altima's performance was merely satisfactory, with disappointing fuel economy. The CVT did a decent job of mimicking a traditional automatic, but the ride was firm, and road noise was an issue at highway speeds. The Altima's steering was lifeless, and the brakes heated up easily, raising concerns about their performance in demanding conditions.

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, a power sunroof, and upgraded LED interior lighting. The interior was comfortable for long trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. 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 Nissan Altima's interior was simple and easy to use, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the sticky leather upholstery and limited front passenger seat adjustments were drawbacks. The Altima featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom, and rear air conditioning vents were standard. The trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, though the lack of a grip or handle made closing the lid without getting dirty difficult.

For 2022, the Kia Forte offered new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting capability. The EX Premium trim or lower featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The GT-Line and GT Limited trims came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, offering more features but requiring a cable for smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was easy to use, though the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, including Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on SR Premium and Platinum trims, offered a navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Bose nine-speaker premium audio system was available on higher trims, though its performance was inconsistent. The new infotainment system represented a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and more appealing graphics.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The Forte received high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for crashworthiness and driving assist systems, though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a four-star overall crash protection rating.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available on SR Premium and Platinum trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated IIHS side-impact test.