2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of six trims, with the GT Limited standing out for its sporty appeal and comprehensive features. It featured a Steel Grey paint job, carpeted floor mats, and an MSRP of $32,084, including a destination charge. The Forte GT Limited boasted a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with exclusive red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, it retained a sporty look with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents, using a new type of simulated leather for a refined touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, particularly the Nightshade Edition, impressed with its Reservoir Blue paint and matte-bronze 19-inch alloy wheels. Available in SE trim, it featured black-trimmed headlights, a TRD mesh grille, and black badges. The interior, though unchanged for years, offered a basic SE-spec layout with durable materials. However, it suffered from cheap-looking plastics and road noise, detracting from its overall appeal. The Camry Hybrid's pricing started at over $35,000, with the SE Nightshade Edition costing $40,785 in Canada.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited delivered a spirited drive with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and sport-tuned suspension, offering Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes. Despite its fun-to-drive nature, the Forte struggled with brake performance on demanding roads and was noisier at highway speeds. Fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, generating 208 horsepower. It simulated a CVT and offered Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport modes. While the hybrid system provided quick acceleration and smooth operation, fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 7.0 L/100 km. The Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade handled well, but its stability control was overly sensitive. Despite these issues, it offered a comfortable ride and decent handling.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited excelled in comfort and practicality, featuring a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a spacious 433-litre trunk. Rear seat accommodations were generous for a compact car, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents enhancing comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid prioritized simplicity and durability, with keyless entry, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control. Front seats offered eight-way power adjustment for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger. However, rear seat space was limited, lacking air conditioning vents, and the trunk offered 428 litres of space, smaller than competitors.

The 2022 Kia Forte featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT Limited included a Harman Kardon sound system and Kia Connect services. However, voice recognition was inconsistent, leading to reliance on smartphone connectivity for navigation.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and SiriusXM. The test car's basic 7-inch system struggled with voice commands, but physical controls were appreciated. Additional tech included optional driver information displays and a head-up display.

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

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering comprehensive safety features. However, its systems lacked refinement, with abrupt adaptive cruise control and inconsistent lane-keeping assist. It earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it faced challenges in updated side-impact tests.