2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The Forte GT, evaluated for this review, came with Steel Gray paint, the GT2 Package, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,900, including a destination charge of $1,055. The GT trim was the most fun to drive, featuring a sporty look with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels. The 2022 Forte models received updates such as a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with the GT-Line and GT trims getting new fog lights and taillights. The interior remained similar to the previous year, with a standard 4.2-inch driver information display and improved infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, particularly the SE Nightshade Edition, featured a new Reservoir Blue paint and matte-bronze 19-inch wheels. The Nightshade Edition was available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or in hybrid specification, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) for non-hybrid models. The exterior included black-trimmed headlights and taillights, a TRD mesh grille, black side mirror caps, a black rear spoiler, and black badges. The interior, however, retained the same SE-spec design offered for over half a decade, with some cheap-looking plastic and a rattling license plate when the trunk was shut. Despite these drawbacks, the Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade Edition had a base price of just over $29,000, with the test car priced at $32,983.

The 2022 Kia Forte carried over most of its mechanical components from the previous year. The non-GT trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The fuel economy for this engine was 35 mpg combined for the FE trim and 33 mpg for the LXS and GT-Line. The Forte GT, however, offered a more exciting driving experience with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine could be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters. The GT trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered three powertrains, with the most popular being the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing between 202 and 206 horsepower, depending on the trim and drivetrain. A 301-hp 3.5-liter V6 was available for the XLE, XSE, and TRD trims. The hybrid powertrain, tested for this review, combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing a net output of 208 horsepower. The hybrid system simulated a CVT and offered Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport driving modes. Despite an EPA rating of 46 mpg combined, the test car averaged only 33.4 mpg. The Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade Edition featured sport suspension tuning, providing a compliant ride quality and predictable handling, though the stability control was a bit sensitive.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, equipped with the GT2 option package, offered numerous features such as a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded LED interior lighting. The Forte GT proved comfortable for long drives, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seat room was impressive for a compact car, and the trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in its segment.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured a simple and durable interior design. The test car had eight-way power-adjustable front seats for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger, with a manual height adjuster. The Camry’s SofTex artificial leather seats were not very soft, and the rear seats lacked room compared to competitors like the Honda Accord. The trunk space measured 15.1 cubic feet, smaller than the Forte’s, and lacked a handle to close the lid, potentially dirtying your fingers.

For 2022, the Kia Forte offered new Technology option packages for the LXS, GT-Line, and GT trims, adding infotainment and safety systems. The FE and LXS trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The GT-Line and GT trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with more features but required a cable for smartphone connectivity. The Forte GT also included wireless smartphone charging and an available eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both with smartphone connectivity, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The larger 9-inch system included a connected navigation system and a 9-speaker JBL premium sound system. The test car had the basic 7-inch touchscreen, which struggled with some voice commands. The physical knobs and buttons surrounding the screen were appreciated, though they could be more pronounced for easier use. Additional tech included an available 7-inch driver information center and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Kia Forte came with standard Kia Drive Wise technology, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Safe Exit Warning system. Optional safety features included cyclist detection, navigation-linked adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The Forte received high marks from the IIHS but a four-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid included 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which encompassed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 system, however, lacked refinement and smoothness. The Camry received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it performed poorly in the updated side-impact crash test.