2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of six trim levels, with the GT Limited standing out for its sporty aesthetics 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, with exclusive details like red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Forte GT Limited featured a sporty interior with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents, providing a Germanic touch to its design.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown was a full-size sedan with a distinctive elevated ride height, reminiscent of crossover vehicles. Its bold styling included a massive grille, angular wraparound headlights, and large wheels, with the Platinum trim offering a two-tone colour option. The interior was modern, featuring a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, though some elements like the 1980s-era LED displays detracted from its futuristic ambiance. The Crown's cabin combined hard plastics with cushioned touchpoints, aiming for a luxury feel but falling short due to its material choices.

The 2022 Kia Forte's performance varied across trims, with the GT Limited offering a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The GT Limited also featured a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels, enhancing its handling capabilities. However, the brakes were a weak point, struggling during demanding driving conditions. The Forte GT Limited's fuel economy was below expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing, despite official ratings suggesting 7.8 L/100 km.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains, with the base model producing 236 horsepower and the Platinum trim's Hybrid Max delivering 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max featured a six-speed automatic transmission. The Crown's ride quality prioritized comfort, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. Despite its power, the Crown's performance was not particularly sporty, and the engine drone was a notable drawback. The Crown's fuel efficiency was aided by an EV drive mode, though it was challenging to maintain.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited provided a comfortable interior with features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seats offered good headroom and legroom, and the trunk was spacious, with 433 litres of cargo space. The Forte's interior was practical, with thoughtful touches like a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's interior varied by trim, with the XLE featuring fabric and SofTex upholstery, while the Platinum offered full leather. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though firm cushioning could cause discomfort over time. The Crown's taller ride height provided a better view of the road, but the rearview was narrow. The rear seats offered ample space, though the tapering roofline limited headroom. The trunk was smaller than expected for a large sedan, with a capacity of 360 litres, but it was practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new technology features, with upper trims including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting. The GT-Line and GT Limited featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent. Wireless smartphone charging and a premium sound system were also available.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported over-the-air updates and featured a voice-recognition system activated by "Hey Toyota." The Crown also offered a digital key feature and an available 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was modern and responsive, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte included a range of safety features, with higher trims offering 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 safety in side impacts.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety features included collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parking system. The Crown's adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were well-tuned, though some new features were intrusive. Crash test results were not available at the time of publication.