2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5, available in Canada in LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT trims, presented a striking appearance with its low, long, and sleek design, reminiscent of a luxury sports sedan. Each trim featured a turbocharged engine, with the LX, EX, and GT-Line offering standard all-wheel-drive, while the GT trim paired its more powerful engine with front-wheel drive. The K5's pricing ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The test vehicle, a U.S.-specification K5 EX, was priced at $32,995 in Canada, with the GT-Line trim offering a similar equipment level for $36,395. The K5's interior, adorned with Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, exuded an upscale feel, complemented by matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents. The car's controls conveyed a sense of quality, with a solid automatic transmission shifter, hefty door release handles, and refined steering wheel stalks, contributing to a perception of a bargain-priced yet well-constructed vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered six trim levels: LX, EX, EX+, EX Premium, GT-Line, and GT Limited. The Forte GT Limited, evaluated for this review, featured Steel Grey paint and a price of $32,084, including a $1,700 destination charge. The Forte's design updates included a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with sportier looks for the GT-Line and GT Limited trims. The GT Limited boasted red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Forte's cabin retained a sporty look with traditional analog gauges, round air vents, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. The GT Limited's interior featured Germanic-inspired seat perforations, patterns, and polished metal accents, creating a simple yet stylish environment.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT stood out with its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, this version lacked all-wheel drive and was the most expensive and least efficient. The standard K5 engine, a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, produced 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering a more economical choice with a fuel consumption rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The K5's performance was characterized by linear power delivery and decent acceleration, though it lacked surplus passing power. The car's handling was competent but not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord. Road noise was noticeable, but wind noise was minimal, and the K5's steering system was responsive.

The 2022 Kia Forte, except for the GT Limited trim, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT. The GT Limited offered a more spirited drive with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Limited's sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels contributed to a dynamic driving experience, though it wasn't as refined as the Hyundai Elantra N. The Forte's brakes struggled during demanding driving, and engine noise was prominent at highway speeds. Fuel economy fell short of expectations, with the GT Limited averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing. Despite its flaws, the Forte GT Limited excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort and affordability.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof added natural light to the cabin. While the K5's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the interior offered ample space for passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in the rear. Storage solutions included a roomy centre bin, smartphone charging slot, and hidden door panel trays. The K5's 434-litre trunk provided substantial cargo space, expandable with the 60/40-split folding rear seats.

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 height-adjustable front passenger seat ensured comfort for all occupants. The Forte's rear seat offered good headroom and legroom, with a supportive seat cushion. The 433-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating full-size suitcases, and included a grab handle for easy closure. The rear seats folded down to expand cargo capacity, making the Forte practical for various needs.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The LX and EX trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and GT trims had a 10.25-inch display requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The larger screen added satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the GT trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The K5's voice recognition was limited, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and entertainment.

The 2022 Kia Forte introduced new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting. The EX Premium trim and lower offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an 8-inch touchscreen. The GT-Line and GT Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch display with additional functions, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and knobs for volume and tuning. The voice recognition system had mixed results, making smartphone integration a more reliable option for navigation and music streaming.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with standard features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety options included cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Highway Drive Assist system was praised for its accuracy and smooth response to traffic conditions.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness and driving assist systems, though headlight testing was incomplete. The NHTSA awarded the Forte a four-star overall rating, with concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.