2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5, available in Canada in LX, EX, GT-Line, and GT trims, was a standout with its turbocharged engine across all models. The LX, EX, and GT-Line offered standard all-wheel-drive, while the GT trim featured a more powerful engine paired with front-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $29,595 to $40,495, excluding a $1,800 destination charge. The K5's design was striking, with a low, long, and sleek profile that suggested luxury sports sedan aesthetics. The interior, particularly in the U.S.-specification K5 EX, was upscale with Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, complemented by matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents. The car exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel, making it a bargain-priced vehicle without compromising on construction.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Forte retained some of Kia's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille and LED headlights and taillights from the EX+ trim were notable features. The GT trims added excitement with LED fog lights and bold red accents. The Forte's design was more typical of its class, yet graceful. Inside, the Forte held onto Kia's older layout with a modern touch, featuring a touchscreen atop the dash and traditional climate controls. The interior materials were of higher quality than its rivals, with soft-touch surfaces and sturdy construction. Cloth seats were standard, with synthetic leather in GT models. The Forte's cabin aged well, remaining competitive against newer sedans.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two engine options. The GT trim featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This version was the most powerful but also the least efficient and lacked all-wheel drive. The standard engine was a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite modest figures, the K5's standard engine provided linear power delivery and decent acceleration. Fuel consumption was rated at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with our test returning 8.1 L/100 km. The K5's ride quality was affected by road noise and suspension issues, but wind noise was minimal. The steering system in Canadian models was more responsive, though handling was not as engaging as competitors like the Honda Accord.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine choices. The base engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The GT Limited trim featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base engine accelerated to 100 km/h in about 8.8 seconds, while the GT Limited did so in 6.5 seconds. The GT Limited also had a sport-tuned suspension. The base model's CVT made it feel slower, but the GT Limited's dual-clutch transmission kept power readily available. Handling was sporty, with precise steering, though lacking feedback. The GT Limited's ride was comfortable, with some road noise but a quiet cabin overall.

The 2022 Kia K5 provided comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. A panoramic sunroof added natural light. The low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but the interior was spacious, with ample rear-seat headroom and legroom. Controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage was generous, with a 434-litre trunk and 60/40-split folding back seat for expanded cargo space. However, the trunk lid lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2023 Kia Forte's front seats offered ample space, with basic adjustments but comfortable for long drives. The dashboard and controls were within easy reach, with heated front seats and keyless entry standard. Higher trims added a sunroof and dual-zone climate control. Storage included a rubberized phone tray, wireless charger, cup holders, and door pockets. Rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, with higher trims offering heated seats and air conditioning vents. The trunk held 433 litres of cargo, slightly more than some competitors, with remote seatback releases for added space.

The 2022 Kia K5 featured two infotainment systems. The LX and EX trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch display, requiring a cable for smartphone integration but adding satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services. A wireless charger was standard on most trims, with a 12-speaker Bose audio system exclusive to the GT trim. The infotainment graphics were purple, and voice recognition was poor, making smartphone integration preferable.

The 2023 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with GT-Line and GT Limited trims receiving a 10.25-inch display with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available from the EX grade. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system on the GT Limited. Kia Connect services were available from the EX Premium trim. The infotainment system was responsive, with logical menu organization and helpful shortcuts. Wireless phone integration issues were noted but considered an anomaly.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with features like forward-collision-avoidance assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Safe Exit Assist and Kia Connect technology added to its safety suite. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four stars from the NHTSA, with some base collision avoidance features not meeting performance criteria. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most tests but "Poor" in updated evaluations. Most safety features were available from the EX trim, with advanced options on higher trims.