2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup, had evolved over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The ES, built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offered a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Its design featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. Inside, the ES boasted a well-crafted interior with an asymmetrical dashboard and sporty F Sport packaging, though some elements felt dated.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered six trim levels, with the Forte GT Limited providing the most fun. The GT Limited featured a sporty design with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. The interior retained a sporty look with analog gauges, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, and polished metal accents. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss. The GT Limited trim provided a comfortable ride with ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample rear seat space. The Forte's trunk was spacious, offering 433 litres of cargo capacity.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.5 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.4 combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, achieving 10.7 L/100 km city, 7.3 highway, and 9.2 combined. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, excelling in fuel economy with ratings of 5.5 L/100 km city, 5.2 highway, and 5.3 combined. The ES 250 AWD offered smooth handling but felt slow compared to its luxury sedan peers.

The 2022 Kia Forte's mechanical components largely carried over from the previous year. Most trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or CVT. The Forte GT Limited, however, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 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 driving modes provided a spirited driving experience, though the brakes struggled during demanding descents. The Forte GT Limited's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350. The sedan's lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample storage options. The dashboard layout was functional, though not visually appealing.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited provided a comfortable ride with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seat offered good headroom and legroom, with a large bottom cushion for support. The Forte's trunk, at 433 litres, was the largest in its segment, accommodating full-size suitcases and offering fold-down rear seats for expanded capacity.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and a 10-inch head-up display. The Lexus Enform suite provided connected services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting. Lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while upper trims had a 10.25-inch display with additional features. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent. The GT Limited trim included an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The ES also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with most trims including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were lower, with concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.