2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its stunning appearance from the previous year, following a comprehensive redesign that left many impressed. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a long, elegant profile and a distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, exuded sophistication. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious cabin adorned with high-quality materials, featuring a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, providing a visually pleasing and functional interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte presented a more practical and budget-friendly option with six trim levels to choose from. The Forte GT Limited, evaluated for this review, boasted a sporty appearance with red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. While the interior remained largely unchanged from the previous year, it offered a comfortable and functional space with a 4.2-inch driver information display and improved infotainment systems. The Forte's design focused on providing value and practicality, making it an attractive choice for those seeking an affordable yet stylish compact car.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in performance, offering a choice between the S500 and S580 models. The S500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor. The S580, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, also benefited from EQ Boost. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, providing impressive acceleration and handling. The S500 accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. Despite their weight, both models offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel consumption ratings of 11.4 L/100 km city/8.0 highway/9.9 combined for the S500 and 14.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway/12.2 combined for the S580.

The 2022 Kia Forte, on the other hand, offered a more modest performance. Most trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT. The Forte GT Limited stood out with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 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 enhanced its driving dynamics, but it fell short of being a true performance sedan. The Forte GT Limited's fuel consumption was rated at 7.8 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 9.1 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious interior, catering to the needs of executive passengers. The cabin featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 510-litre trunk for ample storage. Front-row passengers enjoyed rapid-heating active multicontour seats with memory and lumbar support, while rear passengers could opt for the Executive Rear Seating package, offering a 43-degree recline and additional comfort features. The S-Class also included six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply for convenience. However, the wide-opening doors posed a challenge for some occupants, though the soft-close feature mitigated this issue.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited offered a comfortable and practical interior for its class. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seat provided good headroom and legroom, with a large bottom cushion for support. The Forte's trunk, with a capacity of 433 litres, was the largest in its segment, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The rear seats could also be folded down to expand cargo space, making it a versatile choice for daily use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a technological marvel, boasting a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency, while the 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable themes. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and an augmented reality head-up display, enhancing the driving experience. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for improved performance and maneuverability.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of technology features, with higher trims receiving notable upgrades. The EX Premium trim and lower offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the GT-Line and GT Limited featured a 10.25-inch display with additional functions. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and physical knobs for easy operation. However, the voice recognition system had limitations, and the wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The GT Limited also included an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and available features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while driver assistance features included adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags were available for added protection.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with most trims equipped with forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness, but the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.