2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over its sleek design from the 2020 redesign, resembling a smaller Altima with its low-slung, coupe-like appearance. This modern look was a significant improvement over the previous models, which had a more traditional sedan shape. The Sentra was available in various bold colours, including blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlett Ember," with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, featuring a modern yet straightforward layout that balanced form and function. The controls were user-friendly, and the centre dash's trio of vents added an upscale touch, complemented by a prominent touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Forte retained some of Kia's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille and angled cutouts were familiar, while LED headlights and taillights became standard from the EX+ trim. The GT trims added excitement with LED fog lights and red accents. The Forte's design was more typical of its class, but it maintained a graceful shape. Inside, the Forte's interior held onto an older layout with a touchscreen atop the dash and traditional climate controls. Despite this, the materials were of higher quality than many rivals, with soft-touch surfaces and sturdy construction. The Forte's interior aged well, remaining competitive against newer sedans.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came with a standard six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT managed power effectively, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp, making it suitable for commuting and road trips. The suspension handled most road bumps well, though it struggled with harsher conditions.

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 engine, producing 201 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base engine provided adequate acceleration, while the GT Limited offered more excitement and performance. The GT Limited's sport-tuned suspension and precise steering enhanced handling, though the ride quality remained comfortable.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, which was competitive among small sedans. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, though the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items challenging. The Sentra's trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dash button. Inside, the Sentra provided spacious seating in both rows, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, along with ample cupholders and trays in the centre console.

The 2023 Kia Forte's front seats provided ample space for taller passengers, with basic adjustments ensuring comfort on long drives. The dashboard and centre console layout placed controls within easy reach. Heated front seats and keyless entry were standard, with a heated steering wheel available from the EX grade. The rear seats offered enough room for average-sized adults, with higher trims featuring separate air conditioning vents and a USB charge port. The Forte's trunk held up to 433 litres of cargo, with remote seatback releases for added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen. The system's menu navigation was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. However, the graphics could use updating, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on lower trims, while the GT-Line and GT Limited received a 10.25-inch display with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available from the EX grade. The infotainment system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, with intuitive menu organization and helpful shortcut buttons. The Forte's tech features met expectations, though wireless phone integration issues were noted in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Forte received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some base forward collision avoidance features not meeting performance criteria. The IIHS awarded the Forte a "Good" rating in most evaluations, except for the updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests, which received a "Poor" rating. In Canada, most driver assistance features were available from the EX trim, with additional features on higher trims.