2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, a status it had maintained since the mid-1990s. Despite minimal changes for 2022, the Camry Hybrid surprised with its futuristic and expressive design. Its front end featured a bold, sneering face complemented by muscular features, and the wheel options ranged from 17-inch to 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim. Inside, the Camry Hybrid boasted a wild dashboard design with a sweeping curve, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a spacious second row that offered comfort even for the middle seat. Toyota's high standards for fit and finish were evident throughout, with quality materials and precise construction.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of six trim levels, with the GT Limited standing out for its sporty appearance and features. The GT Limited trim came with exclusive red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels, giving it a distinct look. The interior retained a sporty vibe with a thick-rimmed steering wheel, seat perforations, and polished metal accents. While the Forte's interior was nearly identical to the previous year's model, it included a 4.2-inch driver information display and improved infotainment systems. The GT Limited trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension and exhaust, enhancing its sporty appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for fuel efficiency rather than track performance. Its entry-level LE models achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.8 on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT transmitted power to the front wheels, and paddle shifters were available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid's handling benefited from a lower centre of gravity due to the lithium-ion battery pack's placement, offering a more engaging driving experience than its gasoline-only counterpart. However, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and some drivetrain droning was noted.

The 2022 Kia Forte, particularly in the GT Limited trim, offered a more spirited driving experience. While most trims featured a 2.0-litre engine with 147 horsepower, the GT Limited boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and paddle shifters. The GT Limited's sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels contributed to its dynamic performance, providing a good balance of ride and handling. However, the brakes struggled during demanding driving, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. Despite these issues, the Forte GT Limited was a fun and zippy daily driver.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and versatile interior. Its seating position was adjustable to suit various driving preferences, and the ample headroom accommodated different heights. The front seats offered plenty of storage options, and the second row was spacious and easy to access. The Camry Hybrid's trunk provided 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty coverage included a three-year/60,000-kilometre basic warranty, a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty, and extensive coverage for the hybrid battery and components.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited impressed with its comfortable interior, featuring 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 GT Limited's dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning vents added to passenger comfort. Rear seat headroom and legroom were generous for a compact car, and the trunk offered 433 litres of cargo space, the largest in its segment. The rear seats could also fold down to expand capacity.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system with nine speakers, available on the XLE model. All models came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, with touchscreen sizes ranging from 7 to 9 inches. The Camry Hybrid also featured a smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path rearview camera. Higher trims offered a 10-inch head-up display, bird’s-eye view camera, and other luxury features.

The 2022 Kia Forte introduced new technology features, such as a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting on upper trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims required a cable for these features but offered a 10.25-inch display with additional functions. The GT Limited trim included an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. It also featured Toyota’s Star safety system and 10 airbags. The Camry Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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