2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD variant, stood out with its striking Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition exclusive to this model. This eye-catching hue, along with the aerodynamic body kit and sporty design elements like matte-black 19-inch wheels and red accents, made the Camry TRD a head-turner. Despite its bold exterior, the interior was less polarizing, featuring an unusual dashboard layout and a driver-oriented centre console. However, the red gauge illumination and other red interior accents were seen as tacky by some. The Camry TRD's design was a departure from the traditionally conservative Camry styling, offering a more dynamic and aggressive look.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered a more understated yet sporty appearance, especially in the GT Limited trim. With its Steel Grey paint, gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels, the Forte GT Limited exuded a refined sportiness. The interior featured a sporty look with analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents. The Forte's design was more cohesive and less polarizing than the Camry TRD, appealing to those who prefer a balance of sportiness and elegance. The Forte's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, with features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and ventilated front seats enhancing the overall experience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Camry TRD offered a spirited driving experience. It featured a Sport transmission mode and paddle shifters, enhancing its performance credentials. The Camry TRD's fuel consumption was rated at 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 9.5 L/100 km. The TRD model boasted track-tuned driving dynamics, with increased torsional rigidity, a reworked suspension, and larger brakes. Despite its sporty nature, the Camry TRD lacked all-wheel drive, which could have improved its handling further.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Forte GT Limited offered Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Its sport-tuned suspension and independent rear design provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling. However, the Forte GT Limited's brakes were not as robust as expected, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. Despite these drawbacks, the Forte GT Limited was a fun and engaging car to drive.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD offered a sporty driving position with fabric seat inserts and a tall centre console. While the front seats lacked additional bolstering, they were comfortable and provided power height adjustment. The Camry's rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, but the TRD model did not offer rear-seat air vents or a folding rear seatback, limiting cargo flexibility. The trunk space was 428 litres, smaller than some competitors, but the Camry compensated with generous in-cabin storage.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited excelled in interior comfort and space. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Forte's rear seat offered ample headroom and legroom, with a large and supportive bottom cushion. The trunk was spacious, providing 433 litres of cargo space, the largest in its segment. The rear seats also folded down to expand capacity, making the Forte a practical choice for those needing extra storage.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Camry XSE and TRD models upgraded to a 9-inch display with additional features like Remote Connect and a JBL premium audio system. However, the TRD model lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition technology, relying on smartphone integration for these functions.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of technology features, with higher trims like the GT Limited featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. This system included SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims, the GT Limited required a wired connection. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu structures and physical knobs for easy operation. However, the voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent, making smartphone integration a more reliable option.

The 2022 Toyota Camry was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assist and collision avoidance features. Highlights included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring excellent crash protection.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with higher trims including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Forte's Highway Driving Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and its performance was confidence-inspiring. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, but the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.