2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, featuring an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, and improved infotainment. The Jetta Highline trim, which was the focus of this review, showcased these changes with a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille, now adorned with more chrome. The grille featured a chrome frame and horizontal chrome pieces aligning with the standard LED headlights. The rear maintained its taillight housing but introduced standard LED lighting. The Jetta's design changes were understated, requiring a keen eye to notice, yet they contributed to a slightly more aggressive profile. Inside, the Jetta's updates were equally subtle but appealing, with new cloth seat patterns and contrast stitching across all interiors. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather option and a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard, with the Highline receiving the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 Kia Forte retained some of the carmaker's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille and LED headlights and taillights, standard from the EX+ trim, were notable features. The GT trims added excitement with LED fog lights and bold red accents. The Forte's design was more graceful than some competitors, with base wheels starting at 15-inch steel and going up to 18-inch sport alloy wheels on the GT Limited. Inside, the Forte held onto Kia's older layout, with a touchscreen atop the dash and traditional climate knobs. The interior materials were notably nicer than contemporary rivals, with soft-touch surfaces and sturdy construction. Cloth seats were standard, with synthetic leather on GT models. The Forte's cabin aged well, remaining competitive against newer sedans.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four, offering an 11-horsepower increase. Transmission options included a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic, with the automatic being standard on the Highline trim. The Jetta was exclusively front-wheel drive. Fuel economy was impressive, with the manual rated at 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined, while the automatic achieved 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. The Jetta offered a comfortable ride, though the powertrain had some drawbacks, including a touchy throttle and turbo lag. Drive modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom, with Sport offering a slight improvement in dynamics.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine choices. The base engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The GT Limited trim featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Both engines were front-wheel drive. The base engine accelerated to 100 km/h in about 8.8 seconds, while the GT Limited achieved it in roughly 6.5 seconds. The base powertrain was adequate for most drivers, while the GT Limited offered more excitement. The CVT made the base model feel slower, but the DCT in the GT Limited kept power readily available. Handling was sportier than expected, with precise steering and a comfortable ride, despite the sport-tuned suspension.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the ability to accommodate five. The seats were comfortable, though the front seat cushions had a slight incline that might not suit shorter passengers. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for climate control, audio, and seat controls conveniently located. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, which was unusual but not problematic.

The 2023 Kia Forte provided ample space for taller passengers in the front seats, with basic adjustments. 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 EX+ trim included a sunroof, while dual-zone climate control was standard from the EX Premium. The rear seats offered enough room for average-sized adults, with higher trims featuring separate air conditioning vents and a USB charge port. The trunk held up to 433 litres of cargo, more than some competitors, with remote seatback releases for additional space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster across all models, with the Highline trim receiving the Digital Cockpit Pro version. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display with customizable views and widgets. The Jetta Highline offered a full-screen navigation view within the instrument cluster, controlled via steering wheel-mounted controls. Standard infotainment included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and a premium Beats Audio sound system were also available.

The 2023 Kia Forte came with 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. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with a premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on the GT Limited. The infotainment system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, with intuitive menu organization and helpful shortcuts. Kia Connect services were available from the EX Premium trim.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard in Canada. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Comfortline trim, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist monitored driver attentiveness. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the updated side crash test.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, side, and rollover protection. Some base forward collision avoidance features did not meet performance criteria, but available upgrades did. 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, including forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The EX Premium added advanced forward collision assist and adaptive cruise control, with Highway Driving Assist on the GT-Line and GT Limited.