Nissan Maxima vs Kia Forte

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold design precedent for other Nissan models. Its distinctive styling, featuring a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, was later adopted by smaller sedans like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima stood out with its steeply-angled front end and massive grille, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim on the SR grade.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered six trim levels, with the GT Limited being the most fun to drive. The Forte GT Limited came with Steel Grey paint, carpeted floor mats, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,084, including a destination charge. The Forte's design updates included a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with the GT-Line and GT Limited receiving sportier looks. The GT Limited featured red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels, making it the most visually appealing in the Forte family.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima delivered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with a responsive CVT and a naturally-aspirated V6 engine. However, its steering lacked precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Kia Forte, except for the GT Limited trim, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The GT Limited, however, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT Limited's sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels provided a more engaging driving experience, though it fell short of being a true performance sedan. The brakes struggled during demanding descents, and the engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Forte GT Limited was a fun and practical daily driver.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima offered generous front-seat space, but rear-seat passengers experienced limited headroom and legroom. The seats were positioned inboard, affecting the sense of spaciousness, and some controls were awkwardly placed. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed for optimum support, were comfortable but lacked thigh bolstering. With 405 litres of cargo space, the Maxima had the least storage capacity among its competitors.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. Rear-seat headroom and legroom were impressive 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, making the Forte a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While it included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system, the infotainment system was difficult to use, with dated graphics and confusing notification sounds. However, the Maxima provided plenty of analog controls for convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered advanced technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting capability. The GT-Line and GT Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent. The Forte also included wireless smartphone charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on the GT Limited.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Maxima lacked the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were slightly lower due to concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.