2022 Kia Forte vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 Kia Forte presented a refreshed exterior with a new grille, headlights, and bumpers across all models. The GT-Line and GT trims stood out with sportier aesthetics, featuring red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels. The interior maintained a sporty vibe with traditional analog gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished metal accents. The GT trim, in particular, offered a more engaging look with its Germanic-inspired seat designs and improved infotainment systems, making it a visually appealing choice for those seeking a sporty compact sedan.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown offered a distinctive full-size sedan experience with a higher ride height reminiscent of crossovers. Its bold front grille and angular wraparound headlights gave it a sporty edge, while the side profile was enhanced by large wheels and a black trim piece. The rear featured a bold taillight strip, and the Platinum trim offered a unique two-tone color option. Inside, the Crown boasted a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, though some hard plastic elements detracted from its luxury aspirations. The overall design was more about comfort and modernity, appealing to those who preferred a more elevated and spacious sedan experience.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of engine options, with the GT trim providing the most excitement. It featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT trim also included a sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch wheels, delivering a lively driving experience. However, the brakes struggled during demanding descents, and the engine noise at highway speeds was notable. Despite these drawbacks, the Forte GT was a fun and affordable daily driver, though it fell short of being a true performance sedan.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains. The base hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total of 236 horsepower, while the Platinum trim's Hybrid Max powertrain delivered 340 horsepower with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max featured a six-speed automatic transmission. The Crown prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride and quiet cabin. The adaptive suspension in the Platinum trim added a Sport+ mode, but the overall driving experience remained focused on comfort rather than performance.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, especially with the GT2 package, offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior. It included features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seats provided ample space for a compact car, and the trunk was notably large at 15.3 cubic feet. The Forte's interior was practical and comfortable, making it a great choice for long trips and daily commutes.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, in its base XLE trim, featured fabric seats with SofTex faux-leather trim, while higher trims offered full leather upholstery. The front seats were comfortable for long journeys, though the firm cushioning could become uncomfortable over time. The rear seats provided good legroom, and the panoramic sunroof in higher trims added a sense of spaciousness. The trunk, however, was limited to 15.2 cubic feet, which was small for a sedan of its size. Despite this, the Crown's interior was modern and well-equipped, catering to those seeking a comfortable and tech-savvy ride.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of technology options, with the GT-Line and GT trims featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims, the larger screen required a wired connection. The Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system had mixed results. The GT trim also included features like wireless smartphone charging and an available Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a wireless charging pad. The Crown's infotainment system benefited from over-the-air updates and a new voice-recognition system. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, providing a superior sound experience. The digital key feature and Wi-Fi hotspot added to the Crown's tech appeal, making it a modern and connected choice.

The 2022 Kia Forte came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added active blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forte's Highway Driving Assist system was well-executed, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. The NHTSA gave the Forte a four-star overall crash protection rating, with some concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered a robust set of standard safety features, including collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parallel parking system. While crash test results were not yet available, the Crown's safety features were well-tuned for smooth driving. Some new features, like Proactive Driving Assist, were intrusive but could be disabled, catering to different driver preferences.