2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its stunning design from the previous year, following a complete makeover that was widely praised. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to stand out as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, exuded elegance and sophistication. The interior was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a distinctive dashboard design with a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, offering a blend of modern technology and classic luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Forte, a compact sedan, maintained some of Kia's older design elements while incorporating newer styling cues. The double-tab grille and angled cutouts were familiar features, while the GT trims added bold red accents for a sportier look. The Forte's interior retained a traditional layout with a touchscreen atop the dash and physical climate controls, making it user-friendly. Despite its age, the Forte's interior materials were of higher quality than many rivals, with soft-touch surfaces and sturdy construction, ensuring it remained competitive in its class.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a choice between two powerful engines. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also enhanced by EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel efficiency ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway for the S500 and 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the S580.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine options. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The GT trim featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The base engine accelerated to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, while the GT achieved it in 6.5 seconds. The GT's sport-tuned suspension enhanced handling, and the dual-clutch transmission provided better power delivery, though it could be jumpy at lower speeds. The Forte GT offered a comfortable ride, with precise steering and minimal road noise.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the rear. Front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings, with additional luxury options available. The Executive Line package enhanced rear-seat comfort with multicontour seats and entertainment systems. Soft-close doors added convenience, and the S-Class came with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.

The 2023 Kia Forte provided ample front-seat space and a user-friendly cabin layout. The dashboard and center console placed controls within easy reach, and a rubberized phone tray kept devices secure. Higher trims offered a wireless charger and additional storage options. Rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, with separate air conditioning vents and a USB charge port in higher trims. The trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing some competitors. The cargo floor, though flimsy, allowed for loading bulkier items, and remote seatback releases added convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system and a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost for enhanced performance and rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2023 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 10.25-inch display available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad and navigation system available on the GT-Line and above. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and intuitive menus, though wireless phone integration issues were noted in one test vehicle. The Forte's tech features were competitive within its class, with an optional premium Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance systems, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe systems. The S-Class also offered car-to-x communication and optional rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags for enhanced safety.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall safety, with some base collision mitigation features not meeting performance criteria. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most tests, except for "Poor" in updated front moderate overlap and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor, with additional options available on higher trims.