For years, Kia and Hyundai were known to make economy cars that were not interesting to look at or drive. However, that all changed when they hired Alec Biermann, the now-former head of BMW's M division, and the man behind some of the greatest cars in the BMW's history. Because of this, cars like the Kia Forte, for example, have become great talking points. For the 2022 model year, the Kia Forte arrives with a facelifted exterior, new tech throughout the interior, and a whole new range of trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-line, and at the top is the GT.

Exterior and interior changes

The exterior differences are the new headlights, grille, front and rear bumpers, trunk spoiler, 16 and 17-inch wheels on the LXS and GT-line trims, LED taillights on the GT and GT-line trims, and fog lights integrated into the air intake, also only on the GT and GT-line trims.

In terms of the interior, all trims get a 4.2-inch LCD gauge cluster, faux leather seats, an available rear USB charger, and a center console with a built-in electronic parking brake. The LSX and FE trims get an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The GT and GT-line trims have a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen that comes with free Mapcare updates.

Performance and driving

The performance gets a bump as well - at least in some trim levels, anyway. In the FE, LXS, and GT-line trims, the powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of delivering147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and getting 41 MPG on the highway, when mated to a CVT transmission.

However, in the GT trim, things get much more exciting. The 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder can churn out 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and comes with your choice of either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual. What's more, the rear suspension is a multi-link setup.

The GT's main rival is the Civic Si, with this new powerplant and transmission, it is possible that the new Forte GT may be able to give the Si a run for its money.

Safety features

In addition, the new Forte gets a suite of "Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems" that attempt to make driving a small KIA even easier.

All of the seven standard systems work almost exclusively on the freeway and can keep you in the center of the lane, within the speed limit, a safe distance from the car in front, and automatically drop the speed when both cruise control and the navigation system are engaged in anticipation of a tight bend.

The safety equipment that was improved upon from the previous years are all collision avoidance assistance systems and are optional extras.

Now, the South Korean powerhouse has the N division, headed by Biermann, and has produced the amazing Veloster N and will soon be making the Elantra N as well. This has forced a change in the manufacturer and even their more humdrum cars are getting some interesting features.