Skip to main content

The Honda Civic is a car that is synonymous with affordability, reliability, and practicality. However, the market marches on, and the 2022 Honda Civic has competition. The 2022 Kia Forte is a viable alternative to the Honda. However, which car should you buy?

Is the 2022 Kia Forte cheaper than the 2022 Honda Civic?

The Kia Forte is cheaper than the Honda Civic at both the highest and lowest trim levels. For instance, the Forte in its base FE trim has a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $20,185. However, picking up a base Honda Civic LX means paying an MSRP of around $23,645. 

Still, if you want a sportier trim of either car, you’ll pay more for the Honda Civic. The 2022 Honda Civic Si is the closest contender to the Kia Forte GT, costing around $4,000 more than the Kia model.  

The 2022 Kia Forte, like the gray GT pictured here, is a competitor for the 2022 Honda Civic
2022 Kia Forte GT | Kia

Which car is more fuel-efficient?

The cars are very evenly matched in terms of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy ratings. The most efficient trim for the Honda Civic boasts a respectable 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway for a combined economy of 36. As a result, the Civic EX barely edges out the most economical Forte trim, the base FE. The FE manages 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, for a combined score of 35 mpg. 

The 2022 Honda Civic, pictured here in a corner, goes toe-to-toe with the 2022 Kia Forte.
A 2022 Honda Civic takes a corner | Honda

Is the 2022 Honda Civic more powerful than the 2022 Kia Forte?

The Kia Forte GT is more powerful than any trim in the Honda Civic lineup. However, the two sportier trims are very similar. The Forte GT makes 201 horsepower, just one more than the comparable Civic Si. The Forte GT also makes a bit more torque, with just three extra lb-ft.   

Is the 2022 Honda Civic safer than the 2022 Kia Forte?

While both cars have much of the same safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning, only the 2022 Honda Civic has good crashworthiness scores. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2022 Kia Forte left test subjects with potential thoracic injuries. So while the Civic gets a five-star NHTSA crashworthiness score, the Forte gets only four stars. 

The Kia Forte, pictured here in gray, offers a better warranty than the Honda Civic.
2022 Kia Forte has aggressive styling | Kia

Does the 2022 Kia Forte have a better warranty than the 2022 Honda Civic?

The 2022 Kia Forte redeems itself with a better warranty than the 2022 Honda Civic. Kia offers a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a drivetrain warranty that nearly doubles the basic coverage. That’s pretty good compared to the 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty. Furthermore, Honda’s powertrain warranty only covers as long as Kia’s basic warranty. 

Which car should you buy?

TrueCar just barely prefers the 2022 Honda Civic over the 2022 Kia Forte. If you want a car with better safety credentials, a new look, and slightly better fuel economy, the Civic is the sedan for you. However, if you care more about warranty or initial affordability, the Forte is a viable option. 

Scroll down to the following article to read more about the Honda Civic!

RELATED: 2022 Toyota Prius vs. 2022 Honda Insight: Hybrid Battle

Related

Avoid These Five New Cars If You Are A Tall Driver

Best in Sedans & Coupes
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).