The Toyota Corolla has long dominated the compact car segment. Also, despite the industry shift toward crossovers and SUVs, the Corolla remains the best-selling car globally. When compared to the mighty Toyota Corolla, does the Kia Forte stand a chance? Find out in this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Kia Forte compact car death battle.

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Kia Forte

In this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Kia Forte head-to-head battle, we analyzed several different factors. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, reliability, warranty coverage, and price.

The Forte offers only a sedan model, while the Corolla offers sedan and hatchback versions. We note the differences when applicable. 

Corolla vs. Forte: Performance and efficiency

Buyers of the 2022 Toyota Corolla have a choice of three powertrain options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (139 hp), a 2.0-liter cylinder engine (168 hp), and a hybrid (121 hp). In comparison, the 2022 Kia Forte offers two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 hp) and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (201 hp). 

The gas-powered Corolla is fairly evenly matched with the Forte for efficiency. It has a fuel economy of up to 31 city/40 highway mpg, compared to 31 city/41 highway mpg for the Forte. However, the Corolla Hybrid is the most efficient overall, with a gas mileage of up to 53 city/52 highway mpg.

Corolla vs. Forte: Safety

Both the Corolla and Forte offer safety features like brake assist, lane-keeping assist, and a blind spot monitoring system. Unlike the Forte, though, the Corolla offers cross-traffic alert and a knee airbag. 

Corolla vs. Forte: Passenger and cargo space

While both the Corolla and Forte can seat up to five people, the Forte offers more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 96.0 cu-ft, compared to 88.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 84.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback.

For cargo space, the trunk cargo capacity is 13.1 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 15.3 cu-ft for the Forte. However, the Corolla Hatchback has a maximum cargo capacity of 23.0 cu-ft.

Corolla vs. Forte: Interior features and technologies

Notable interior features and technologies offered for the Corolla and Forte include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a sunroof, and heated front seats. However, unlike the Forte, the Corolla offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and a navigation system.

Corolla vs. Forte: Reliability and warranty coverage

Which compact car is more reliable: the 2022 Corolla or 2022 Forte? For J.D. Power reliability ratings, the Forte edges out the Corolla, with a score of 87 out of 100, compared to 85 out of 100 for the Corolla.

The Forte also has the advantage for warranty coverage, with the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Corolla only has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Corolla vs. Forte: Price

Which compact car costs more: the 2022 Corolla or 2022 Forte? The starting prices for the 2022 Corolla range from $20,175 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan L trim up to $28,460 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan Apex XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices for the 2022 Forte range from $19,090 MSRP for the FE trim up to $23,490 for the GT trim.

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Kia Forte: Which compact car is better?

Who won the 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Kia Forte compact car death battle? It’s a draw, for each car has multiple advantages. For the 2022 Corolla, advantages include hybrid efficiency, safety, hatchback cargo space, and interior technologies. Advantages for the 2022 Forte include performance, passenger space, a higher cargo capacity for the trunk, reliability, warranty coverage, and price.