Is the 2022 Kia Forte GT2 a BETTER sport sedan than a Honda Civic Si? 

Kia, Hyundai, and genesis really said to themselves “let’s make better cars” and they did it.

Vented seats, 360 sensors, 10.25” nav for 26k brand new. Incredible what you can get for your dollar, especially in these times. Appreciate your great review as always Joe! It’s been a while since I’ve tuned in but you certainly have not missed A STEP! Keep killing the game good sir 👌🏼

I just bought a 2023 GT. I am surprised that it actually has exhaust sound. Nothing overwhelming but it has a little growl to it. Only have 300 miles on it but so far I am really impressed with it so far.

This deserves WAY more hype!! I bought mine back in December and am absolutely amazed with it! I test drove the 2022 Elantra, civic and the Corolla and by far this car was my favorite out of all of them! It also was the most inexpensive and came with the most features! It is so fun to drive bc it handles so well, if you pop it into to sport mode you will be shocked with the amount of turbo noises it makes and it’s awesome! It is great on gas, I average about 25 mpg around town and almost 34 on the highway! If your looking for a luxury sporty sedan definitely check this out! PSA don’t listen to anyone who tells you that Kia’s suck bc they have come a long way from what they used to be and now have much better reliability ratings and quality! I am 4k miles in and haven’t ran into any issues, I also have an 04 optima that’s 100k miles strong with not a single issue whatsoever :)

Just bought a 22 GT2 absolutely in love with this car. Fun to drive, great on gas, great styling, and best bang for the buck. Love this color I have the gravity grey only one they had left so I took it but totally in love with this color

"You could easily put 6 Twinkies here and not bust cream." This man Joe is out of control. 🤣🤣 Great review as usual! Car is looking sharp!

Kia and Hyundai need to pay extra to designers and keep them, they killing with their looks. Just saw a Black EV-6 yesterday and damn that thing is so handsome.

Bought the 22 forte GT about a month ago and I’m in love with it. I get on average about 30 mpg and if I wanna go fast I have that option. NO REGRETS

I love it when Joe says “TO THE DOOR PANELS “.

Glad to see they put dual climate control in this year. I have a 2021 GT and there wasn't even an option to get it. I agree with the car being a little finicky in lower gears. It will sometimes have this little hesitation at lower speeds. Couldn't be happier with it though. The amount of car you get for the money is unmatched. You even get lane driving assist and smart cruise control.

Watched your review on this car about 20 times, finally placed an order yesterday 2022 Forte Gt with the g2 package in sporty blue. thanks for all you do!

I bought this car some months ago the dots on the door and the Gt badge inside do also light up as part of the gt2 ambeint lighting, its a small detail but would like to add that, this car at night looks amazing.

Joe : Red means race. Go fast! Me looking at the 🚦: ON THROTTLE!!! As usual, thanks for sharing Team Raiti. Love your uploads.

I have the 2021 GT, I have put about 9000 miles on it and have had no issues at all. This is a really fun car to drive and I love the steering, it handles like a dream. The Honda handling for me sucked and did not hold the road well at all. If you like to zip around town in a stylish compact sport sedan for cheap, check the KIA out, you won't be disappointed.

Bought the 22 GT2, bought 8 months ago, quite impressed, really happy with the car. Pretty to look at with a little kick for fun.. Nice work KIA... 👏 👌 👍

Thank Raiti! You sold me on my g70 and now that I’m looking at a forte gt2 this week you post a review! You’re the man. No major channel has done a review yet.

I bought a 2021 Forte GT2 and I absolutely love it. I test drove everything and you cannot beat this car for what you get in this price range. It’s better than most cars that are $10k more. The quality of the interior is unmatched and the amount of extras you get in this thing are far better than any other car under the $35k price tag. The Honda Si has nothing on this car.

Front doors have lights behind the handle when you unlock the car at night! Love my 2021 kia forte GT!

I just bought the 2023 Kia forte GT 🎉🎉🎉 and it's awesome 😎👍

It's nice to see Kia doing what Toyota used to do. An entry level car that's fun and not boring. It's great that there is a quick little car that almost anyone can afford.

You know what? For $26,000 this car is really a bang for your buck. I'm really impressed with all they've packed into the interior at this price point. Heated AND ventilated seats? You're not getting ventilated seats even in $70,000+ BMWs. I also love that it has a DCT, which you don't really find at this price point. Same goes for rear ac vents and usb connection. You're not getting that in the Civic, Elantra, Corolla, or even the Mazda 3. I think it has the Civic SI beat on interior quality because the SI has been stripped down a little for performance. However, the SI's engine is more economical, especially as Hondata has proven that it's faster than its 200hp rating, and in a slightly smaller engine. I love the look of the rear too. The only thing I'd zonk on the outside is the placement of the reverse lights and turn signals. I'd also only zonk the center armrest on the interior too. Btw, great sounding pops and bangs! Joe, would you say this is a better car than the Corolla Apex though? Btw, the shades of red look the same to me lol

Big Kia fan here. Maybe my next car could be this one. Good job as always!!!!

I have a GT2 forte personally with intake exhaust plugs blow off valve and tune it’s amazing! Love it pushing 230 hp to the wheels

Just bought a 2022 GT with GT2 package a couple weeks ago. I enjoy it. Put my MPS4s on it last week. The dash’s GT badge is backlit on mine. The amount of options the car has is outstanding for the price. The 1.6 engine is outstanding. Car feels a lot more powerful in gears 3 and up than 1 & 2. I wish the steering wheel rim was thicker. You can’t use the cruise with the traction control off which stinks. The up and down radio button on the steering wheel seems reversed from what I expected. The auto steer feature works here better than our 2020 RAV4’s by a mile.

I'm a Honda guy but this looks like a strong option.

Yes!! This is all I been waiting for this one. Also I will be praying that I will be able to afford one of the vehicles like this someday with the best price of course. Overall, fantastic job and review joe.

I bought this exact same car 3 weeks ago and I’m in love with it.

You were right Joe! This is right up my alley! Just bought a new Forte GT Manual and I love it. Great little car! Great review Joe! Thanks

In Australia this is called the Cerato GT and it and the I30 N Line (Elantra GT Nline) are both probably the best examples of where the 7 speed DCT works, in a lot of other cars the fine just doesn’t work

I bought my wife a 2021 kia forte gt2 and she loves it and it performs very well on the roads

Just bought one of these, 23 GT manual. I love that the manual version is it’s own unique trim level… it’s the perfect spec for me, lots of upgrades over the GT1 but not as expensive as the GT2. Anyway, I test drove pretty much everything currently available with a manual that is even remotely sporty and around 35k and under (Civic SI, used Type R, Integra A-spec, Elantra N, GTI, Jetta GLI, Mazda 3 hatchback, WRX, used Veloster N, Miata, Mini Cooper S and JCW) and let me tell you, this is by far the best new car value around. I actually had a chance to get a Civic SI at MSRP and still chose the Forte GT over it. Could have got a new GLI for under MSRP, but it still seemed overpriced in comparison, aside from having the noticeably superior engine. The performance on the GT is respectable but isn’t on the same level as the others, but they are all more expensive so that’s kind of to be expected. But what really won me over on this car is the interior, it’s just really comfortable and well laid out to me. Everything just falls into place and feels easy to use and intuitive, the tech integrates in a seamless way, it’s got all the bells and whistles but doesn’t feel overly complicated, and everything just feels right to me ergonomically… It’s not trying to do too much, and it’s better for it. While other manufacturers, in a misguided pursuit of trying to appear high-tech and modern, seem to be making the user interfaces less user friendly and harder to safely operate while driving, its like KIA listened to how actual customers driving actual cars want to interact with the vehicle. No one ever asked for Haptic Touch buttons on the steering wheel, no one ever asked to bury climate control settings in some sub-menu on a giant screen, etc…

Hey Joe, thank you for reviewing the Kia Forte GT...it was based on your review that my 18 yr old and I made our decision to get one.

Raiti, please test the same car but with 6 MT. I got one 2 weeks ago and it is very fun car. Manuals came with Michelin Pilot 4 Sport tires.

Great review Joe. One of the nicer looking front ends. Nothing looks off and it's all well proportioned with a nice color balance. The license plate holder below the bumper is a nice touch and fairly rare at this price point.

Just picked up a 2024. My dealship/auto pled has over 1100 cars on lot, only 8 of which are manual transmission. I bought this in a manual. Loving it

Thanks again for the information on the Kia Forte GT, I love the car and considering getting that one next, I love the options and the price of it, it has more options then my car have and my car costed more then that one and my car was a used one. Great advertising and thank you Lori for a great job with the Camera.

Right now the civic si is lagging against the competition

Nice balanced review. This Forte GT2 is an excellent alternative to the Elantra N Line for those of us that can't get over that awkward grill on the Elantra. I'd go manual, but really wouldn't miss a LSDiff on the street at these modest 200 hp power levels.

Just bought mine brand new off the truck 2022 GT2 forte fully loaded. LOVE IT.

Nice my dude i like it 200hp and it has rear vents compare to the elantra corolla civic sentra gotta keep my rear passengers cool or warm 👍

I've been waiting for this one for a while! Hoping to pick one of these up in a couple years to replace my aging beater

Nice little car. A lot of bang for the bucks. Manual transmission would pump up the fun factor a bit. I could do without the added red trim, it reminds me of the original Batmobile. Thanks Joe and Lori. Great review and camera work! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

Inside the doors that's not attempting carbon fiber 😂 that actually lights up with the GT logo that is in the dashboard on the passenger side and you can customize the colors and it looks amazing at night time !!

They totally reinvented the 2022 Kia forte GT2 also The interior phenomenal

Thanks for the bad ass review bro! I have a 2020 base model Kia Forte. I’m definitely gonna upgrade to this bad boy. I use it for my commuter to and from work. A hour each way. You get so much for your buck with Kia I can’t pass up! I just subscribed!!!!

If you’re looking, BUY IT. It’s super fun, I absolutely love mine. It’s got just enough kick to have a ton of fun, the DCT is always ready. They nailed the tuning. Side note: the red is the same, it’s a perception thing, especially with how bright it is because it’s embedded almost into the honeycomb. (Mine match, at least 😝)

If people need more reassurance; I bought a 2020 Kia Forte GT back in April 2020. I picked manual transmission, because I prefer stick shift. I missed out on dual climate and the sliding arm rest, everything else is roughly the same. Over two years of ownership, and I still smile in my car, like I just picked it up off the lot.

I watched both your videos on this car and the k5 gt line. Still having a hard time deciding if I want to get the forte gt2 or the k5 gt line. Love your videos though ❤️

Great car, I love the Si, but they give you a ton in a segment that is smaller than it once was. A great daily, warranty is huge, cheap, efficient, etc. I wish i considered one after a girl totaled my WRX 😭

I know a few guys who have them and have stage 1 tunes and bolt ons and they have been turning laps. i've been in them and they are fun as heck to be in and drive! i'd recommend this highly

I own a 2021 Forte GT with the 6 speed and I love it.

Although the manual is $1,000 more than the standard GT, the GT2 is more expensive since the GT2 package is a $2,200 upgrade that is only available when you get the DCT.

I'm glad all those Si drivers will be feeling more thrilled and engaged as they get walked by a Kia

Okay but, when he runs the red light 🤣

Joe, as the camera panned out and up, the red in the grill and on the bumper look exactly the same. I think the angle affects how the color looks. Just my .02. BTW, you guys are really fun to watch.✌👍😎

Another great review. Would love to see you review the refreshed Kia GT but with the 6 speed manual. That seems to the sweet spot for price, fun & features

The value for money is definitely there! Love how Kia offers the DCT option for those who don't want a manual (although manual is certainly the more fun option).

Yesterday I bought the 2023 GT DCT in Sport blue. I'm in love! All the bells and whistles and so fun to drive.

Joe, I appreciate you tagging me on my last reply and comment. Just updating you. Absolutely having a blast with my 22 GT2 package GT. I'm in the New Port Richey area all this Memorial Day weekend through the 4th if June this year. If possible I would like the opportunity to show you in person the decals and extra stuff I have done to my Forte. But great reviews you do. Lee

This is a great small car. Super good value. Plus the styling is so slick

I love those details you give. cools stuff!!!

This car is nearly perfect imo! I just wish it had a driver's memory seat, a power passenger seat, & another interior color option like the Chestnut Brown SynTex leatherette interior from the K5 GT or the Red SynTex leatherette interior from the K5 GT-Line as well. And this car would be perfect!

I think the red in the grill and down around the fog lamps is the same. It just appears different depending on the angle you look at it. When the camera was looking straight at the front of the car, the red lines in the grill did appear to be slightly different, but as the camera raised up and the red in the grill came more into view, it looked to be the same color as those bottom sections. But it may also look different in person. Sometimes colors look one way on camera and another way in person. Also, not sure why that car doesn't have a USB-C port. It's 2022. USB-C should be standard in every vehicle.

Cars this size are a hoot to drive. Heck, I drove a rental-spec Corolla in the Mountains of Colorado and even that was fun! And when I realized the Forte has a BIGGER TRUNK than a Camry, I started to think about it as a legit replacement for our family wagon. I'm not going to lie though, last time I checked the manual does not allow you to spec cooled seats and that bums me out a little.

I've been waiting for this comparison. Add the Elantra N-Line comparioson for the sporty 200hp compact sedan club.

Got my Forte GT2 in sporty blue 2 months ago and it's the best bang for the buck imo.

I bought the same exact car but in white for my wife about a week ago and so far she loves this little beast! Great review!

As a proud owner of a 2020 Forte GT2. I'm really happy about how Kia has upped their game the past few years. This 22 model looks sharp!

We've finally reached the point where manual transmissions cost more.

Just bought this same car in sporty blue. First ever new car and I’m in love 😤😎

He didn’t mention the GT logo lighting up at night and the colors changing in the ambient light with the drive mode and those gloss black finishes on the doors have LEDs on them as well. Which sold me on trying to find the GT2 package lol

As someone who doesn't understand manuals, I like that the Forte has a DCT! In looks and styling, I'd go with the Civic Si, but this one might win in most other categories

I bought a 2022 Snow White Pearl GT2 2 weeks ago and absolutely love it. I had to drive to a dealership 45 miles away to buy it, these are so hard to find.

I want a Forte gt so bad I just wish it had more performance in it. Which is why I’m looking more into golf gtis I’d rather sacrifice a lot of the features that I’d probably not use or notice anyways for more performance

Got the exact same one just black as a daily, lot of fun, features are great, gas mileage is great and a great value for the money especially in today's market!

As always, solid review, Joe- thank you. Long live the small, sport sedan and hatchback, right? Never been a huge fan of the Korean makes but this car is sharp looking. Like the exterior, love the interior; I wish more manufacturers kept controls and vents as simple as what Kia offers in this ride. And a manual- Lord be praised! - all for under $25gs (according to the current Kia web site.) W/all its content and performance, that's a pretty sweet deal. Now if build quality and reliability can match the Civic/Mazda3, then Kia has something. I'd actually consider this car!

Always love that you put in your pros and cons of the cars. Sounds like performance wise, the Si wins because of the stellar manual gearbox and limit slip differential. A shame kia doesn't include a LSD in it. It'd make the model super awesome

Love the videos. But that plug for kitchen sink cookie is spot on. Best cookie ever at a chain restaurant.

I ordered my 2022 Kia Forte GT manual transmission. Can't wait to have my hands on the steering wheel and yell: Here we go, on throttle! 🚗💥💨💨💨

I really thought about getting another one. My '20 has been stellar, some minor issues with the interior but I'm in my car much more than a regular person is. Love the infotainment system. Not enough bass but no OE system does, upgraded that but I am going for more power the DJ in me says it's not loud enough. I am somewhere over 300 hp now, no videos and no dynos just yet. I can load up luggage tools and drag radials in the trunk with the seats up. Lots of space and that's with a Bazooka Bass Tube in the trunk.

KIA and Hyundai are taking over big time!

from BMW: Won Kyu Kang, now Vice President and Head of the Kia Design Innovation Group.

This Forte isn't that bad Joe. It has good style, sportiness, and tech for the price point. I do agree with you that the Si has the advantage of a limited slip diff. The Si for me I like the interior a little bit better, but with the GT, I like the outside a little bit more than the SI. Great job guys!

Omg Finally 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 the best car in 2022, cheap, gas saving and fun i love mine since 2 months already

The silver and hints of red accents make the car pop. Styling wise this looks better then this generation civic. Handling wise the civic si has the upper hand. The si is more fun behind the wheel and the car is easier to toss around. Honda knows how to make a fun fwd car

i test drove the gt2 to see if i really love it…holy hell i fell in love massively, definitely gonna get it in a couple months

I own a 2020 Kia forte GT, and never regret it so far....The 1.5T Honda is not as realible as this 1.6T..When pushed hard, the Honda 1.5 ended with gaz in the oil...

I like it, looks pretty good. The price is very competitive but I would go for the Civic. And yes, the red accents look different.

I like it, I like it . Color looks great with those wheels.

the tiger nose grill red is the same as the other just look and compare it from above looking down at it when you are standing above it.

Wow I still remember my uncle's old Forte from 10 years ago. It definitely changed a lot.

I would argue that the Forte's HVAC controls are more high end than the Civic Si. On the basis of Dual Auto Temp vs Single Auto Temp control. As far as feel though, the Si's interior design and material quality is completely on another level. Probably the best in class, along with the Mazda 3.

Nice ride! I like it.

Same shade red on the front for both the grill and lower corners. Lori managed to get a great camera angle from the front corner while standing up.

I have a Alfa Romeo Giulia and this is pretty close to the same interior and dash. Crazy for the value.

The difference and the most important between a kia forte and honda is how many miles it will last and kia always start with problems after reaching 80,000

Awesome Vehicle Joe and it's affordable too!

Why are they still putting the turn signals on the bumper? STOP!

Been looking into getting one of these looking at reviews of people all over and it’s funny to see someone from my state review one right in my city

26k, and a DCT transmission? A lot of bang for the buck...