2021 Kia K5 vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 MINI Cooper was a standout on the road, with its distinctive design that was unmistakably MINI. Its wide-eyed LED-ringed headlights and grinning front grille exuded charm, while vibrant colour options and Union Jack taillights added to its appeal. Despite its unique styling, the Cooper managed to avoid being gaudy, instead offering a charismatic presence that drew admiration. The evolution of the MINI Cooper included various body styles, from the original two-door hardtop to a convertible and a four-door variant, culminating in the all-electric SE trim. The SE maintained the classic Cooper design, with slight modifications to accommodate its electric components, such as a higher ride height and unique EV-exclusive wheels. Inside, the MINI Cooper's interior was dominated by circular design elements, from the speakers to the infotainment system, providing a premium feel unmatched in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia K5 presented a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from its past with a sleek, fastback sedan design reminiscent of the Kia Stinger. The GT-Line trim, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and striking red seats, gave the K5 an Audi A5 Sportback-like appearance, thanks to the influence of designer Peter Schreyer. The K5's design was rich in details, with a long rear window, polished black trim, and unique taillights that emphasized its width. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and styling made it a sporty and attractive option. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused dash, quality materials, and thoughtful design elements like a flat-bottom steering wheel and a well-placed wireless charging pad. The K5's interior exuded sportiness and quality, setting it apart from many competitors.

The 2020 MINI Cooper was renowned for its nimble performance, a legacy dating back to its racing days in the 1960s. The Cooper S trim continued this tradition with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The electric SE trim offered 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, with the immediacy of electric torque making it feel nearly as quick as the Cooper S. The SE's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, although some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. Despite the added weight of the battery, the SE maintained a low centre of gravity, ensuring a planted feel in corners. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers offered a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with an eight-speed automatic reserved for the John Cooper Works trim.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not quite match its sporty appearance in terms of performance. The GT-Line lacked paddle shifters and had softer suspension damping, making it less agile in tight turns. However, the GT trim promised a more engaging experience with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The standard engine, a 1.6-litre turbo-four, produced 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate performance for everyday driving. The K5's eight-speed automatic transmission was responsive, though not always smooth. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with an estimated 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway. The K5 excelled as a family sedan, offering a balanced ride and good brakes, but its sporty trim fell short of expectations.

The 2020 MINI Cooper was not designed for practicality, with limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity. The two-door Cooper offered just 246 litres of cargo space, while the four-door variant increased this to 371 litres. The convertible model had even less space at 161 litres. Despite these limitations, the Cooper's interior was thoughtfully designed, with premium materials and features like two-zone automatic air conditioning. The SE trim managed to maintain the same interior space as its gas-powered counterparts, thanks to clever engineering.

The 2021 Kia K5, on the other hand, excelled in providing comfort and space for passengers. Despite its sleek profile, the K5 accommodated two adults comfortably in the rear, with ample headroom and legroom. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The K5's interior featured hard buttons for climate and audio controls, a well-placed wireless charging pad, and an optional 10.25-inch infotainment display. Trunk space was generous at 434 litres, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display that moved with the steering wheel adjustments, which could be a minor annoyance. The display provided essential information, including vehicle speed, energy consumption, and remaining range. The SE's 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay, with an 8.8-inch screen available on higher trims. The Premier+ trim added a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to set up. The GT-Line trim added features like LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. Heated and ventilated seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and Kia's UVO link remote services were also available. The K5's Smart Cruise Control allowed for semi-automated driving, enhancing convenience on long journeys.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera included in the Premier+ package. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was not available. The MINI Cooper received "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS.

The 2021 Kia K5 excelled in safety, earning top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter awarding it the Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5 EX trim and above also featured Junction Turning, which warned of potential collisions in intersections.