2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Kia Forte

The 2022 MINI Cooper retained its iconic charm, drawing inspiration from its classic predecessors while embracing modern design elements. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, but the Hardtop and Convertible remained the quintessential MINI Coopers. For 2022, these models received refreshed styling with new bumpers, a redesigned grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior saw updates with a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system featuring a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite these updates, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. Inside, the MINI offered a retro-modern feel, with a wide range of customization options. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior, especially when heavily optioned.

The 2023 Kia Forte, a compact sedan, retained some of Kia's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille and LED headlights were standard from the EX+ trim, with the GT trims adding sporty touches like LED fog lights and red accents. The Forte's design was more typical of its class, but it maintained a graceful shape. Inside, the Forte held onto Kia's older layout, with a touchscreen atop the dash and traditional climate controls below. The interior materials were notably nicer than its rivals, with soft-touch surfaces and sturdy construction. Cloth seats were standard, with synthetic leather on the GT models. The Forte's interior aged well, remaining competitive against newer sedans.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Both engines offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car had a manual transmission, providing ample torque for spirited driving. However, the steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, reducing driving satisfaction. The JCW models offered a more thrilling experience with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered two engine choices: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque in the GT Limited trim. The base engine, paired with a CVT, accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 8.8 seconds, while the GT Limited achieved it in 6.5 seconds. The GT Limited featured a sport-tuned suspension, enhancing its handling capabilities. The base engine's CVT made it feel slower, but the dual-clutch transmission in the GT Limited kept power readily available. The Forte's handling was sportier than expected, with precise steering and a comfortable ride quality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were essentially useless, even for children. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more practicality could opt for other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, or Countryman.

The 2023 Kia Forte provided ample space for front passengers, with comfortable seats and a well-organized dashboard. Heated front seats and keyless entry were standard, with higher trims offering additional features like a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, with higher trims offering heated seats and separate air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 433 litres of cargo space, surpassing some competitors. The cargo floor was notable for its height, allowing for bulkier items, and remote seatback releases provided additional space when needed.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colours, changing based on vehicle settings. It offered Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were available. The system, based on BMW's iDrive, paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, visible even with polarized sunglasses. The optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its sound quality.

The 2023 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with higher trims receiving a 10.25-inch display with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available from the EX grade. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with a premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon system on the GT Limited. Kia Connect services were available from the EX Premium trim. The infotainment system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, with intuitive menu organization and helpful shortcuts. Despite a wireless phone integration issue in the test vehicle, the system met expectations.

The 2022 MINI Cooper benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible featured standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable. The lane-departure warning system was effective, providing subtle feedback to the driver.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall protection, with some base forward collision features flagged as not meeting performance criteria. IIHS awarded it "Good" in most evaluations, except for "Poor" in updated tests. In Canada, most safety features were available from the EX trim, including forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The EX Premium added advanced forward collision assist and adaptive cruise control, with Highway Driving Assist on the GT-Line and GT Limited.