2019 MINI Cooper vs 2019 Kia Optima

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm and individuality that made its predecessors a sensation. However, it had grown larger and more technologically sophisticated. The styling elements, such as the floating roof and wrap-around glass, remained, but the proportions seemed off. The headlights and taillights were oversized, and the front overhang was too long, making the car appear visually heavy. Inside, the iconic pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting. The toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges remained, but the technology overlay added complexity, detracting from the car's simplicity and performance focus.

In contrast, the 2019 Kia Optima, while not as groundbreaking as its 2011–2015 predecessor, still offered an appealing design. The trademark tiger-nose grille, sassy fender-vent trim, and available black panoramic glass roof added to its charm. The Optima came in various trim levels, making it easy to find the right look at the right price. However, interior color options were limited, except for black. Prices ranged from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the luxurious Limited Package. The plug-in hybrid model was the most expensive, topping $42,000 with all options.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) version was the hottest-performing model, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. With a base curb weight of 2,845 pounds, it accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual. The JCW Pro Exhaust Valve added a thrilling auditory experience, especially in Sport mode. However, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires squealed in sharp curves, and torque steer was an occasional issue. The bigger brakes were effective but sometimes lacked response during enthusiastic driving on uneven roads.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered five different engines, including hybrid powertrains. The base LX and sporty S trim had a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the mid-grade EX Turbo featured a 178-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. The hybrid model returned 41 mpg in combined driving, and the plug-in hybrid offered up to 28 miles of pure electric range. The SX Turbo trim, with a 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, provided smooth, linear acceleration. The 6-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The SX Turbo's rack-mounted steering system offered better feel, but the brakes heated up and faded during aggressive driving. The sport-tuned suspension provided a firm ride, but excess body motion reduced confidence on mountain roads.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its 2-door hardtop form, was surprisingly practical. The back seat could accommodate a passenger if the front seat was adjusted forward. The 8.7-cubic-foot trunk could hold a full-size suitcase and a backpack. However, the Cooper was best used as a 2-seater with a spacious 34-cubic-foot trunk. The front seats offered significant adjustment, with manual thigh-support extensions. Controls followed a form-over-function ethos, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door release handles. The wireless device charger consumed the limited storage in the center armrest console.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort, simplicity, and ample storage. Controls were logically laid out, clearly marked, and easy to use. The Optima featured a roomy 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and numerous storage cubbies. The front seats had various power adjustments, with available heating and ventilation. The standard leather was stiff, but the Limited Package offered plush Nappa leather and additional luxury touches. Backseat legroom was impressive, with good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. Rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports added to passenger comfort. The Smart Trunk feature automatically opened the trunk lid when standing behind the car with the key fob, though it could be turned off if unnecessary.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's top-level infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, featured an 8.8-inch display screen, navigation, and MINI Connected Services. It offered voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls. However, the physical controls were difficult to access, and the touchscreen's virtual buttons were too small. The system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, changing screens without input. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The Harman Kardon audio system provided impressive sound quality. The Parking Assistant helped with parallel parking, which was useful given the susceptibility of the Knight’s Edition’s bulging wheel spokes to damage.

The 2019 Kia Optima's standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with UVO technology, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. The Optima S and EX Turbo added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which ran on the smartphone's data plan. New for 2019, UVO eServices included a smartphone app for remote access to vehicle functions. The SX Turbo trim added navigation, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy-to-find functions and flexible voice-recognition technology.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a limited set of safety systems. It included eight airbags, a reversing camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a speed-limit information system. Adaptive cruise control was available with the Parking Assistant and front parking sensors. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick in 2018, but it lost that rating in 2019. The federal government gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in a side-impact collision.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled in safety, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Rear parking-assist sensors and a driver-monitoring system were also standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system. The Optima's advanced safety features operated with remarkable refinement, and drivers could adjust notification types and sensitivity levels. The IIHS gave the Optima SX Turbo top ratings, except for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility. The federal government awarded it 5-star ratings in every test assessment, except for a 4-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision.