2020 Kia Forte vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for the year, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels. Styling modifications set it apart from other Fortes, and the interior boasted enhancements to solidify its sport-sedan credentials. Despite its performance potential, the Forte GT maintained a subtle appearance with revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the car combined complimentary surface tones and textures with soft-touch materials, red seat piping, and gloss black trim, creating a modern look. The transmission shifter felt solid, imparting a sense of quality.

The 2020 MINI Cooper stood out with its unique design, featuring wide-eyed LED headlights, a grinning front grille, vibrant color options, and Union Jack taillights. Originally a two-door hardtop, the Cooper evolved to include a convertible and a four-door body style, with the all-electric SE trim introduced later. The SE mimicked the design of the Cooper S but sat slightly higher to accommodate battery cells. Inside, the Cooper's design was dominated by circles, with circular speakers, air vents, and a massive circular housing for the touchscreen infotainment system. The Cooper delivered a premium feel, unmatched in cars of its size.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This was a significant upgrade from the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine in other Fortes. The 7-speed DCT delivered power to the front wheels, and the transmission was well-behaved, exhibiting minimal hesitation. The Forte GT also offered a 6-speed manual gearbox option, which included many GT2 package features. The car came with a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels, with Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires as an upgrade. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its 181-horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. These figures were just below the Cooper S's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which produced 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. The SE felt quick due to the immediacy of the electric motor's torque delivery. The SE also featured regenerative braking, which could be aggressive or less so, depending on the driver's preference. Despite weighing 300 pounds more than the Cooper S, the SE's low center of gravity helped it feel planted in corners. Gas-powered Coopers used either a 7-speed DCT or an 8-speed automatic, while the SE used a single-speed gearbox.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available in the GT2 Package or with the manual transmission. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent comfort and support, and the front passenger seat had a height adjuster. The backseat offered good comfort with a tall cushion and proper support. The GT also had air conditioning vents for the rear seats. The Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free trunk access, revealing a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2020 MINI Cooper hatchback was not ideal for carpooling or long trips, with limited backseat space best suited for children. The two-door Cooper offered 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the four-door version provided 13.1 cubic feet. The Convertible had only 5.7 cubic feet. Dropping the rear seats in the SE trim provided a maximum of 25.8 cubic feet. Despite limited space, the Cooper was thoughtfully designed, with two-zone automatic air conditioning, chrome toggle switches, and high-quality materials. The heating system used an efficient heat pump to minimize battery draw in the SE.

Every 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The Forte EX and GT included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia's Your Voice (UVO) technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which performed well despite the car's interior noise.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured a unique "eDrive" driver-information display connected to the steering wheel, displaying vehicle speed, time, mileage, remaining charge, and drive mode. The SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and Apple CarPlay. The SE Iconic trim included an 8.8-inch screen, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT with the GT2 Package included all available ADAS features. The automatic emergency braking system worked at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop. The lane-keeping and lane-centering assist systems worked well but required the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel. The Forte GT also included 911 Connect, an automatic collision notification system, and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked many advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera system included in the Iconic package. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The NHTSA had not rated the MINI Cooper, but the IIHS gave it top marks, earning "Good" scores in all crash tests.