2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, introduced as a new model for the year, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust. It also boasted larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels with a machined finish. The styling modifications set it apart from other Forte models, giving it a sleeper look that didn't scream performance but hinted at its potential with revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the Forte GT offered a modern look with red seat piping, interior stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with polished metallic accents. The transmission shifter felt solid, adding to the sense of quality.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced the previous year, was the first BMW in the U.S. to feature standard front-wheel drive. Despite its name, it was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its larger sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was an entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille. It was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel-drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The car's design included large LED headlights, grilles, and air intakes to balance its proportions, while the interior adhered to BMW's modern design with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation.

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 and 4,500 rpm. This was a significant upgrade from the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine in other Forte models. The power was delivered to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which was well-behaved and offered a smooth driving experience. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, larger front brakes, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter adjusting based on driving behavior. The car provided a firm, connected ride quality and excelled in handling, especially on curvy roads.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. BMW quoted a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds for this model. The car included performance-enhancing technology such as brake-fade compensation, cornering brake control, and performance control. In Sport mode, the car offered lively performance, with paddle shifters and a more engaging exhaust note. The M Sport Package equipped the car with M Sport steering, providing a swift, sharp, and direct driving experience. The suspension was firm but maintained a glued-to-the-road feel, although the all-season run-flat tires squealed at the limit of adhesion.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available with the GT2 Package or manual transmission. The driver's seat was 10-way power adjustable, and the front passenger's seat had a manual height adjuster. The interior offered excellent comfort with proper thigh support, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and soft armrest pads. The backseat provided good comfort with a tall cushion and comfortable backrest angle. The Forte GT included Smart Trunk technology, offering a hands-free system that recognized the key fob and opened the trunk. The trunk offered a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area, and interior storage was generous.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber people. The sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats were snug but comfortable, with adequate storage for personal items. Entry and exit were challenging due to the low-slung design. The rear seat was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom. The Gran Coupe featured a traditional trunk with a capacity of 15.2 cubic feet, including a storage compartment under the load floor. The rear seat had a 40/20/40-split folding design, adding utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment for enhanced cargo space.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering easy access and interaction through stereo knobs and menu shortcut buttons. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The Forte EX and GT added SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia's UVO technology. The GT2 Package included an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which performed well despite the car's interior noise.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges, with the Premium Package upgrading to Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch digital display. The infotainment system used BMW's iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car included a premium sound system with ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available for stereo volume and station changes. A full-color head-up display was also included, although it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT with the GT2 Package included all available systems, although the automatic emergency braking worked only 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 were effective but required 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 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, although the test car did not have this upgrade. The car included advanced driving-assistance systems under the Active Driving Assistant umbrella, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning, and a speed limit information system. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the car highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.