2020 Kia Forte vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for the model year, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels. Styling tweaks, such as revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, set it apart from other Fortes. Inside, the Forte GT boasted red seat piping, interior stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with polished metallic accents, creating a modern and sporty ambiance.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series had a more restrained design, lacking the flourishes of the 3 Series or the imposing size of the 7 Series. For 2021, it received a minor styling refresh, including sleeker LED headlights and a larger twin-kidney grille. The interior retained the familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements like the touchscreen positioning and the unusual-looking shifter. The 540i xDrive test car featured Nappa leather upholstery and aluminum trim, enhancing its high-end feel, although the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place.

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, offering a well-behaved and responsive 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's firm ride quality, immediate brake response, and telepathic gear selection made it a joy to drive, especially on curvy roads.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options. The base 530i had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, and reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and could drive solely on electric power for significant distances. The 540i xDrive test car provided precise handling and a smooth engine, but felt more like a luxury car playing at being sporty rather than a true driver's car.

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 and heated front seats provided excellent comfort, while the backseat offered good support and air conditioning vents. The Smart Trunk technology allowed for hands-free access to the 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area, and interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a four-door sedan in the U.S., offered spacious front seats and a reasonably roomy rear seat. The 540i had 14.0 cubic feet of trunk space, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with lumbar support, heating, and ventilation, providing supportive bolstering and cushioning. Forward visibility was poor due to the long, high hood, but a surround-view camera system helped with parking.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims added SiriusXM satellite radio and Kia's UVO technology. The GT2 Package included an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, which performed well despite the car's ambient noise.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, and voice control and gesture controls were also available, though the latter could be imprecise.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) included in the GT2 Package. These systems included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. However, the automatic emergency braking worked only at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received a Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation.