2021 Kia K5 vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 MINI Cooper stood out on the road with its unique design, featuring wide-eyed LED-ringed headlights, a grinning front grille, and vibrant color options. The Union Jack taillights were a crowd favorite, adding to the car's charm without appearing wasteful or gaudy. Initially available as a two-door hardtop, the MINI Cooper evolved to include a convertible variant, a four-door body style, and an all-electric SE trim. The SE trim maintained the classic Cooper S design but sat slightly higher to accommodate the battery cells. Inside, the MINI Cooper's design was dominated by circular elements, from the speakers to the air vents, and the premium feel was unmatched in cars of its size.

The 2021 Kia K5, on the other hand, marked a fresh identity for Kia, moving away from the drab designs of the past. Styled in the GT-Line trim with flat Wolf Gray paint and fire-engine red seats, the K5 resembled an Audi A5 Sportback. The car featured a long, ovoid-shaped rear window, unique taillights with dashed LEDs, and a killer front with Z-shaped amber LED running lights. The GT-Line trim added sporty details like 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a power driver’s seat. Inside, the K5's dash was split between driver and passenger, with red seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel in the GT-Line trim. The materials felt upscale, and the design exuded sportiness and quality.

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. This setup provided a nimble and quick driving experience, similar to the gas-powered Cooper S, which had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine generating 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. The SE's regenerative braking system was aggressive, allowing for one-pedal driving, although it could be adjusted for less aggressiveness. Despite weighing 300 pounds more than the Cooper S, the SE's low center of gravity helped it feel planted in corners. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers employed either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or an eight-speed automatic in the John Cooper Works trim.

The 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line, despite its aggressive styling, fell short in handling. The FWD test car had good brakes and communicative steering, but the suspension was softer, and the Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires squealed in tight turns. The GT trim promised better performance with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was only available in FWD. The standard engine was a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD models. The AWD version had slightly lower estimates. The K5's sporty trim didn't match the hype, but it performed well as a family sedan.

The 2020 MINI Cooper hatchback was not ideal for carpooling or long trips. Front-seat space was good, but the backseat was tiny and 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 increased cargo space to 25.8 cubic feet. Despite the limited space, the MINI Cooper was thoughtfully designed with two-zone automatic air conditioning, chrome toggle switches, and high-quality materials.

The 2021 Kia K5 excelled in interior space, comfortably fitting two adults in the back despite its raked profile. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The infotainment system and central display were easy to operate, with a 10-inch display optional. Trunk space was 16 cubic feet before folding down the rear seats. The K5's interior featured hard buttons for climate controls and stereo, a wireless charging pad, and quality materials throughout.

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

The 2021 Kia K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The LX trim included LED headlights, auto high beams, dual-zone climate control, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The LXS trim added folding rear seats, push-button start, proximity entry, remote start, and Smart Trunk. The GT-Line trim upgraded to 18-inch wheels, fog lights, rear USB ports, and a power driver’s seat. The EX trim included heated and ventilated seats, rear air vents, a Bose stereo system, and a 10-inch infotainment display. The GT trim added paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, and quad exhaust tips. The K5 also featured adaptive cruise control and semi-automated lane-centering.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked 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 IIHS rated the 2020 MINI Cooper with top marks, earning "Good" scores in all crash tests.

The 2021 Kia K5 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores due to its stronger chassis and body shell. Standard safety features included rear side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. The LXS trim and above added blind-spot monitoring with Safe Exit Assist. The GT-Line Premium package included cyclist detection and Junction Turning. The EX trim and above added rear emergency braking and parking sensors.