2022 Kia Forte vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup by offering standard front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It served as an entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille and blue-and-white roundel. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel-drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to the M Sport Package or M235i, and a new adaptive damping suspension. The test car, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, M double-spoke alloy wheels, extra-cost paint, leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone charging, with an MSRP of $48,595.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The Forte FE was the fuel-economy leader, while the LXS provided essential features. The GT-Line added a sporty appearance without enhancing driving dynamics, and the GT was the most fun to drive. The test car, a Forte GT, featured Steel Gray paint, the GT2 Package, and a price of $26,900, including a destination charge. For those on a tighter budget, the FE, LXS, or GT-Line trims were available, with base prices ranging from $19,090 to $21,290. The 2022 Forte received updates, including a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with fresh wheel designs for the LXS and GT-Line. The GT-Line and GT trims featured new fog lights and taillights, with the GT boasting brighter LED headlights. The GT's sportier look was enhanced by red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and larger 18-inch wheels with a machined finish. Inside, the Forte GT retained its sporty appearance with traditional analog gauges, round outer air vents, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel with a flat-bottom design.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed the question of whether a front-drive platform could credibly serve as an "ultimate driving machine." While some critics, like George Kennedy, were skeptical, the 228i Gran Coupe's 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and optional xDrive all-wheel drive, offered a compelling performance package. The car's zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds was quick enough to satisfy most drivers. The Gran Coupe featured performance-enhancing technology, including brake-fade compensation, cornering brake control, and three driving modes. The M Sport Package added fantastic M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension tuning was firm but provided a glued-to-the-road feel, although the all-season run-flat tires squealed at the limit of adhesion. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe averaged 27.9 mpg on the testing loop, slightly beating the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT offered a more spirited driving experience with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Forte GT featured Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting throttle response, transmission behavior, and steering feel. The sport-tuned suspension with an independent rear design replaced the torsion-beam rear axle found in other trims. The GT trim also included a sport-tuned exhaust, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires. While the Forte GT delivered enjoyable acceleration and handling, it wasn't an outright performance sedan like the Hyundai Elantra N. The brakes struggled during demanding mountain descents, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. The Forte GT averaged 25.8 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA's estimate, but achieved 32.8 mpg during a week-long loan.

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 everyday items. Entry and exit were not effortless due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seat, accessed through two extra doors, was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom. The Gran Coupe's trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space, including a generous storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment of the 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, equipped with the GT2 option package, offered numerous features, including a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded LED interior lighting. The Forte GT proved comfortable for long road trips, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air conditioning vents kept passengers cool. Rear seat room was impressive for a compact car, with a large and supportive bottom seat cushion. The Forte's trunk, at 15.3 cubic feet, was the largest in its segment, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring a grab handle for easy closure. The rear seats folded down to expand cargo capacity.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between traditional analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro, with a fully digital 10.25-inch display reminiscent of a video game. The 8.8-inch touchscreen 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 test car included a premium sound system with ten speakers and a full-color head-up display, although the latter was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new Technology option packages for the LXS, GT-Line, and GT models, adding infotainment and safety systems. The GT-Line Premium Package further expanded tech features. The FE and LXS trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the GT-Line and GT required a cable for these features with the 10.25-inch display. The larger screen included SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The Forte GT featured wireless smartphone charging and an available Harman Kardon sound system. The infotainment system was easy to use, but the voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss. The Forte's Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, notifying drivers when traffic ahead was moving.

For 2021, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe added a new Driving Assistance Package, but the test car did not include it. The Active Driving Assistant suite offered 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 Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2022 Kia Forte featured more Kia Drive Wise technology, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The IIHS rated the Forte highly for crashworthiness, but headlight testing was incomplete. The NHTSA gave the Forte a four-star overall rating, with concerns about rear passenger injury in side impacts.