2022 Kia Forte vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It underwent a minor styling refresh, which included sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The updates also featured trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package, contributing to a slightly longer body while maintaining a low drag coefficient. Inside, the 5 Series retained its classic BMW layout, with familiar elements like the touchscreen positioning and unique shifter design. The interior materials varied by trim, with options for SensaTec upholstery or premium leather, and the aluminum trim added a touch of sophistication. However, the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise luxurious cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered a more dynamic appearance, especially in the GT trim, which featured red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. The Forte GT's interior maintained a sporty vibe with its thick-rimmed steering wheel and polished metal accents. The cabin was equipped with a 4.2-inch driver information display and an updated center console. The GT trim also boasted a sport-tuned suspension and exhaust, enhancing its driving appeal. Despite its sporty aspirations, the Forte GT's performance was not on par with high-performance sedans, and its brakes struggled during demanding driving conditions. The engine noise at highway speeds and the less-than-expected fuel economy were notable drawbacks, yet the Forte GT excelled as a comfortable and practical daily driver.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i variant 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, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive and M5 models provided even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid offered a combined output of 288 hp and an electric-only driving capability. The 5 Series excelled in handling and driving dynamics, though it leaned more towards luxury than pure sportiness.

The 2022 Kia Forte, particularly in the GT trim, featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT trim included a sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels, enhancing its driving experience. However, the Forte GT's brakes were not up to the task during intense driving, and the engine noise at highway speeds was noticeable. Despite these issues, the Forte GT provided a fun and engaging drive, with a good balance of ride and handling characteristics. Its fuel economy fell short of expectations, but it remained a practical and enjoyable option for daily commuting.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door sedan, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. The trunk provided 14.0 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing some rivals. The 16-way power front seats with lumbar support and ventilation added to the comfort, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. The surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering the vehicle in tight spaces.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, equipped with the GT2 option package, featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The interior was comfortable for long journeys, with a height-adjustable front passenger seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. Rear seat space was generous for a compact car, and the trunk offered 15.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the largest in its segment. The rear seats could fold down to expand storage, making the Forte GT a practical choice for families and travelers.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, both offering excellent graphics. The iDrive 7 system included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative ways to interact with the system. However, the gesture controls required precision and familiarity.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered various technology packages, with the GT-Line and GT trims featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims, the larger screen required a wired connection. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and physical knobs for volume and tuning. The Forte GT included wireless smartphone charging and an optional Harman Kardon sound system. The voice recognition system had mixed results, but the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a standout feature for convenience.

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, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, showcasing BMW's sophisticated driver-assist technology.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. The GT-Line and GT trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings highlighted some concerns with passenger safety.