2022 Kia Forte vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that deviated from the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek and aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe, in particular, showcased a performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package. The interior of the 2 Series was driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The cabin exuded a high-end vibe with mixed material finishes, although some areas revealed cost-cutting plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered a more straightforward design with four trim levels: FE, LXS, GT-Line, and GT. The Forte GT stood out with its sporty look, featuring red-accent detailing, a gloss black lip spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. The interior retained a sporty feel with traditional analog gauges and polished metal accents. The Forte GT's cabin was simple yet functional, with a focus on comfort and practicality. Despite some hard plastic elements, the Forte provided a comfortable and spacious environment for both front and rear passengers.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series delivered impressive performance with its turbocharged engines. The 230i Coupe featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models offered a top speed of up to 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quick responses. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, providing stability and agility.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT, on the other hand, offered a spirited driving experience with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It provided a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Forte GT featured a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. While the Forte GT offered enjoyable acceleration and handling, it fell short of being a true performance sedan. The brakes struggled during demanding driving, and the engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Forte GT excelled as a zippy commuter and comfortable road tripper.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, being a coupe, had limited rear seat space, making it suitable for car seat-bound children or occasional passengers. The front seats offered relative comfort, but the slanted roofline and shorter trunk lid posed challenges for rear headroom and cargo loading. The 2 Series provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with the option to expand it using the 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte GT offered a more spacious interior, especially in the rear seats. The GT2 option package added features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Forte GT's trunk was notably large, providing 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the largest in its segment. The rear seats folded down to further expand capacity, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage space.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display. The infotainment system featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus, offering over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Additional connectivity features included a WiFi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and added a head-up display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon system.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new Technology option packages, enhancing infotainment and safety systems. The Forte GT-Line and GT featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. The GT trim included wireless smartphone charging and an available eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. While the Forte's infotainment system was user-friendly, its voice recognition capabilities were hit-and-miss. The Forte also introduced a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, notifying drivers when it's time to move in traffic.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with Active Driving Assistant, including features like active blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional safety features included adaptive front LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder allowed recording of driving footage using onboard cameras. However, the 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a comprehensive suite of safety features across all trim levels. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GT-Line and GT trims added active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Safe Exit Warning system. The Forte also offered advanced features like cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS gave the Forte high marks for crashworthiness, while the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash protection rating.