2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued the brand's tradition of blending retro charm with modern updates. It featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and fresh wheel designs. The interior boasted a new steering wheel and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite these updates, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and the new grille accentuated its overbite. Inside, the car retained its retro feel with modern tech overlays, offering a unique driving experience with the top down. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 stood out with its sleek, luxury sports sedan appearance. The test car, a K5 EX, featured Glacial White Pearl paint and an upscale interior with Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim. The car exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel. The automatic transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks all demonstrated a sense of solidity. The K5's design successfully blended style with utility, making it a practical yet stylish choice for families.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered two engine options. The base model had a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. The JCW models had a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, delivering 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. The Cooper S test car had a manual transmission, averaging 27.1 mpg. However, the car's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, and the tires struggled on curves and corners.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two engine options as well. The K5 GT had a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The standard engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing linear power delivery. The K5 EX test car averaged 29.1 mpg. The car's suspension struggled with small road anomalies, but wind noise was minimal. The K5's steering feel was not as engaging as some competitors, but it was reasonably capable and not sloppy to drive.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats were essentially useless, even for pre-teen children. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Storage space in the cabin was limited, with the infotainment system's physical controls consuming precious real estate. For those needing more space, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman were better options.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in comfort and practicality. All trim levels included dual-zone automatic climate control, and the test vehicle had power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light to the interior. The K5 offered ample storage space, including a roomy bin under the center armrest and a 16 cubic-foot trunk. The 60/40-split folding back seat expanded cargo space, though the trunk lid lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colors, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology and included a head-up display. The optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality, overcoming ambient noise even at highway speeds.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The standard system for LX and LXS trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim and above featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The K5 EX test car had a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and Active Sound Design technology. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system reminded drivers when cars ahead started moving. However, the voice recognition technology was subpar, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible gained newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were not available. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published crash-test ratings for the MINI Convertible.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety features. The test car included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a surround-view monitoring system. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.