2019 MINI Cooper vs 2019 Nissan Altima

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained its iconic charm but had grown in size and sophistication compared to its early 2000s predecessor. While it still promised fun with its almost non-existent front and rear overhangs, floating roof, and classic Mini styling, the latest model's design elements, such as oversized headlights and taillights, and a longer front overhang, detracted from its simple elegance. Inside, the once special pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting, and joined by toggle switches and a head-up display. Despite the added technology, the 2019 MINI Cooper still conveyed individuality, though the complexity of the tech overlay was a downside.

In contrast, the 2019 Nissan Altima borrowed design cues from the Maxima, including a big trapezoidal grille, sharply raked headlights, and a black stripe in the C-pillar. These elements aimed to inject visual excitement into the Altima. Inside, the Altima featured a floating center stack and a layout similar to other new cars, which was a positive trend. The interior was designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, with volume, tuning, and climate-control knobs complementing the infotainment system. The Altima's interior was practical and comfortable, with features like Zero Gravity seats and a spacious back seat, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) version was the hottest-performing variant, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 228 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,250 rpm. With a base curb weight of 2,845 pounds, it could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual gearbox. The JCW Pro Exhaust Valve added a sporty sound, especially in Sport mode. However, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires squealed in sharp corners, and torque steer was noticeable on uneven pavement. The bigger brakes were effective but sometimes lacked response during enthusiastic driving on rough roads.

The 2019 Nissan Altima offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, standard across all trims, produced 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, a slight improvement over the previous model. The SR and Platinum trims featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, delivering V6-like power with 4-cylinder fuel economy. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system provided confidence in snowy conditions, and the 2.5-liter engine delivered decent power for city driving. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine achieved fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined, while the 2.5-liter engine with AWD returned 25 mpg city, 35 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its 2-door hardtop form, was surprisingly practical. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the 8.7-cubic-foot trunk could hold a full-size suitcase and a backpack. When used as a 2-seater, the Cooper offered a spacious 34-cubic-foot trunk. The front seats provided a range of adjustments, with significant side bolsters and manual thigh-support extensions. However, the controls prioritized style over function, with chrome toggle switches, unconventional door release handles, and a wireless device charger that consumed limited storage space.

The 2019 Nissan Altima featured extremely comfortable Zero Gravity seats, designed to reduce fatigue on long trips. The interior had plenty of storage cubbies and cupholders, though the center console was shallow due to the AWD and transmission tunnel. The back seat was spacious enough for tall adults, and the trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive within its class. The Altima's interior was practical and comfortable, making it a great choice for commuting and road trips.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's top-level infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, featured an 8.8-inch display screen, navigation, and MINI Connected Services. It offered three methods of operation: voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls. However, the physical controls were difficult to access, and the touchscreen's virtual buttons were too small. The system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, changing screens without input. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The Harman Kardon audio system provided impressive sound quality, and the head-up display showed information on a plastic panel.

The 2019 Nissan Altima came standard with NissanConnect, a user-friendly infotainment system with large, colorful icons and easy-to-read fonts. It included seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The 7-inch color Drive Assist display between the tachometer and speedometer allowed drivers to monitor various systems and features. The Altima's infotainment system was straightforward and contemporary, making it easy to use.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered a limited set of safety systems, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a speed-limit information system. Adaptive cruise control was available with the Driver Assistance Package. However, the Cooper lacked blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick in 2018, but it lost that rating in 2019. The federal government gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in a side-impact collision.

The 2019 Nissan Altima came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, vehicle dynamics control, and a reversing camera. The Platinum trim included ProPilot Assist, a suite of driver-assistance systems offering partially autonomous driving functions. ProPilot Assist could match speed with traffic and provide steering inputs to keep the Altima in its lane. Forward-collision warning and driver-alertness monitoring were standard on all trims.