2019 MINI Cooper vs 2019 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the iconic charm that made its predecessors a sensation, but it had grown in size and sophistication. While it still promised fun in a compact package, the design had evolved, with larger headlights and taillights, and a longer front overhang, which some felt detracted from its classic elegance. Inside, the once-beloved pie-plate speedometer was replaced by a modern infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting. Despite these changes, the MINI Cooper continued to offer a unique sense of individuality, though the added technology introduced complexity that some enthusiasts preferred to avoid.

In contrast, the 2019 Nissan Maxima presented a more refined version of its V-shaped design, with updated LED headlights and a sharper grille. The Maxima maintained its stylish appeal with a concave front fascia and a floating roof design. Inside, the Maxima offered upgraded materials and a well-crafted interior, particularly in the SV trim, which featured contrast stitching and polished black console trim. The Maxima's interior was praised for its quality and comfort, rewarding drivers with a premium feel that justified its higher price compared to the Altima.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works version was the pinnacle of performance for the model, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivered 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This power allowed the MINI to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the manual. The car's handling was sharp, though torque steer and occasional braking issues were noted during spirited driving. The exhaust system added an engaging auditory experience, especially in Sport mode, but the performance-tuned brakes sometimes lacked consistency on uneven roads.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, offered a smooth and immediate power delivery through its CVT. The Maxima managed to mitigate torque steer effectively, providing a stable driving experience. However, the steering and brakes were criticized for being numb and over-boosted, detracting from the overall driving pleasure. Despite these shortcomings, the Maxima's suspension provided a balanced ride, and its powertrain was praised for its strength and sound. Fuel economy was reasonable for its class, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its compact 2-door hardtop form, offered surprising utility. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the trunk provided 8.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was designed with style in mind, featuring chrome toggle switches and unique controls, though practicality sometimes took a back seat to aesthetics.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a single 8-inch display integrated into the dash, offering both touch and knob controls for ease of use. The interior was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity seats designed to reduce muscle fatigue. While the trunk was smaller than some competitors at 14.3 cubic feet, the Maxima provided ample passenger room and a driver-focused seating position. The thick pillars slightly compromised sightlines, but overall, the Maxima's interior was well-received for its comfort and functionality.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, offered multiple operation methods, including voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls. However, the physical controls were difficult to access, and the system sometimes behaved unpredictably. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The MINI also featured a head-up display and a Parking Assistant, though its usefulness was debated given the car's size and visibility.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima came equipped with an updated navigation system, customizable home screen, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a high-speed USB-C port and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Maxima offered remote services through NissanConnect, including automatic 911 dialing and remote start. The instrument panel screen provided multiple readouts, and the Bose stereo included active noise cancellation. However, the lack of ProPilot Assist was noted as a significant omission.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered basic safety features, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Cooper received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS in 2018, though it lost that rating in 2019.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima included more standard safety features, such as forward-emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. The Maxima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in crash tests and a Superior rating for its emergency braking system.