2019 MINI Cooper vs 2019 Toyota Camry

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm and individuality that made its predecessors a sensation. However, it had grown larger and more technologically sophisticated. The styling, while still reminiscent of the classic Mini, had lost some of its simple elegance. The headlights and taillights were oversized, and the front overhang was too long, making the car appear visually heavy over the front wheels. Inside, the iconic pie-plate-size speedometer was replaced by a rectangular infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting. The toggle switches and motorcycle-style gauges remained, but the technology overlay added complexity.

In contrast, the 2019 Toyota Camry offered a choice between standard and sporty styling, with trim levels ranging from L to XSE. The XSE trim, equipped with a V6 engine, was quick and entertaining to drive. However, the styling looked unresolved, with oversized forms that didn’t quite fit the car’s proportions. Inside, the Camry XSE featured high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, but some switchgear seemed out of place. The rear seat was snug for a midsize sedan, and the trunk was smaller than expected, measuring just 15.1 cubic feet.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works version was the hottest-performing model, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the car to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual. The car featured a John Cooper Works Pro Exhaust Valve, providing a thrilling exhaust note, especially in Sport mode. However, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires squealed more than expected in sharp corners, and torque steer was an occasional issue. The bigger brakes were effective most of the time, but during enthusiastic driving, they sometimes exhibited a reduction in braking response.

The 2019 Toyota Camry XSE, equipped with a 301-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, offered a thrilling driving experience. The 8-speed automatic transmission provided quick and satisfying shifts, especially in Sport mode. The sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch aluminum wheels ensured responsive handling without compromising comfort. The steering effort was firm and natural, enhancing the driving experience. However, the brakes exhibited a dissatisfying “thunk” when released quickly, and the fuel economy fell short of the EPA’s 26-mpg rating, achieving just 21.9 mpg during testing.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, even in its 2-door hardtop form, was more practical than expected. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted accordingly, and the 8.7-cubic-foot trunk could hold a full-size suitcase and a backpack. When used as a 2-seater, the trunk expanded to a generous 34 cubic feet. The front seats offered a range of adjustments, with significant side bolsters and manual thigh-support extensions. However, the controls adhered to a form-over-function ethos, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional door release handles.

The 2019 Toyota Camry featured ample storage, including a large center console bin and a hidden compartment under the wireless charging pad. However, the glove box was small, and the door-panel storage pockets were narrow. The trunk, measuring 15.1 cubic feet, was smaller than competitors like the Honda Accord. The front seats provided 8-way power adjustment and were heated, but ventilated seats were unavailable. Rear-seat passengers faced a snug space with narrow door openings and a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The climate control system performed well, even during a heatwave, but the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback.

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 voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls, but the physical controls were difficult to access. The voice controls worked reasonably well, and the touchscreen was welcome, though some virtual buttons were too small. The system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, changing displays without input. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, but Android Auto was not. The Parking Assistant helped with parallel parking, which was useful given the susceptibility of the Knight’s Edition’s wheels to damage.

The 2019 Toyota Camry’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system was intuitive, with stylish buttons and well-placed volume and tuning knobs. It offered Apple CarPlay and a 6-month/2GB subscription to WiFi Connect service. However, Android Auto was not available. The Qi-compatible wireless charging pad securely held the phone, even during enthusiastic driving. The navigation system worked well, but loading traffic data could be slow. The 9-speaker JBL premium sound system lacked clarity, producing a bass-heavy listening experience. The 10-inch head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, making it easier to reference important data.

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, but blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist were not. The MINI Cooper received a 4-star overall rating from the federal government, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in a side-impact collision. It was a Top Safety Pick in 2018 but lost that rating in 2019.

The 2019 Toyota Camry excelled in safety, earning 5-star ratings in every NHTSA assessment and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured a standard Toyota Safety Sense suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The lane-departure warning system’s beeping could be irritating, but the features worked accurately. Toyota also included a standard subscription to Safety Connect for the first three years, providing automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and quick access to roadside assistance.